Job Introduction
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS APPEALS
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PANEL MEMBERS
Do you like to make a difference? Are you a decision maker? Have you got time to spare?
If so, why not consider giving some of your time to hearing School Admission Appeals?
Parents/guardians have the right to lodge an appeal when the Local Authority or Governing Body of a School / Academy has refused an application to admit a child. BCP Council are responsible for arranging Independent Appeals Panels to hear these appeals for maintained schools and also arrange appeals for the majority of Academies, Foundation Schools and VA Schools across the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area under Service Level Agreements.
Appeals are heard by a Panel of trained volunteers, who are supported by an independent clerk and where necessary, Legal Services.
We are now looking for new volunteers to join those who already make a valuable contribution to the appeals service, to sit as lay members and also members with experience in education.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- A strong sense of fair play and the ability to be impartial
- Well-developed communication, listening and interpersonal skills
- Good at working as part of a team but able to express an individual view
- Ability to ask probing questions in a sensitive manner
- Ability to balance arguments and to make decisions based upon fact and not emotion
- Ability to remain firm and calm under pressure
- Flexibility to give a few days throughout the year (on weekdays during school term time) – increasing possibly to 2 – 4 weeks during May to July if available.
Full training will be provided. Travel and subsistence expenses are also paid, as well as reimbursement of any child care costs.
Eligible applicants must have excellent command of written and spoken English and must not be employees of BCP Council.
Applications are welcomed from teachers, teaching assistants, Governors, other education volunteers and also people who have no personal experience in the management or provision of education in any school.
The application form is here:
Panel Member Application Form (office.com)
Please contact Karen Green, Democratic Services, BCP Council, 01202 118911 or e-mail schoolappeals@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
for any further information.
