Independent Adoption Panel Chair

Job Introduction

Job Title: Independent Adoption Panel Chair

Salary: £500 per panel

Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Closing Date: 21st June 2026

Interviews: 30th June & 3rd July 2026 

An exciting opportunity has become available within Lincolnshire County Council’s Children’s Services for an Independent Adoption Panel Chair.

Lincolnshire is proud to be an Outstanding Local Authority, recognised for delivering high-quality services to children and families. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring robust, high-quality decision-making that supports the very best outcomes for children.

  Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

About the Role

As Independent Adoption Panel Chair, you will lead Adoption Panel meetings to ensure that all cases are considered fairly, thoroughly and in line with Regulations,  legislation, statutory guidance and National Minimum Standards.

You will:

• Chair panel meetings ensuring balanced, evidence-based recommendations
• Create an environment where all panel members can contribute effectively
• Promote respectful, inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice
• Provide oversight and leadership to maintain high-quality panel standards
• Work closely with senior leaders, including the Agency Decision Maker, to support continuous improvement
• Contribute to the development and performance of panel members

This is a highly influential role that directly impacts children’s lives at key decision points.

The Team

You will work as part of a committed and experienced panel team within a wider service that is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children. Lincolnshire’s fostering and adoption services are forward-thinking, collaborative and focused on maintaining their Outstanding standards.

 About You

We are looking for an individual who:

• Has experience of adoption, fostering, or children in care
• Is confident in chairing complex meetings and facilitating discussion
• Has strong analysis, decision-making and communication skills
• Can manage differing views professionally and constructively
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality and achieving the best outcomes for children
• Has excellent and proven interpersonal skills and communication

 About Our Offer

In recognition of your expertise and contribution, this role offers:

• £500 payment per panel
• Opportunity to work within an Outstanding local authority
• A rewarding role where you can make a real difference to children’s lives
• Ongoing opportunities to contribute to service development and improvement
• Receive support and training as part of your role and work closely with the Panel Advisor

Further Information

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this role, please contact: Dawn Clark Cain on dawn.clarkcain@lincolnshire.gov.uk or Dawn Olroyd on dawn.oldroyd@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Applications close on: 21st June 2026
Interview date: 30th June & 3rd July 2026 

We wish you the best of luck with your application.

 Safeguarding

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced newways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominatedcontractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work basewhen necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working willbe discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technologyplatform and equipment is very good enabling youto connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and wewill discuss during the recruitment process if support with this isneeded.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.