Cheshire West and Chester Council are looking for panel members to hear Independent School Admission Appeals.
Panel members hear appeals by parents / carers against decisions not to admit children to their preferred schools. We are looking for panel members from people of all backgrounds, to join our team of volunteers.
We are looking for panel members knows as “lay members” which means a person with no experience in the provision of education in any school (not including experience as a school governor or in another voluntary capacity) and “education members” which means a person who is familiar with education provisions (Teacher ex teacher teaching assistant etc.) or is a parent of a pupil currently attending school.
Appeals are usually heard electronically on MS Teams, so you would need access to internet and a laptop / tablet to join hearings. Appeal hearings are always Monday to Friday and timings range from half a day during quieter periods or up to five days during the busy “block” period May – July. It is a flexible role, and we would contact you to ask for your availability so you can choose if you are available to join hearings.
As this is a voluntary opportunity, the role is unpaid and panel members are all independent to the Authority, but an allowance is provided to cover basic costs. This is an exciting and rewarding volunteering opportunity with the chance to help provide an essential and valued appeals service. If you are interested and feel you may be able to offer some time on an occasional basis, we would love to hear from you.
If you think this is something you would enjoy being part of and you’d like to know more or would like to have a chat about this opportunity, please contact Darren O’Neill on 01244 972227, or by email Darren.Oneill@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
