Approval panel members (voluntary role)

Shared Lives South West is seeking

• Additional panel members for our current Devon panel, which meets in Kingsteignton
• Panel members for a new Cornwall panel that will meet at or near our Cornwall office, near Redruth.

About the panel

Shared Lives South West currently has one independent Approval Panel that usually meets at or near to the Devon office near Newton Abbot.  The panel is made up of volunteers who are independent of the organisation, but who have relevant skills, knowledge and experience and an interest in our unique form of social care.  The panel is chaired by Cathy Toole, an experienced social care worker, trainer and consultant who also has prior experience as a worker in a Shared Lives scheme in another part of England.

About the role

The role of the panel is to consider the applications and assessments for all people wishing to become Shared Lives carers.  The aim of the panel process is to ensure that our selection of Shared Lives carers is fair and transparent and that we have comnprehensviely assessed and evidenced that the applicant has sufficient skills, experience and knowledge to fulfil the role of Shared Lives carer.  We are also seeking to evidence that the applicant understands the values and principles of Shared Lives and will offer person centred, family based care and support to our service users.

The role is unpaid, but travel expenses are paid.  Training and regular updates are given to all panel members.  Panel members are also invited to attend regular meetings with Shared Lives carers, social events and join in training with Shared Lives carers, as appropriate.

About panel meetings

The current panel meets about once a month. Each panel is made up of four members and the panel chair, who are selected from the pool of members.  Panel members can decide how many panels they might like to be involved in each year.  Each panel takes a about 3-4 hours and usually considers about five applications.  Panel papers are sent out about 10-14 days in advance and panel members will need to commit 60-90 minutes hours per application for reading and identifying any queries or clarifications in advance of the meeting.

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To apply

Please down our panel application form: - 

You should return your application to the Devon office.  The panel chair reviews all applications with a senior manager.  You may be invited to come to an informal meeting with the chair and a senior manager to discuss your application.  You will have an opportunity to observe a panel meeting, after which if both parties are happy, you may be asked to become a panel member. You would have an induction session with one of our services managers prior to sitting on a panel.  All appointments are subject to references and CRB check.

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