Volunteer Panel Member - School Admission and Exclusion Appeals

Do you have the ability to listen?

To be impartial without being swayed by emotion?

Can you appreciate both sides of an argument and make reasoned decisions?

Can you spare a few days or more a year to participate in this rewarding and interesting task?

This is chance to contribute to the futures of young people in Essex.

Appeal Panels are convened to examine cases in which parents wish to contest either the refusal by a school's Admissions Authority to admit a child, or a Governing Body's decision to permanently exclude a child. 

The choices are difficult, and there may not be an obvious "right" answer, but it is vital that access to this independent process exists for both children and the schools involved.

The panels are independent of the County Council and School Governing Bodies.

Essex County Council Statutory Appeals Team are currently looking for volunteer panel members for both Admission Appeals and Exclusion Appeals. Each case is held by 3 panel members, including one who is trained to act as chairperson. A trained clerk is also present and gives advice on the law and regulations to make sure that panel members follow the right procedures.

What skills do I need?

Previous specialist knowledge of this field is not essential, we are looking for people who have the time to consider the issues properly.

We offer full training and will reimburse travel and subsistence expenses.

You must be able to use Zoom.

Membership of Appeals Panels is constituted in accordance with the Scholl Standards and Framework Act 1998, and some people may not be able to attend.

Interests

• Children
• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Families and Parenting

Activities

• Administration and Office
• Legal Work
• Trusteeship and Committee Work