School Admission Appeals Panel Member

We are looking for volunteers for our School Admission Appeals Panel

• Are you interested in education and want to get involved?
• Do you have excellent listening skills, the ability to put people at ease and can make balanced decisions?
• Would you like to become involved in an important, impartial service provided to parents and schools?

If you have answered yes to any of the above, why not volunteer to become a member of the School Admission Appeals Panel?

Who can be on the Panel?

People from all backgrounds can sit on appeals panels. We are looking for both lay people (i.e. those without experience in education matters) and people with experience, past and current, in education matters.

Sandwell Councillors are disqualified from sitting on an appeal panel.

What will I be doing?

You will be part of a pool of volunteers hearing appeals from parents/carers who have been unsuccessful in securing a place for their child at their chosen school.

What skills or experience do I need?

We welcome applicants from any background and with a diverse range of knowledge and experience. The following skills/abilities/qualities are desirable:-

• put nervous parents at ease
• digest information
• ask questions in a structured manner
• remain calm and be fair at all times
• be independent and impartial
• work with other panel members
• take advice
• consider evidence and to understand and apply legislation
• make reasoned, balanced and objective decisions to ensure a fair appeal hearing
• look beyond individual personal circumstances to form a just conclusion

Training will be provided on Thursday, 28 March. Please note that you MUST be available to attend this training.

How much time do I need to give?

Appeals are held during the daytime at Sandwell Council House, Oldbury. 

Your level of commitment is up to you. Appeals are held throughout the year, however May to July is the peak period during which you may be required to sit for consecutive days.

Do panel members get paid?

The role is voluntary. However you are entitled to expenses, such as travel when attending panel hearings and training.

How to apply:

If you are interested in volunteering please complete the application form and return to dsu_schoolappeals@sandwell.gov.uk

If you have any questions please email dsu_schoolappeals@sandwell.gov.uk or call 0121 569 3189.