St Helens Council School Admission Appeal Panel Member Recruitment
- Are you interested in education in St Helens and have some free time?
- Do you have strong listening skills, sound judgement and the ability to consider issues impartially?
- Would you like to play an important role in an independent decision-making process which affects local families and schools?
If you have answered yes to the above, we would love you to consider applying to become a volunteer Independent School Admissions Appeals Panel Member.
What is a School Admission Appeals Panel?
A School Admission Appeal Panel is an independent panel, which hears appeals from parents or guardians of children who are refused a place at their preferred school. The panel plays an important role in ensuring that parents and guardians have access to an independent, fair and transparent appeals process.
The panel considers the reasons why the admission authority has refused a child a place at a school and the special circumstances of the parent or guardian's case. After considering all of the information, the panel will reach decision in compliance the relevant guidance and law. The panel's decision is legally binding on both the parent and the admission authority.
Who is on the panel?
A panel is made up of three people, a chair and at least two others. One panel member must have some experience of education and at least one panel member must by a 'lay' member, with no professional education experience. All panel members must be independent of the admissions authority, the parties appealing and the preferred school.
The panel is fully supported during hearings by a trained clerk from the council's legal team, who advises on legal and procedural issues in compliance with the relevant law and guidance but does not take part in decision-making.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences who can listen carefully and consider evidence objectively, to reach fair, balanced decisions. Applicants should also be able to work together with other panel members and maintain confidentiality.
The School Admission Appeals Code does exclude certain groups from sitting on panels, which will be assessed and considered during the application process.
Commitment
Hearings are generally held during normal working hours, Monday to Friday, with the majority taking place between April and July annually, however other appeals are considered on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year.
The majority of appeals take place in person at St Helens Town Hall but may also take place remotely via Microsoft Teams, where appropriate. Panel members can indicate their availability on application and are not expected to attend every hearing.
Are expenses paid?
This is a voluntary role, however reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the council's procedures. Refreshments/lunch may also be provided, depending on the length of the hearing.
Training
Prospective panel members will have the opportunity to observe hearings and will receive mandatory training before sitting on a panel. Panel members will also receive ongoing guidance and support from experienced democratic services and legal clerks.
Interested?
If you are interested in becoming a panel member, please email Democratic Services on democraticservices@sthelens.gov.uk, providing the following information:
- Your full name and postal address
- Daytime telephone number and email address
- Details of any education experience (including as a governor or in any paid capacity)
- Details of any connection, however informal, with any schools in the borough
- Details of any employment or connection with St Helens Borough Council
- Your availability to take part in appeal hearings during normal working hours
You will then receive a follow-up contact from a member of the legal team to assess your eligibility to sit as a panel member and answer any questions you may have.
