The principal role of the Panel Adviser is to provide professional advice to the panels. Ensuring that arrangements for panel are coordinated in advance, run smoothly on the day, and that follow-up actions and reports happen as required. Responsible for ensuring that appropriate and qualified panel members are recruited, inducted and receive training and annual appraisals.

The role will also;

* Quality assure papers being prepared for panel to make sure they meet the necessary standards and that all relevant papers are available.
* Act as professional advisor for panels regarding panel procedures and practices, the impact of any recommendations made by the panel, and all relevant current and proposed Government legislation and guidelines.
* Ensure that the panel undertakes reviews of practice and outcomes as required and consistent with regulation and guidance.
* To be the main reference point for staff concerning panel policies, procedures, expectations and outcomes.
* Assist the Agency Decision Maker in consultation with the panel chairperson, in the appointment, termination and review of members of the adoption and fostering panel.
* To be responsible for the induction programme for new panel members, and in partnership with the panel chairperson, for panel developmental/training.
* To be responsible, with the panels' chairpersons, for ensuring that applicants and workers attending panel are treated with respect and all questions/maters raised are appropriate and managed sensitively and that feedback is collected, analysed and fed back to panel and key staff.
* To be responsible, with the panels' administrators for ensuring the smooth and timely running of the panels in different locations.