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Cardiff Council

www.cardiff.gov.uk

Independent School Appeals Panel

The Cardiff Council is looking to appoint members of the public from a wide range of backgrounds to its Independent Education Appeal Panel. This important and impartial panel hears appeals made by parents against decisions relating to admissions to schools and permanent exclusions.

All community schools, both English and Welsh, within the Cardiff are served by the Independent School Appeals Panel.

The Panels


The Panels are made up of lay and education members and Cardiff Council are looking for both.

Lay members should have no previous teaching experience nor have been involved in the management of a school.  However, experience as a School Governor or helping a school in a voluntary capacity would not exclude you from this category.

Education members would have experience in schools, be acquainted with the educational conditions in the Cardiff area or are a parent of a child in a Cardiff school.

The Panels are made up of at least 3 trained members and is supported by a Clerk who advises the Panel on points of law and procedure during the hearing.

Panel members must ensure that parents have a fair and independent hearing and are given every opportunity to have their case heard. The Panel must assess the evidence put before them to determine each appeal, making decisions based on the necessary legislation and codes.

What Qualities Do I Need?


Whilst full training is provided, appeal panel members need the following skills and abilities:

  • Ability to analyse information and draw out relevant facts.
  • Experience of weighing up information and make objective decisions.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Commitment to equality and human rights issues.
  • Experience of operating within a policy or legislative framework.
  • Ability to ask relevant questions and clarify issues.
  • Commitment to confidentiality.


Essential requirements


You must demonstrate that you meet these requirements:

  • Ability to analyse information and draw out relevant facts.
  • Experience of weighing up information and make objective decisions.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Commitment to equality and human rights issues.
  • Experience of operating within a policy or legislative framework.
  • Ability to ask relevant questions and clarify issues.
  • Commitment to confidentiality.


Education panel members


Applicants applying to be education panel members must also demonstrate that they have either,

  • Experience in education,
  • Are acquainted with educational conditions within Cardiff, or are currently a parent or a pupil registered in a Cardiff school. 

Lay panel members


Applicants applying to be lay panel members must also demonstrate that they have not,

  • Had experience in the management of any school, and,
  • Have not provided any form of education in any school.


NB Applications with experience as a school governor or volunteering within a school would be permitted to apply.
 

Duration



Appeal hearings take place between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.  Appeal Panels sit all year round although the majority of appeals are heard between April and July. There is no minimum time commitment for panel members and appeals panels are often arranged so that they sit for half a day or full days. During peak times, panel members may be asked if they could be available for a full week.

Due to COVID-19, panel hearings are currently taking place remotely via video conferencing facilities until at least 30 September 2022.

What the role offers you


Whilst this important volunteer role is unpaid, expenses and reasonable travel costs are paid for face to face hearings and can provide opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and experience in this crucial function.

Apply Now


Download the panel member application form (PDF)​​​​​​​​​​Link opens in a new window

If you would like further information, please contact the School Appeals Clerk.


Contact us


029 2087 2474 



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