School Appeal Panel Members - Volunteer role paid expensesWe're excited to be recruiting for volunteers to become School Appeal Panel Members here in Barnsley, the place of possibilities.There's so much happening in our thriving borough, and now's the perfect time to be part of a team that helps to make Barnsley the place of possibilities.Barnsley is a double award-winning, high performing council with a growing economy, thriving town centre, and some truly impressive outcomes in our communitiesProviding high quality, efficient services to the almost 245,000 people in the Borough is a key part of what we do. There is an opportunity for you to be involved in providing one of these important services.Children starting school, or moving schools, is an extremely important time in their life, as well as that of their family. Every year, when applying for a school place for their child most parents/carers are allocated a place for their child in their preferred school (over 96% for 2025/26 academic year for Reception and Year 7 applications). However, sometimes parents are unhappy with the school their child has been allocated and have the right to appeal against this decision. Every year around 400 appeals are received, and each of these are required to be considered by a panel of independent people.We are seeking applications from people to sit as panel members and make decisions on these appeals. You may also be asked to be part of panels to review when a child has been excluded from school or where home to school transport provision has been refused. Appeals are held throughout the year, but the number of appeals being submitted can fluctuate from month to month. Panels sometimes sit just for a morning or afternoon but can occasionally meet over a few days. The busiest time for appeals is from May to July each year when appeals for children starting school in Reception or moving to Secondary School in the following September.Panel Members fall into two categories:1. People with experience in education, for example as a teacher2. Lay People - those without an experience in education, other than as a school governor.We need a balance of both to ensure that decisions take account of the needs of the child or family and the needs of the school in question.We are particularly keen to receive applications from people who are current school governors or have recently been so.Why apply?As a volunteer you'll get to learn all about schools, work as a team with other panel members, and make decisions that could make an important difference to the lives of children in the borough.What skills will I need?To be a panel member you will need to be able to balance evidence given by parents and the school and make objective decisions. You will need excellent questioning skills and the ability to analyse, sometimes complex, information. You'll need to have understanding of the difficulties some parents/guardians and their families face, as well as the interpersonal skills to work with other panel members to reach decisions on appeals. You will need to take into account and apply the relevant legislation in your decision making, but guidance will be provided by Clerks appointed to the panel.Unfortunately, people who currently work for Barnsley Council, or have done so in the past three years, can't be considered.Do I need to know anything about schools?You are not expected to know the process around school appeals in any detail. Training on the relevant legislation and codes of practice, and how the appeals operate, will be provided to successful applicants. At every appeal hearing you will also be supported and advised by a Clerk who is experienced in this area.Will I get paid?This is not a paid role, but expenses will be covered in the form of an allowance paid for each panel you sit on. Rates are currently £73.34 for ½ day and £146.68 for a full day but these may be subject to change. We are seeking to appoint a number of people, each for a period of at least three years.Where do appeals get heard?Currently appeals are heard in person in Barnsley Town Hall.How do I find out more?If you would like more information on the role, please speak to Pete Mirfin (01226) 773147 or Daisy Challenger (01226) 787327 in the Democratic Services team.How do I apply?Please make sure you view the profile for this vacancy, as you'll need to demonstrate how you'll meet the required criteria in your CV.To find out more about joining our team at Barnsley Council and help with your application, visit barnsley.gov.uk/jobsThere's so much happening in our thriving borough and your experience and skills could help us make Barnsley the place of possibilities.Supporting Documents:Job Profile:Exposure Profile:To find out more about joining our team at Barnsley Council and help with your application, visit barnsley.gov.uk/jobsThere's so much happening in our thriving borough and your experience and skills could help us make Barnsley the place of possibilities.
