Volunteers are needed to sit on two separate panels which take and review important decisions on school admissions and exclusions.

Recruitment is under way to fill vacancies on Dudley Council’s School Admission Appeals Panel and its Exclusion Review Panel. 

The School Admission Appeals Panel hears and determines appeals submitted by parents as a result of being refused a place for their child at their preferred school. The Exclusion Review Panel independently reviews decisions made by school governing bodies not to reinstate a permanently excluded pupil.

Members serving on the panels must be independent for the duration of their service. Hearings are held during the day, with peak periods between April and July. Dates are flexible and panel members can choose when to serve but would be required to sit on all appeals for a particular school during the main tranche (peak period).

Compulsory training will be provided for the role, with periodic refresher courses. Although the role is voluntary, panel members are able to claim travel expenses and refreshments will be provided.

The council is looking to recruit lay members (people without personal experience in the management or provision of education in any school) and  education members (people acquainted with the education system and/or a parent who has a child registered at school). Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

"It’s important that we have as broad a cross-section of our society in the borough sitting on them, so we have a panel with different employment and education backgrounds.

"These panels have a critical role to play in determining appeals fairly and openly from parents in our borough. We would urge people who are interested to get in touch and find out more."

Anyone interested in the role can get application forms and further information by contacting the council’s democratic services, either by email or by calling 01384 815 238.