MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council is seeking people to serve on the appeal panels that oversee the admission or exclusion of pupils to schools.

The panels are set up to ensure an independent hearing for parents or carers who are dissatisfied with the council’s decision to refuse their child a place at a particular school and to hear appeals against decisions to exclude pupils from schools in the county.

Panel members will need to be impartial, objective, sensitive, decisive and keen to contribute, and those appointed will receive training before assuming their duties.

Applicants may be excluded from consideration if there is reason to call into question their ability to act in an impartial manner.

The panels will consist of lay members as well as other members who have experience in education, are acquainted with educational conditions in Monmouthshire or are parents of registered pupils at a school.

To be considered as a lay member, persons must be a person without personal experience in the management of any school or the provision of education in any school, other than as a school governor or in another voluntary capacity.

Not, nor at any time have had, any connection with the local education authority or any person who is a member of, or employed by, the authority.

Panel members are eligible to receive allowances for financial loss, travel and subsistence in line with the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.

Councillor Richard John, Monmouthshire cabinet member with responsibility for education said, ‘The council values openness and panel members can play an important part in ensuring that parents or carers receive a fair and independent hearing. I hope people will offer themselves for these interesting and rewarding positions.’

Suitable people who wish to be considered by the county council should write to Claire Williams at Legal Services, Monmouthshire County Council, County Hall, The Rhadyr, Usk, NP15 1GA by Friday 14th December.

For further details contact [email protected] – or telephone 01633 644026.