Panel Administrator
- Exeter, Devon, Hybrid
- Full Time
- £26,824 - £28,598 per annum
Adopt South West is excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for a motivated administrator to join our ‘Panel Administration’ team. This is a full-time, permanent position with an office base in County Hall in Exeter.
Adopt South West is the Regional Adoption Agency, hosted by Devon County Council, for a partnership of Local Authorities in Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay. We are committed to making the adoption process smoother for our adopters and the children that we provide a service for. Since our inception in October 2018, we have been dedicated to providing outstanding adoption services on behalf of these local authorities and are now one of the best-rated Regional Adoption Agencies in England.
Adoption Panels are a crucial part of our process, where independent professionals, supported by one of our Agency Advisers, meet with adopters to make recommendations on their approval and the matching of children with adopters. These Minutes and Panel Recommendations are then used by the Agency Decision Maker within Adopt South West for Adopter Approvals, or within the Local Authority for a child, for a Match, in order to make a final decision. Panels are held virtually via Teams.
Key Responsibilities
As a Panel Administrator, you will be at the heart of our panel processes and meetings, ensuring it all runs smoothly and efficiently. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing and maintaining a Panel rota and Central List for Panel Members/Vice Chairs/Panel Chairs, including the recruitment process and onboarding of new independent members under the guidance of the Quality Assurance Managers.
- Liaising with Social Work teams across the region and supporting our Quality Assurance Team to gather essential paperwork within Panel timescales then using SharePoint to ‘share’ these documents with the appropriate Panel Members/Chair and Agency Decision Makers within Adopt South West for an Adopter Approval or the appropriate Local Authority for a Match.
- Working from a Shared Mailbox and Outlook Calendar to administrate the Virtual Panels.
- Taking minutes during Panel Meetings and sharing them within CoramBAAF timescales with Panel Members/Chairs and once signed, the Agency Decision Maker.
- Handling post-panel administration – preparing of the appropriate paperwork regarding the outcome of each Panel case and sharing it via email with recipients; updating ASW Eclipse records; tidying up of SharePoint records.
Personal Qualities
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys being part of a supportive team of experienced administrators and Panel Advisers who are based across the region. A solid administration working background and minute-taking experience is crucial to this role, including the use of Co-Pilot.
Relevant Additional Information
The majority of panel administration work can be done from home providing that you have a confidential space to work in. However, this role has an office base in County Hall in Exeter and you can use this office as the needs of the service dictate, or if you prefer working in an office environment.
Interview Date: Wednesday, 1st April 2026
If you would like an information discussion to learn more about this vacancy, please contact the Recruiting Officer and Line Manager for this role - Yvonne Horner, Service Support Manager – yvonne.horner@devon.gov.uk, Tel: 01392 386274.
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ009455
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County CouncilAdopt South West
- Work LocationExeterDevonHybrid
- Work Postcode
EX2 4QD
- Reference
REQ009455
- Occupational GroupAdministrative, Secretarial & Office Support
- Salary Details
£26,824 - £28,598 per annum
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
29/03/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes