The panel meets when required to hear appeals submitted by parents who have been refused a place for their child at their preferred school.
It also independently review decisions made by school governing bodies not to reinstate a permanently excluded pupil.
Hearings are held on weekdays between 9.15am and 1.30pm and 9.30am and 5pm, with peak periods between May and July. Dates are flexible, and panel members can choose when to serve. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, appeal hearings are currently being held at the Civic Centre via Microsoft Teams.
Recruitment is now underway to find volunteers for the panel. A full training package will be provided, including face-to-face training sessions with an accredited provider and the opportunity to observe a hearing.
Although the role is voluntary, panel members can receive travel expenses for all hearings they attend. Lunch, refreshments and parking are provided free of charge.
Brenda Wile, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Deputy Director of Education, said: "Parents and carers have the legal right to appeal against a decision to refuse their child a place at their preferred school. These appeals are heard by the Independent Education Appeal Panel.
“As a panel member, you will read the case papers in advance of the hearing, actively participate in the appeal hearing and decide whether to uphold or dismiss the appeal.
"We are looking for people from all walks of life with different experiences and skills who reflect our wonderfully diverse city and ensure that our panel is inclusive and representative.
"In particular, we welcome applications from students, graduates, retired professionals or professionals looking to retire soon so, if you want to make a real difference in the lives of the children and young people of Wolverhampton, please get in touch."
Anyone interested in the role can apply directly via Apply to become Voluntary School Appeal Panel Member. For further information or an informal chat, please contact Trevor Nathaniel Salmon, Senior Systems Officer, by calling 01902 551122 and selecting option 3 or email him via trevor.salmon@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
