From time to time Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham Councils will call upon members to sit on independent appeal panels. There are two types of appeal panel you may be asked to sit on; the admissions appeal panel and the exclusion appeal panel.
The independent appeals panel will be made up of three or five members. The issues under consideration by both panels are quite different and are detailed below but essentially the Panel administration will be similar for both types of appeals.
The panel will be assisted by a Clerk. The Clerk to the panel ensures that relevant facts are established and that the appeal hearing is conducted in a fair and appropriate manner. The Clerk is an independent source of advice on procedure and evidence and will be making a record of the proceedings, decisions and reasons and will then notify all parties of the Panel's decision. If invited to do so by the Panel, the Clerk will stay with the Panel during their deliberations but will not take any part in the decision-making process.
At the end of the Appeal the Panel will privately weigh up all of the evidence presented to them carefully and objectively before reaching a final decision on the appeal. The decision of the Appeal Panel is final and the decision is binding on all parties concerned. There is no further right of appeal in these matters.
Before you are asked to sit on any Appeal Panel you will be provided with appropriate training.
Being a Panellist is not a remunerated position however travelling to and from the appeal venue and reasonable subsistence expenses will be met.
The list of members will be held by Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham authorities. You may be called to sit on any of the panels, subject to your availability and the preferences within your application form.