Plea for volunteers to join school admission and exclusion panels

6.18.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 12th Aug 2007

An appeal for borough residents to come forward and sit on independent panels to hear school admission and exclusion appeals, has been issued by Richmond Council.

Most of the admission appeals are held in May and June whilst those relating to school exclusions take place as and when required. The Council is keen to increase the number of people from ethnic minorities and those with disabilities, as they are currently under-represented. Volunteers will receive full training and be eligible for expenses.

Council Leader, Serge Lourie, said: "The local people who make up these appeals panels perform an important job for children, young people and their families. We would like to see as broad a cross-section of the community as possible represented. I urge anyone who has an interest in this and some spare time to volunteer for what is a very rewarding and important role."