Panel staff returned record after hours (9)
I believe the answer is:
nameplate
'panel' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'staff returned record after hours' is the wordplay.
'staff' becomes 'man' (as in staffing or manning a particular place).
'returned' is a reversal indicator.
'record' becomes 'EP' (abbreviation for extended play record).
'after hours' becomes 'late' (during late hours).
'man' reversed gives 'nam'.
'nam'+'ep'+'late'='NAMEPLATE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nameplate that I've seen before include "Occupant's identification" , "sign of ownership" , "It may be attached to an office door" , "Plaque" , "One identifies" .)