At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop adoption services to ensure children find loving families.
- Company: Join Barnet Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive environment with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful leadership.
- Qualifications: Must have social work qualification and significant experience in adoption services.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This position is open to internal candidates only. Any applications received from external candidates will not be considered and will be automatically rejected. This is an 18‑month fixed-term contract working 21.6 hours per week (0.6 FTE).
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About the role
We are committed to ensuring that children and young people grow up in safe, stable and loving families. Our Adoption and Permanency Service plays a vital role in achieving timely, high‑quality permanence for children through adoption, special guardianship and long‑term fostering.
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Adoption & Permanency Lead Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across our permanency services and to drive excellent outcomes for children and families.
As Adoption & Permanency Lead Manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing adoption and permanency practice, ensuring children achieve permanence without delay and experience stable, nurturing family life.
You will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across adoption and permanency services, including adoption, family finding, matching, and support to adoptive families.
- Ensure the service meets all statutory requirements for adoption work, and is fully compliant with relevant legislation, regulations and statutory guidance.
- Act as a senior professional lead for adoption practice, providing expert oversight and decision‑making in complex cases.
- Lead on performance, quality assurance and service development, ensuring readiness for OFSTED inspection.
- Promote high‑quality, trauma‑informed and strengths‑based practice, with the child’s voice central to all decisions.
- Work collaboratively with internal services and external partners, including regional adoption arrangements, courts and agencies.
About you
We are looking for a confident and credible leader with a strong professional background in adoption and permanency.
You must have:
- A recognised social work qualification and current Social Work England registration.
- Significant post‑qualifying experience in adoption services, including direct involvement in adoption decision‑making and leadership.
- Clear evidence that you meet the statutory requirements for undertaking adoption work, in line with adoption regulations and guidance.
- In‑depth knowledge of adoption legislation, regulations, statutory guidance and best practice.
- Proven experience of improving service quality, performance and outcomes, including successful engagement with OFSTED.
- Strong leadership, communication and partnership‑working skills.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti‑racist practice.
What we offer
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
- Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance
How to apply
Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Lisa.Sayers@Barnet.gov.uk.
Social Work Team Manager (Adoption/Permanence) in London employer: Borough of Barnet
Barnet Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture rooted in values of learning, care, inclusivity, and collaboration. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and flexible working options, all while contributing to meaningful outcomes for children and families in a vibrant borough known for its excellent schools and diverse communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Team Manager (Adoption/Permanence) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Barnet Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of adoption legislation and best practices. We want to see you shine, so think about how your experience aligns with Barnet's values and the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved service quality or outcomes in your previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, keep an eye on your email for any updates – we’ll be in touch!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Team Manager (Adoption/Permanence) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help you understand what we're looking for and how to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out your application, make sure to provide clear examples of your past work in adoption services. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Authentic:We value honesty and authenticity in applications. Use your own words and experiences to describe your qualifications and motivations. Remember, we’re looking for genuine candidates who resonate with our values.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adoption legislation, regulations, and best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in improving service quality and outcomes, as this is crucial for the Adoption & Permanency Lead Manager role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various internal and external partners, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative settings. Share specific instances where your teamwork made a difference in achieving positive outcomes.
✨Align with Their Values
Barnet Council values learning, caring, inclusivity, and collaboration. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview. It’ll show that you’re a great cultural fit!
