At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support fostering and kinship teams to improve outcomes for children in care.
- Company: Bristol City Council, committed to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and membership in the Local Government Pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's social care and team management required.
The predicted salary is between 68653 - 76046 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details:
- Job reference: VAC008316
- Post date: 27/05/2026
- Application closing: 14/06/2026
- Location: B Bond - West Wing, Smeaton Road, Hotwells, Bristol BS1 6XNS
- Salary: TP1: £68,653 – £76,046
- Contractual hours: 37
- Basis: Full time
- Job category/type: Social Care
Full Time, Fixed Term until the end of March 2027.
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children in care and those living within their families and networks? Bristol City Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Deputy Service Manager to support the leadership of our Fostering and Kinship Service. This is a key role where you will help shape and deliver high-quality services that enable children to grow up in safe, stable and loving homes.
Role Overview
As Deputy Service Manager, you will work closely with the Service Manager to provide operational leadership, oversight and strategic development across fostering, kinship care and special guardianship services.
You will:
- Support the delivery of high-quality fostering and kinship services, ensuring statutory duties are met.
- Promote stability and permanence for children, prioritising family-based care wherever possible.
- Lead and develop teams to deliver effective support to foster carers, kinship carers and special guardians.
- Ensure children experience safe, nurturing care arrangements that meet their needs and support positive outcomes.
You will play a critical role in strengthening practice, supporting workforce development and embedding consistency across services.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Leadership & Management: Provide day-to-day leadership and support to fostering and kinship teams. Deputise for the Service Manager as required. Promote a culture of high support and high challenge, enabling staff to thrive.
- Quality & Practice: Ensure excellent social work practice across fostering and kinship services. Drive improvement in placement stability, carer support and permanence planning. Promote trauma-informed and relationship-based practice.
- Partnership Working: Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners including: Children’s social work teams, Bristol Therapeutic Support Service (BTSS), Bristol’s foster carers and special guardians – Health, education and voluntary sector organisations. Strengthen pathways that support kinship arrangements and foster care placements.
- Performance & Resources: Support management of service performance, budgets and resources. Monitor outcomes for children and carers, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Service Development: Contribute to the ongoing development of fostering and kinship services. Support innovation, including new models of care and support for carers. Help shape policies and processes to improve service delivery.
About You
- Has a strong background in children’s social care, particularly fostering, kinship or permanence.
- Demonstrates a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Has experience of managing teams and driving service improvement.
- Is confident in working across complex systems and partnerships.
- Champions inclusive, restorative and relational practice.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Benefits:
- Flexible working and flexitime arrangements.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We’re a Disability Confident employer and value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We’ll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support. Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community, and particularly welcome applications from Black and racially minoritised, Disabled, LGBTQ+, and Male candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service. Appointments will be made on merit.
Deputy Service Manager - Fostering and Kinship Service in Bristol employer: Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving outcomes for children in care and their families. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that champions diversity and inclusion, staff are empowered to thrive in their roles. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying generous benefits makes this position particularly rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Manager - Fostering and Kinship Service in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social care, especially those who work in fostering and kinship services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bristol City Council's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about improving outcomes for children but also aligned with our mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on demonstrating your leadership skills and experience in managing teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in children’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Manager - Fostering and Kinship Service in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children in care. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles, as this will resonate with our mission at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Deputy Service Manager, especially around fostering and kinship services. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in social care to show you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and driving service improvement. Think about times when you’ve promoted a culture of high support and high challenge, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with various stakeholders, including social work teams and external partners. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built and how they improved outcomes for children and families.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Bristol City Council values diversity, so be prepared to talk about how you champion inclusive practices. Share experiences where you’ve supported underrepresented groups or implemented strategies that promote equality within your teams.
