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- Tasks: Lead transformational change for adoption and fostering services across Wales.
- Company: National Adoption Service for Wales, a collaborative initiative improving adoption services.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a significant impact in children's lives and develop leadership skills.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of adoption and fostering in Wales.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in social work and extensive knowledge of adoption legislation required.
- Other info: National role with travel across Wales; occasional evening and weekend work may be needed.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a high profile, exciting, national role that provides strategic leadership and direction for adoption and fostering services across the whole of Wales. The National Adoption Service for Wales (NAS) is a Wales wide collaboration for the delivery and improvement of adoption services in Wales. Established in 2014, and underpinned by legislation, bringing together all local authority adoption services into five regional collaboratives, with co-ordination and leadership provided by a central team headed by the Director.
Launched in 2021, Foster Wales (FW) is a newer Wales-wide collaboration for local authority fostering services. It brings together all local authority fostering services under a single brand for recruitment and retention purposes as well as focusing on common areas for service improvement.
You will lead and develop a transformational change programme for adoption services in Wales and for local authority foster care through Foster Wales ensuring that collaboratives meet legislative requirements. You will create and maintain lasting relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
You will provide strategic leadership and analysis and robust professional advice to the NAS and FW Joint Committee, the Governance Board for NAS and Lead Heads of Service group for FW regarding the best options to deliver the respective strategic improvement plans and oversee national level support to the effective implementation of plans to improve services and outcomes.
The role requires a professional qualification in social work or appropriate equivalent along with an in-depth knowledge and experience of applying adoption and fostering legislation. You will possess excellent stakeholder management skills to foster and build credible and lasting relationships. You will have the ability to think strategically and to lead and develop complex organisational issues with ease. A confident communicator who is politically astute, you will quickly establish effective professional relationships across a range of stakeholders and partners.
This post is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009). This is a Wales wide role with travel to services across Wales as required with occasional weekend and evening working required as the needs of the service determine.
Director National Adoption Service & Foster Wales in Cardiff employer: CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director National Adoption Service & Foster Wales in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the adoption and fostering sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers or stakeholders, let your enthusiasm for improving adoption and fostering services shine through. Share your vision and ideas on how to make a difference – it’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends and challenges in the adoption and fostering landscape in Wales. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their strategic improvement plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director National Adoption Service & Foster Wales in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about strategic leadership, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to inspire and drive change!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets your message across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the adoption and fostering legislation relevant to Wales. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they impact service delivery will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past. This could include local authorities, community groups, or other organisations. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your ability to build credible and lasting partnerships.
✨Think Strategically
Be ready to discuss your strategic vision for adoption and fostering services. Think about how you would lead transformational change and improve outcomes. Having a clear plan will impress the interviewers and show that you're ready to take on this high-profile role.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. As a Director, you'll need to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your communication style and ensure you come across as politically astute.
