At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a fostering team to improve outcomes for children and foster carers.
- Company: Cumberland Council, dedicated to community welfare and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible part-time hours, and relocation support available.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Cumbria.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in children's social care and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 22753 - 23679 £ per year.
Salary: £59,198 per annum (pro rata equivalent £22,753 to £23,679 per annum)
Hours: 14.8 hours per week (2 days)
Location: West Cumbria House, Workington
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
Cumberland Council are looking to recruit an experienced and motivated Fostering Team Manager to join our leadership team in West Cumbria. This post is offered as a job share, working alongside our established and highly skilled Team Manager to jointly lead the fostering team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting foster carers and improving outcomes for children and young people, while benefiting from the flexibility of a part‑time managerial role.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide shared leadership, supervision, and support to a team of fostering social workers.
- Uphold and promote high‑quality assessment, supervision, and support for foster carers.
- Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities, fostering regulations, and organisational policies.
- Share responsibility for performance management, quality assurance, and service improvement.
- Offer management oversight on complex cases and contribute to strategic planning and development.
- Work closely with colleagues, partners, and external agencies to secure the best outcomes for children.
About You
- Is a qualified social worker with SWE registration.
- Has strong experience in children’s social care—ideally within fostering or a related area.
- Brings confident, reflective leadership skills and a commitment to strengths‑based practice.
- Can build positive relationships and work collaboratively within a job‑share arrangement.
- Is organised, decisive, and passionate about delivering the best possible support to foster families.
This role is available on a permanent basis.
Why join us?
- Relocation support may be available for this role, subject to eligibility.
- A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds.
- Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Claire Lloyd by email.
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is: Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 17/04/2026
Interview date: 23/04/2026
If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team.
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Team Manager - Fostering - CMB2425e in London employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities they serve. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to fostering innovation, this role allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families while enjoying the stunning landscapes of West Cumbria. The flexible part-time structure of this position, combined with potential relocation support, makes it an attractive opportunity for those seeking a fulfilling career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Fostering - CMB2425e in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and social care sectors. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Cumberland Council's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to support foster carers and improve outcomes for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex cases. We want to hear about your reflective leadership skills in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cumberland Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Fostering - CMB2425e in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for fostering and supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in children's social care and fostering. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Fostering Team Manager. Brush up on fostering regulations, compliance, and the latest trends in children's social care. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex cases in the past. Highlight your reflective leadership style and how you’ve empowered others. This is crucial for demonstrating that you can share leadership effectively in a job-share arrangement.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with colleagues and external agencies, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes for children and foster families.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Cumberland Council's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. Think of ways you embody these values and be prepared to discuss them during the interview. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates.
