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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dedicated team to improve outcomes for looked after children.
- Company: Family Care, a family-owned independent fostering agency with 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping and growing vital services.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with management experience and a passion for child welfare.
- Other info: Join a values-led agency with a strong reputation and direct access to decision-makers.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and inspirational leader in fostering services, a qualified Social Worker with current registration, driven by a passion to improve outcomes for looked after children and young people?
Overview
Family Care is a family-owned independent fostering agency with over 30 years' experience supporting children, young people, and foster carers across the Midlands and North West. Our therapeutic, child-centred approach places relationships, stability, and positive outcomes at the heart of everything we do.
About The Role
As Registered Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our fostering service, overseeing a committed team including a Practice Manager, Social Workers, Support Workers, and Administrative Staff. You will set a clear vision, lead with integrity, and ensure the service consistently meets Ofsted requirements, Fostering Regulations 2011, National Minimum Standards and our own high standards of care. You will be accountable for the development and delivery of all fostering services within the registered agency, ensuring full compliance with statutory guidance, national minimum standards, and our Statement of Purpose. Safeguarding and the wellbeing of children and young people will remain central to all decision-making. Acting as an ambassador for Family Care, you will promote our child-focused, outcomes-driven ethos and work closely with the owners to support children, young people, and care leavers, including collaboration with our charity partner, The Williamson Children's Trust. This role covers our fostering services across the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire, with hybrid working between home and our regional offices.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall operational leadership of the fostering service as Registered Manager, ensuring full compliance with legislation, regulation, and Family Care Group policies
- Lead, manage, and develop staff through supervision, workload allocation, performance management, appraisals, disciplinary processes, and training plans
- Monitor and ensure the ongoing suitability, competence, and development of foster carers, promoting safe, nurturing, and aspirational care environments
- Ensure services are developed and delivered in line with government agendas, statutory frameworks, and best practice
- Oversee the recruitment, assessment, training, and supervision of foster carers and employees
- Act as Panel Advisor for the Fostering Panel
- Ensure a robust and effective 24-hour professional support service for foster carers
- Contribute to strategic planning, service development, and business growth
- Oversee financial reporting and budget management
- Build a highly motivated, innovative, and collaborative team culture where change is positive, well-communicated, and child-focused
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
- DipSW, CQSW, Degree in Social Work, or equivalent
- Management qualification (Level 5 or equivalent)
- Registered with Social Work England
- Minimum of 2 years' relevant experience within Independent Fostering in the last 5 years
- At least 1 year's experience supervising and managing professional staff
- Proficient experience in undertaking Form F Assessments
- Working knowledge of CHARMS
- Willingness to participate in an out-of-hours rota
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel between Staffordshire and Lancashire offices
Why Join Family Care?
- Small, values-led Independent Fostering Agency
- Therapeutic, relationship-based approach
- Strong Ofsted history and reputation
- Direct access to decision-makers
- Opportunity to shape and grow services
What We Offer
- Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum, + car allowance + bonus
- Full-time; permanent
- Hybrid working model (Staffordshire / Lancashire office base)
- 30 days annual leave + statutory holidays
- Contributory pension scheme and long-service awards
- Employee Assistance Programme
- A supportive, family-owned organisation where your leadership and impact are genuinely valued
Safeguarding
Family Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent employment.
Registered Manager – Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) | Social Work Mgr in Chorley employer: Family Care Group
Contact Detail:
Family Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager – Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) | Social Work Mgr in Chorley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and social work sectors. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Family Care thoroughly. Understand their values and approach to fostering. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve improved outcomes for children in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨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 you’re keen on joining our family at Family Care. Let’s make a positive impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager – Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) | Social Work Mgr in Chorley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for improving outcomes for looked after children shine through. We want to see how your experiences and values align with our child-centred approach.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in fostering services and management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and compliance with regulations, as these are key for us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Registered Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Family Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Family Care Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest fostering regulations and Ofsted requirements. Brush up on your knowledge of the National Minimum Standards and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve motivated staff or improved team dynamics, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Approaches
Since Family Care focuses on a therapeutic, child-centred approach, be ready to talk about how you prioritise the wellbeing of children and young people in your decision-making. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to improving outcomes for looked after children.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the agency’s vision and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.
