At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a fostering service, ensuring compliance and high standards.
- Company: Independent fostering agency in North West London with a focus on quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65,000, full-time hours, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to meaningful change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fostering and shape the future of children's care.
- Qualifications: Experience in fostering services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Portman Recruitment is working with an independent fostering agency in NW London that is looking to appoint an experienced Registered Fostering Manager to lead and develop its fostering service. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced fostering professional who understands the regulatory requirements of running an independent fostering agency and can combine strong safeguarding and social work practice with effective operational leadership.
The Role
As Registered Fostering Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and development of the fostering service, working closely with the Director and Responsible Individual. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and managing the fostering team, including social workers and support staff
- Ensuring the service remains compliant with Ofsted requirements, the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards
- Acting as a lead for safeguarding within the agency
- Maintaining high standards of practice across the fostering service
- Overseeing foster carer assessments, approvals and annual reviews
- Supporting the effective operation of Fostering Panel
- Monitoring quality through audits, performance information and service reviews
- Ensuring foster carers receive effective supervision, training and out-of-hours support
- Overseeing placement activity and helping achieve sustainable placement growth
- Developing positive working relationships with Local Authorities and other external professionals
- Supporting foster carer recruitment and retention
- Contributing to the agency's business planning, development and growth
- Leading, supporting and developing the staff team
About You
We would particularly like to hear from candidates with substantial experience within fostering services or an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA). You may currently be working as a:
- Registered Fostering Manager
- Fostering Manager
- Fostering Service Manager
- Deputy Fostering Manager
- Team Manager Fostering
- Head of Fostering
- Senior fostering professional ready to progress into registered management
You will need a strong understanding of safeguarding, fostering legislation, Ofsted requirements and the National Minimum Standards. Previous experience of managing social workers, foster carers and fostering services would be highly advantageous.
Salary & Location
Salary: Up to £65,000 depending on experience
Location: North West London
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, full time
This is an opportunity to take a key leadership position within a developing fostering service and have genuine influence over its quality, culture and future growth. For a confidential conversation about the organisation, expectations and package, apply with your CV or contact Paul at Portman Recruitment. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.
Fostering manager in London employer: Portman Recruitment Ltd
Join a well-established preschool in St Helens, where we prioritise high-quality, inclusive early years education and care. As a Deputy Nursery Manager, you'll enjoy a balanced role that allows you to remain hands-on with children while also dedicating time to management responsibilities, including SENCO duties and safeguarding. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, making this an ideal opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering manager in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Portman Recruitment Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Portman Recruitment Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Portman Recruitment Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Portman Recruitment Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Portman Recruitment Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Portman Recruitment Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portman Recruitment Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
