At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure children find safe, high-quality homes through quality assurance and commissioning.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a values-driven organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's welfare and contribute to community well-being.
- Qualifications: A Level 45 qualification or equivalent experience in relevant fields.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Home Finding Quality Assurance & Commissioning Officer to join our Home Finding & Commissioning Team within Children We Care For Services. This is a vital role focused on ensuring that children and young people who cannot live with their families are placed in safe, high-quality homes that meet their individual needs, promote stability, and reflect their identity.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct quality assurance visits (announced and unannounced) to residential homes, fostering agencies, and supported accommodation providers across the UK.
- Carry out due diligence checks on providers, assessing safeguarding practices, staffing, compliance, and Ofsted outcomes.
- Monitor Ofsted notifications, escalating risks and advising senior leaders on action.
- Lead provider risk profiling, identifying and tracking concerns and performance issues.
- Develop and oversee provider improvement plans to raise standards.
- Work collaboratively with safeguarding partners, including the LADO.
- Provide enhanced oversight on high-risk or complex placements.
- Contribute to commissioning processes, including provider evaluation and market development.
- Support contract monitoring and ensure compliance with agreed standards.
- Produce clear, evidence-based reports and maintain audit-ready records.
- Respond effectively to concerns, complaints, or safeguarding issues.
- Advise colleagues on provider suitability and placement matching.
- Participate in multi-agency meetings and risk panels.
- Support urgent responses where immediate safeguarding concerns arise.
The ideal candidate
- A Level 45 qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Children & Young Peoples Services, Health & Social Care, Social Care Practice, Education/Youth Work, Psychology, Commissioning.
- Experience in one or more of the following: Quality assurance, Contract monitoring / commissioning, Children's residential, fostering, or supported accommodation services.
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, National Minimum Standards & Safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
- Proven ability to analyse quality data and identify risk, produce clear reports and improvement plans & challenge providers constructively and professionally.
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities independently, handle sensitive safeguarding issues with confidence & work collaboratively across agencies.
- A full driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.
Please ensure that you download and read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention to the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.
Working Arrangements
You will be required to work a minimum of two days per week in the office as per Hybrid Working Policy.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion
If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Danielle Pryer.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.
Application process
We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.
We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under our corporate commitments and meet the minimum criteria; however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Please note: We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team.
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Home Finding Quality Assurance & Commissioning Officer - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, particularly through its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. With a strong emphasis on respect, integrity, and collaboration, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. The hybrid working policy allows for flexibility, while the council's commitment to inclusivity ensures that all voices are heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Home Finding Quality Assurance & Commissioning Officer - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social care sector, especially those who work with children and young people. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Portsmouth City Council's values and how they align with your own. Be ready to share examples from your experience that demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and quality assurance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of collaboration and report writing, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you can easily track your application status there.
We think you need these skills to ace Home Finding Quality Assurance & Commissioning Officer - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to download and read the full job profile. Pay special attention to the 'Who is the Person' section, as this will guide you in crafting your personal statement.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Be specific and provide examples that showcase your skills and qualifications.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication and report-writing skills, make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language clear and concise, and double-check for any typos or errors before submitting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Home Finding Quality Assurance & Commissioning Officer. Brush up on your knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding practices, and quality assurance processes. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
When discussing your experience, have specific examples ready that demonstrate your skills in quality assurance, contract monitoring, or working with children’s services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see how you’ve handled relevant situations in the past.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve worked in multi-agency settings or dealt with complex cases, as this will showcase your ability to work effectively in a team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team, the challenges they face, or the council's approach to safeguarding. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your values and career goals.
