At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a new fostering service and ensure quality assurance.
- Company: Join Big Life Group, a social business dedicated to equity in health and life.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and a supportive culture that values diversity.
- Other info: Be part of an outstanding workplace recognised for its supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a creative and bold environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and a commitment to safeguarding children.
The Big Life Group’s mission is to fight for equity, in health, in wealth and in life. We are a social business delivering a range of services across the North of England, covering everything from mental and physical health, addiction and criminal justice, to housing, education, family support and much more. What links them together is the way we work – The Big Life Way.
We always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people, working with them on the things that matter most to them. Everything we do is designed and informed by the needs, priorities and strengths of people and communities.
Our values
- Courage: We stand up for ourselves, and the people and communities we work alongside, even when that makes us unpopular, or challenges accepted wisdom.
- Creativity: We find innovative solutions that work, never accepting the easy option or the status quo.
- Honesty: We act with integrity, speaking the truth to ourselves and others.
- Inspiration: We are inspired by the people and communities we work with and share what we learn from them to inspire others.
- Thoughtful: We act with care and compassion and work to understand people’s experiences. We take time to listen, reflect and continually learn.
- Valuing difference: We recognise and celebrate the unique qualities, gifts, insights and perspectives that different people offer.
Working at Big Life
At Big Life, work is more than a job – it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people and communities, making a difference every day. We fight for equity in health, in wealth and in life, and that commitment starts with how our staff.
Be yourself
We want you to feel safe, respected and able to bring your whole self to work. Difference is celebrated here, and our staff networks - from menopause to neurodiversity, LGBTQI+ and more - create space to connect and support each other.
Recognised as outstanding
We’re proud to be ranked by Best Companies as one of the UK’s outstanding places to work, with a two-star accreditation in 2024.
A culture of trust and flexibility
Our people describe our culture as relaxed and supportive. You’ll be trusted to plan your own day, take breaks when you need, and work in a way that fits with your life as well as your role.
If you’re looking for more than a job - if you want to be part of a team that’s bold, creative and relentlessly committed to equity – then Big Life could be the place for you.
The basics
- Rate of pay: Set full and half day rate of pay – subject to negotiation (dependent on qualifications, skills and experience). Hourly rate for ad hoc work - £60
- Hours: Initially, 1 – 2 days per month with the possibility of this increasing to reflect the needs of the developing service.
- Base: Flexible to include working from home. Current office location - Zion Community Resource Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 4ZY (may be subject to change).
- Line manager: Director of Children’s Care Services
- Closing date for applications: 17 August 2026
What you’ll be doing
The Big Life Group is currently developing a fostering service, Big Life Futures Fostering. As part of our current development work, we are looking to appoint an Agency Decision Maker (ADM) who will be a senior member of the proposed fostering service.
Initially, prior to registration as a fostering agency, the post holder’s responsibilities will be on the development, support and scrutiny of our plans for Big Life Futures Fostering. The ADM will support the Proposed Registered Manager and Responsible Individual in the early developmental stages of the fostering agency and provide social work supervision to the Proposed Registered Manager.
Upon successful registration of the fostering agency, the ADM will carry out the regulatory duties of the fostering ADM including quality assurance and supporting with management and monitoring processes.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they meet the following points, either in their application, at interview, or through provision of references and certifications. Safeguarding is fundamental to everything we do at Big Life. As a result, our expectations of the ADM post holder will be high, both in terms of practice, knowledge and ability to work collaboratively with the Proposed Registered Manager and Responsible Individual. The lived experience, wellbeing and safety of children and young people will be central to our decision when appointing to the role.
Following successful application and interview, applicants will be the subject of necessary checks and references, including an enhanced DBS check. Our safer recruitment approach for the ADM post holder will meet the requirements laid out in The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (s19, s20, s21, schedule 1) and Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards (standard 23).
For the full recruitment pack, including the job description and person specification, go to: Vacancies Archive - The Big Life Group. Please use the person specification and align yourself to each point in order to show how you are a match for the role. Please send your CV to: danny.wilson@thebiglifegroup.com and do not complete the online application form.
Agency Decision Maker in Manchester employer: The BigLife Group
The Big Life Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across the North of England. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values diversity and personal growth. Our recognition as one of the UK's outstanding places to work reflects our dedication to fostering an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to our mission of fighting for equity in health, wealth, and life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agency Decision Maker in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like The BigLife Group, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at The BigLife Group. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through The BigLife Group's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Agency Decision Maker in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at The BigLife Group. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at The BigLife Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at The BigLife Group
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with The BigLife Group.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Agency Decision Maker at The BigLife Group.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show The BigLife Group that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Agency Decision Maker role.
