At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new fostering agency, ensuring compliance and delivering exceptional care for children.
- Company: Join Unique Support and Care Limited, a pioneering care provider and recruitment agency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity share, and a chance to shape a new agency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fostering sector while building your dream agency.
- Qualifications: Qualified in Social Work or related field with management experience in fostering.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Us
We are Unique Support and Care Limited, a care provider and recruitment agency. We are currently recruiting for a multinational investment organisation, seeking to open a new Independent Fostering Agency (location is up to you). They are committed to building a service that delivers exceptional care, stability, and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a highly skilled and ambitious individual to take on and lead the fostering Agency. This is a rare opportunity to join at the very beginning, take responsibility for Ofsted registration, and design your dream care agency prioritising care, culture, commercialism, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day management of the fostering service in line with Ofsted requirements.
- Ensure full compliance with Fostering Services Regulations 2011, the Children Act, and National Minimum Standards.
- Recruit, assess, and supervise foster carers, supported by a skilled team.
- Line-manage supervising social workers and provide clear professional leadership.
- Embed safeguarding and child-centred practice across the agency.
- Build strong partnerships with local authorities, Ofsted, and multi-agency professionals.
- Responsible for implementing the 4Cs: Culture, Compliance, Care, Commercialism.
- Drive growth, innovation, and continuous improvement from start-up stage onwards.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Qualified in Social Work, Psychology, or a Therapeutic field (DipSW, BA/MA Social Work, CQSW, or equivalent).
- Minimum 2 years’ recent experience in fostering or children’s services.
- At least 1 year in a supervisory/management role within fostering or children’s care.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, fostering legislation, and Ofsted compliance.
- Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Ambition and vision to form a growing agency.
Desirable Attributes
- Trauma-informed or therapeutic care training.
- Previous involvement in Ofsted inspections.
- Familiarity with multi-agency working and partnership building.
- Experience in recruitment, training, or mentoring foster carers.
- Experience with start-up or newly registered fostering agencies.
- Knowledge of digital case management or reporting systems.
What We Offer
- Highly competitive salary: £50,000 – £120,000 (depending on experience).
- Equity/Profit Share: 20% company shareholding or 20% interest as the business grows.
- Unique opportunity to build and shape a new fostering agency from the ground up.
- Supportive and open communication, ensuring you have the guidance and resources you need.
- Career-defining opportunity to make a lasting impact in the fostering sector.
If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to: office@uniquesupportandcare.co.uk
Recruitment Stages:
- Quick virtual chat to review your CV and suitability for the role.
- Interview with the head of investment committee.
- Final Stage – (Prepare a cashflow model for review).
Unique Support & Care Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
Responsible Individual - Fostering Agency in Ilford employer: UNIQUE SUPPORT & CARE LTD
Contact Detail:
UNIQUE SUPPORT & CARE LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Responsible Individual - Fostering Agency in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and care sector. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their values, especially around care and compliance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to building a successful fostering agency.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past roles where you've led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to drive growth and innovation, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Responsible Individual - Fostering Agency in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Responsible Individual. Highlight your experience in fostering and management, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of Ofsted requirements and compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this unique opportunity. Share your vision for the agency and how your skills align with their goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you plan to foster a positive culture within the agency.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIQUE SUPPORT & CARE LTD
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the Children Act. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you’re serious about compliance and understand the framework within which the agency operates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in fostering or children's services. Highlight your experience in managing social workers and fostering carers, as this role requires strong leadership and organisational skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Think about what your dream fostering agency would look like and be ready to share your vision during the interview. Discuss how you would implement the 4Cs: Culture, Compliance, Care, and Commercialism, to drive growth and innovation from the start.
✨Prepare for Multi-Agency Collaboration
Since building partnerships with local authorities and multi-agency professionals is key, come prepared with ideas on how you would foster these relationships. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively across different sectors.