At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engagement with foster carers and young people to shape meaningful change.
- Company: Fostering South West, a collaborative regional partnership focused on fostering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating safe, loving homes for children.
- Why this job: Be a voice for change and improve the fostering experience for children and carers.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience working with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 13031 - 13924 £ per year.
Salary: £13,031 - £13,924 Pro rata
Hours per week: 14.8
Fixed Term: To 31 March 2027
Interview Date: To be confirmed following shortlisting
Are you passionate about ensuring people’s voices are heard and used to shape meaningful change? Fostering South West is looking for a Foster Carer Participation Officer to lead engagement with foster carers, children and young people across the region, helping to influence recruitment, retention and service improvement initiatives.
Fostering South West is a Department for Education-funded regional partnership that supports fostering recruitment and retention across 15 local authorities in the South West. Through targeted marketing, early support for prospective foster carers, and a shared regional approach, the Hub works to increase the number, quality and diversity of fostering placements, helping to ensure more children can grow up in safe, stable and loving homes.
In this rewarding role, you will develop and deliver a dynamic participation programme, creating opportunities for foster carers and young people to share their experiences and inform decision-making. Working closely with colleagues, local authority partners and participation groups, you will facilitate events, forums and outreach activities, gather valuable feedback, and ensure lived experience is embedded in communications, campaigns and service development. You will also help strengthen relationships with foster carers, promote peer support networks and support the co-production of innovative recruitment and retention projects.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative individual with excellent communication and engagement skills, experience of working with stakeholders, and a passion for making a difference. If you can build trusted relationships, translate feedback into action, and champion participation as a driver for positive change, this is an exciting opportunity to help improve the fostering experience for carers, children and young people across the South West.
Please ensure you have read the eligibility statement before making an application.
Contact details: Ian Jarman, Team Manager, ian.jarman@wiltshire.gov.uk
Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.
We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
Eligibility Statement: This opportunity is open exclusively to employees of the Local Authorities that form the Fostering South West partnership. Applications will only be accepted from individuals currently employed by one of the following partner authorities:
- Bath and North East Somerset Council
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
- Bristol City Council
- Cornwall Council
- Devon County Council
- Dorset Council
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Council of the Isles of Scilly
- North Somerset Council
- Plymouth City Council
- Somerset Council
- South Gloucestershire Council
- Swindon Borough Council
- Torbay Council
- Wiltshire Council
Please note that applicants who are not currently employed by one of the above Local Authorities will not be eligible for consideration for this role. This vacancy is being advertised as a partnership opportunity across the Fostering South West member authorities.
Foster Carer Participation Officer – Regional Fostering Hub in Trowbridge employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an excellent employer for aspiring lifeguards, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises safety and community engagement. With opportunities for career growth through NPLQ training and a commitment to employee development, you will find a rewarding role that not only enhances your skills but also allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of pool members. Join us in a vibrant location where teamwork and public service are at the heart of what we do.
