Registered Manager - Fostering Service

Empower Fostering is a family-run fostering agency proudly founded by Foster Carers for Foster Carers. Due to our continued expansion, we have an exciting opportunity for a Registered Manager to join our team in Taunton.

You will join a dedicated team of experienced social workers and contribute to ensuring we provide the highest quality of service to children and young people placed through the Independent Fostering Agency.

We are a multidisciplinary organisation, and this role will support and develop other areas of the business as needed.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with all fostering regulations, statutory guidance, and best practice standards
• To maintain the company's successful Independent Fostering Agency and improve Ofsted compliance, working proactively to retain our Good rating and progress towards Outstanding rating
• Ensure all records (regulatory and legislative) are accurate, up to date and are audit-ready
• Demonstrate to Ofsted how National Minimum Standards (NMS) and the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4: Fostering Services inform strategic planning and service delivery

Leadership, Strategy and Service Development:

• Lead the strategic development of Empower Fostering, driving growth, commercial performance and long-term sustainability through the management of marketing strategies
• Develop service plans aligned with our ethos, vision, and commitment to deliver high quality and meaningful therapeutic fostering.
• Conduct strategic service reviews and implement improvements to enhance outcomes
• Support with the development of policies and procedures to ensure high-quality, meaningful, therapeutic fostering services

Staff and Carer Management:

• Oversee the recruitment, development, supervision and performance of all staff
• Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies for staff and foster carers, ensuring strong retention
• Oversee the recruitment, assessment, approval, training, supervision, support and review of foster carers

A full job description is available outlining all duties and responsibilities

This role is subject to the successful applicant having an enhanced DBS check for child and adult workforce with barred list checks.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2023.

We are unable to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Essential:

• A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Young Peoples Services (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards this
• A recognised Social Work Qualification (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered with Social Work England Proven experience in safeguarding children and young people
• Experience of working within a fostering service or similar setting
• Significant managerial experience with strategic planning and service development
• Strong understanding of the National Minimum Standards (NMS) and fostering regulations
• Demonstrated ability to undertake strategic service reviews Experience in carrying out quality assurance processes
• Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable:

• Training or qualifications in; Therapeutic Parenting, Trauma and attachment
• At least 3 years' experience in management within the children's social care/health field
• Knowledge of service requirements and previous experience within children's social work
• Excellent understanding of the current legislation and frameworks relevant to Children's Social Care and Fostering

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to improving the lives of children in care and supporting the families who look after them through our core values: Empowering Care, Working Together and Learning and Leading.

Benefits:

• Company Car after a successful probationary period
• On-call allowance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff Discount Site
• Blue Light Discount Card
• Pension Scheme