Registered Manager- Fostering Agency

Job Title: Registered Manager (Fostering Service) | Lead Fostering Manager | Children & Young People Care

Location: Darlington

Salary: Competitive salary range (£40,000 - £48,000 DOE)

Job Description:

Are you an experienced and ambitious leader in foster care services, committed to delivering an 'Outstanding' children’s service? Join a forward-thinking, specialist provider dedicated to offering exceptional care for children and young people. We are seeking a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and aspirational Registered Manager to take on operational leadership, manage a dedicated team, and drive the service toward excellence and outstanding standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational & Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure full compliance with National Minimum Standards, Fostering Regulations, and relevant legislation.
• Lead preparations for OFSTED inspections and develop action plans to address recommendations.

• Safeguarding Lead:

• Act as the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for managing allegations and safeguarding concerns.
• Liaise with Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) and keep the team informed about child protection procedures.

• Practice Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, supervise, and support a small team of professionals.
• Conduct regular supervision, case support, and annual performance reviews to promote high standards.

• Carer Recruitment & Support Strategy:

• Oversee recruitment, assessment, training, and ongoing support for foster carers to ensure retention and quality placements.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Manage foster carer assessments, audits, and annual reviews.
• Maintain and update policies and procedures, ensuring continuous improvement and compliance.

• Strategic Planning & Development:

• Develop and implement an annual service delivery plan aligned with strategic goals.
• Collaborate on financial planning, budgeting, and service improvements.

• Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Promote the fostering service within local authorities and partner agencies to improve placement matching and outcomes for children.

  What You'll Bring (Qualifications & Skills):

• Essential:
• Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Demonstrable knowledge of legislative frameworks including NMS and Fostering Regulations.
• Proven leadership experience managing a team within children's services.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, capable of producing detailed reports and business plans.
• Commitment to quality assurance and developing best practice standards.
• Willingness to provide out-of-hours support to foster carers and colleagues.

  Why Join?

• A Clear Mandate for Excellence: Work closely with senior leadership to develop an 'Outstanding' fostering service.
• Impactful Leadership: Your expertise will directly enhance the welfare of children and improve service standards.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career.
• Supportive & Values-Driven Environment: Be part of an organisation prioritising safeguarding, high standards, and professional integrity.

  If you are a proactive and aspirational Registered Manager ready to lead a dedicated fostering team, we want to hear from you!

  Vetro Recruitment acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Vetro is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merit alone.