Working Hours: 35 Hours per week. Contract Type: Full time / Permanent. Additional Payments: Essential car user allowance. Closing Date: 25 May 2026. Closing time: 11:59pm. Interview Method: Face to Face.
This role is subject to the following requirements:
* Legal right to work: evidence required before commencing employment.
* References: at least 2, with 3 years history when possible.
* Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
* Medical clearance: pre-placement health assessment (PPHA).
* Essential Car Documentation: must hold a full valid driving licence and provide own car for use at work. Essential Car User allowance provided.
* DBS clearance: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check required. Detailed policies are available upon request.
Role Summary
This role is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the monitoring and quality assurance of the fostering service. Manchester’s Fostering Service is committed to providing safe, high‑quality care and supports children and young people who cannot live with their families. We aim to enhance support for foster carers and improve stability for children and young people under our care.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide independent oversight by chairing and reviewing foster carer's annual reviews and reviews with concerns, as directed by the fostering service.
* Apply understanding of fostering, care planning, placement regulations, statutory guidance, and national minimum standards.
* Experience of fostering, residential or family placement services, or care planning and achieving permanence.
* Chair meetings under complex circumstances and make robust recommendations.
* Communicate effectively with other professionals, write clear, concise reports reflecting carers and children experience.
* Demonstrate commitment to anti‑oppressive practice.
* Contribute to a team with a whole‑service approach and show flexibility when needed.
* Possess innovation skills that support our journey.
Required Competencies & Skills
* Behavioural Competencies: Change, Delivery, Planning & Organising, Leadership & Management, Pride in Manchester.
* Generic Skills: Interpersonal, Analytical, Problem‑Solving & Decision‑Making, People/Performance Management, ICT, Policy.
Technical Requirements (Role Specific)
* Social Work qualification and registration with the General Social Care Council.
* Experience providing mentoring and support to colleagues or students.
* Knowledge of the legal framework relating to Looked After Children and Care Leavers, including National Minimum Standards.
* Knowledge of Child in Need, Child Protection, and LAC; awareness of legislative changes.
* Knowledge of Working Together to Safeguard Children, Care Planning Regulations, and related guidance.
* Ability to work constructively with senior managers and partners, offering critical perspective.
Benefits We Offer
* Generous holiday allowance – 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Additional leave can be purchased.
* Pension – enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with options to top up and life cover.
* Enhanced parental and carers leave.
* Discounts on shop, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work, free flu jabs, eye tests, etc.
* Learning and development opportunities – workshops, training, apprenticeships, qualifications.
* Good Employment Charter member – flexible work, fairness, health and wellbeing support.
* Up to 3 days volunteering leave (pro‑rate).
Inclusivity and Equality
Manchester City Council is dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people, and young people.
We offer support for applicants requiring adjustments during the interview process or workplace accommodations. Please let us know your needs.
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