Head of Fostering | East Region (Thetford Based)
An industry-leading fostering organisation is seeking a visionary Head of Fostering to spearhead their East Region. This pivotal senior management appointment is designed for a strategic leader to motivate and guide operations teams in delivering the overarching fostering strategy. Based out of the Thetford office, the successful candidate will act as the Registered Manager and Agency Decision Maker, ensuring that children and young people grow up in homes where they can truly thrive.
The role reports directly to the Director of Fostering and requires a professional who leads with integrity, sustaining a culture where excellent practice is both expected and celebrated.
Job Summary
* Strategic Leadership: Driving the organisational strategy in an innovative way to ensure targets and KPIs are exceeded in line with the regional business plan.
* Operational Excellence: Delivering superior financial performance and value for money while exceeding regulatory standards and requirements.
* Safeguarding Advocacy: Acting as the lead for internal and external inspections and providing detailed reports to the Safeguarding Board.
* Relationship Management: Forging strong new partnerships with local authorities and commissioning groups to generate and develop revenue streams.
* Quality Assurance: Embedding robust quality systems across the service to ensure child protection principles are central to everyday practice.
Duties & Responsibilities
* Deliver an effective people management approach for a team of Operations Managers through regular supervision, coaching, and mentoring.
* Undertake the critical responsibilities of Agency Decision Maker for fostering and review panels.
* Lead the region through successful internal and external inspections in the capacity of Registered Manager.
* Provide a safe and well-ordered environment for staff, ensuring practice systems and recording methods are efficient and high-quality.
* Collaborate with the Marketing team to design and execute recruitment plans for organic carer growth.
* Drive a culture of constant reflective practice, challenging decision‑making to keep the best outcomes for children at the centre.
* Attend and facilitate monthly Performance and Development Review meetings, providing key information to the Operations Board.
* Manage and monitor regional budgets effectively to ensure value for money and service efficiency.
Requirements & Benefits
The Essentials:
* Qualifications: A Social Work Degree (or equivalent) plus a Level 5 Management Qualification.
* Registration: Must maintain Social Work England registration and membership in a relevant professional body.
* Experience: Significant post‑graduate experience with a proven track record of senior management, preferably within the Independent Fostering Provider (IFP) sector.
* Expertise: Exceptional knowledge of childcare legislation, specifically Fostering Regulations and Standards.
* Mobility: A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle to facilitate required business travel.
The Package:
* Salary: £60,000 - £72,000 per annum.
* Allowances: £100 per month car allowance.
* Health & Wellbeing: Access to therapeutic sessions, Medicash (dental/optical cashback), and dedicated "Health and Wellbeing" leave.
* Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 28), plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a half‑day for festive shopping.
* Rewards: Service awards up to £600 and special recognition awards for outstanding practice (£500).
* Security: Life Assurance Scheme (3x annual salary) following successful probation.
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To discuss this vacancy in more detail or if you'd be interested in hearing about similar opportunities, please contact Ethan Proud via: Mobile: 07384481925
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
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