Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Adoption & Permanency Lead Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across our permanency services and to drive excellent outcomes for children and families.
As Adoption & Permanency Lead Manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing adoption and permanency practice, ensuring children achieve permanence without delay and experience stable, nurturing family life.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic and operational leadership across adoption and permanency services, including adoption, family finding, matching, and support to adoptive families.
* Ensure the service meets all statutory requirements for adoption work, and is fully compliant with relevant legislation, regulations and statutory guidance.
* Act as a senior professional lead for adoption practice, providing expert oversight and decision‑making in complex cases.
* Lead on performance, quality assurance and service development, ensuring readiness for OFSTED inspection.
* Promote high‑quality, trauma‑informed and strengths‑based practice, with the child’s voice central to all decisions.
* Work collaboratively with internal services and external partners, including regional adoption arrangements, courts and agencies.
Qualifications
* A recognised social work qualification and current Social Work England registration.
* Significant post‑qualifying experience in adoption services, including direct involvement in adoption decision‑making and leadership.
* Clear evidence that you meet the statutory requirements for undertaking adoption work, in line with adoption regulations and guidance.
* In‑depth knowledge of adoption legislation, regulations, statutory guidance and best practice.
* Proven experience of improving service quality, performance and outcomes, including successful engagement with OFSTED.
* Strong leadership, communication and partnership‑working skills.
* A clear commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti‑racist practice.
What We Offer
* 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
* Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, providing a guaranteed income in retirement.
* Flexible work arrangements: hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time.
* Vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more.
* Payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership.
* Excellent training and development opportunities.
* Employee well‑being training programs and confidential employee assistance.
Equality and Diversity
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and promotes equality in the workplace and in the services it delivers. The Council welcomes applications from all backgrounds and encourages applications of all abilities. We are a Disability Confident Employer and support flexible working arrangements.
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