About the Role
This is a short-term, strategic role designed to guide the agency through its Ofsted registration and pre-operational phase. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all necessary frameworks, policies, and documentation meet Ofsted's regulatory and quality standards in line with the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards (NMS).
You will work closely with the agency's Directors to prepare for and support the Ofsted assessment process, demonstrating that the agency has the required leadership, management, and governance in place to deliver safe and effective fostering services.
Please note: This is a fixed-term appointment solely for the purpose of registration. Once Ofsted registration is granted, the agency will recruit a permanent Registered Manager to lead the service into its operational phase.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the Named Registered Manager during the Ofsted registration process.
* Support the Directors in preparing for Ofsted interviews, documentation reviews, and compliance checks.
* Ensure all required policies, procedures, and quality assurance systems meet Ofsted and legislative requirements.
* Advise on regulatory expectations, governance, and operational readiness.
* Liaise professionally with Ofsted inspectors and external stakeholders throughout the registration process.
* Provide expert input on fostering standards, safeguarding, and social work practice.
About You
* Hold a recognised Social Work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, or BA/MA in Social Work).
* Registered with Social Work England.
* Have significant experience working within a fostering service, ideally in an Independent Fostering Agency setting.
* Previous experience as a Registered Manager or Responsible Individual during an Ofsted registration or inspection process is highly desirable.
* Excellent understanding of the Fostering Services Regulations, National Minimum Standards, and Ofsted inspection framework.
* Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
Why Join Us?
* Play a key leadership role in helping a new fostering agency achieve Ofsted registration.
* Be part of a founding phase guided by compassion, integrity, and a genuine understanding of fostering.
* Competitive remuneration reflective of expertise and short-term commitment.
* Flexible working arrangements available.
Barker Ross Group values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.
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