Service Manager-Fostering Innovations

Liquid Personnel is recruiting an experienced Service Manager – Fostering Innovations for its client’s Fostering Innovations team based in Hillingdon. This is a full-time permanent role offering up to £60,000 per annum and the opportunity to lead a high-performing fostering service focused on achieving outstanding outcomes for children and young people. Purpose of the Job To comply with and understand Fostering Innovations safeguarding policy and procedures and take action as appropriate in relation to children and vulnerable groups regarding matters of safety, protection and wellbeing. Fostering Innovations is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and eliminating discrimination as a core value. The Service Manager is accountable for developing and managing Fostering Innovations, including managing all aspects of fostering resources and support functions within the Agency. Working in accordance with the policies and procedures of Fostering Innovations, relevant legislation, and national guidelines, the Service Manager promotes and ensures that Fostering Innovations provides a professional fostering service for local authorities placing children and young people. The Service Manager is responsible for working in accordance with current safeguarding and child protection practices, regulations, National Minimum Standards, guidance, and Ofsted requirements. The Service Manager will contribute to the provision of a first-class fostering service for children by working closely with the Directors to effectively manage the social work team in the assessment, supervision, and support of foster carers. The Service Manager will ensure that Fostering Innovations is fit for purpose as a fostering agency by supporting its continuous development and maintaining, improving, and developing the quality and standards of childcare provision and practice within the fostering service. Fostering Innovations Staff Values The needs of the child are paramount. Commitment to the stated purpose as expressed above. Honesty and respect are central in all dealings with others. Valuing difference. Judgements will be based on evidence, not hearsay. Key Tasks Main Duties and Responsibilities Monitor and control the activities of the fostering service and ensure quality performance that exceeds the National Minimum Standards and meets the Fostering Services (England) Regulations. Ensure the fostering service is organised, managed, and staffed to produce the best possible outcomes for children, with safeguarding at the centre of all activity. Prepare the fostering service and coordinate all activities for monitoring and inspections by Ofsted, London Care Councils, and Local Authority frameworks. Contribute to fostering service planning and development, including: Attendance at provider forums and meetings. Tendering and contracting. Content for publicity and marketing materials. Manage a team of Team Managers, ATMs, and Supervising Social Workers. Manage a high-quality fostering service, ensuring that comprehensive support services and robust supervision are provided to all foster carers. Supervise and manage a staff team, including social workers and other social work staff, providing support, supervision, and advice. Maintain the agency’s high standards to promote positive outcomes for children and young people and ensure that social work and foster care practice continues to achieve ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ in Ofsted inspections. Take responsibility for ensuring that the Agency’s policies and procedures are properly implemented and monitored by social workers and that agency practice complies with UK legislation and the UK National Minimum Standards. Contribute to Agency or Team training and development where applicable. Work within financial budgets and promote good practice and placement stability to ensure the continuing security of the company. Be a member of the Management Team and contribute to strategic planning for the agen…