Responsible Individual - Fostering Service

Location: Hayes, UK
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent/Full-time

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Responsible Individual (RI) to take on a pivotal leadership role within a fostering service dedicated to supporting children, young people, and foster carers. As the Responsible Individual, you will oversee the regulatory compliance, performance, and overall quality of the fostering service, ensuring that it meets all legal and statutory requirements while fostering a culture of excellence and safeguarding.

This is a critical role that requires a deep understanding of the complexities of fostering and children's services. You will provide strategic leadership, ensuring the service operates in line with Ofsted regulations and best practice, whilst maintaining the highest standards of care for vulnerable children and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Children Act (1989), Fostering Regulations (2011), and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering.
• Oversee the operation and governance of the fostering service, ensuring the service meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with Ofsted and other regulatory bodies, ensuring the service is fully prepared for inspections and addressing any actions arising from inspections or reviews.
• Lead on the implementation of policies and procedures designed to safeguard children and promote their welfare, ensuring all staff and foster carers follow these standards.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Registered Manager, senior staff, and foster carers, ensuring the service remains focused on positive outcomes for children.
• Review and monitor the quality of care provided, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring continuous development within the service.
• Ensure effective recruitment and retention of foster carers, offering support and guidance to maintain a stable and high-quality fostering community.
• Support the development of fostering placements to ensure they meet the diverse needs of children, including those with complex needs or challenging behaviours.
• Oversee the financial management of the fostering service, ensuring it remains financially viable while delivering high standards of care.
• Represent the fostering service at a strategic level with external partners and stakeholders, including local authorities, health bodies, and third-sector organisations.
• Work closely with the senior management team to set goals and drive service improvement, ensuring the fostering service is recognised for its high standards and positive outcomes.

About You:

The ideal candidate will be a knowledgeable and experienced leader within the fostering or social care sector, with a clear understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding fostering services in the UK. You will have a strong focus on safeguarding, a commitment to promoting the welfare of children, and the ability to inspire and guide a team to deliver exceptional care.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker with a degree in Social Work (or equivalent qualification) recognised by Social Work England.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant experience in a senior management role within a fostering service or children's social care.
• Thorough knowledge of the Children Act (1989), Fostering Services Regulations, National Minimum Standards, and the Care Standards Act (2000).
• A proven track record of leading and managing fostering services in line with Ofsted requirements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage relationships with foster carers, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Experience of working with regulatory bodies, such as Ofsted, and ensuring