Agency Decision Maker (ADM) – Fostering

Schools’ Choice; Shrewsbury; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading body in fostering services is seeking an Agency Decision Maker for their Fostering Team. In this critical role, you will make independent decisions regarding foster carer approvals while ensuring compliance with fostering regulations. The position requires a qualified social worker with post-qualification experience in fostering and proven decision-making capabilities. Join us in shaping positive outcomes for children in care within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with current registration.
• 3 years post-qualification experience in fostering.
• Leadership or management experience within children's services.

Responsibilities

• Make decisions regarding approval, review, or deregistration of foster carers.
• Review documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Maintain a child-centered approach and uphold organizational values.

Skills

Qualified social worker

Post-qualification experience in fostering

Knowledge of fostering legislation

Ability to evaluate complex information

Leadership within children’s services

Understanding of trauma-informed care

Education

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

We have a exciting oppurtuity for a Childerns Social Worker to joing their Fostering Team as Agency Decision Maker

Job Title: Agency Decision Maker - Fostering

Hourly Rate £41.42

Work Pattern: Hybrid, attend office for pre-arranged meetings

Part time: 18.5 hours

Location: The Guildhall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

The Role

As the Agency Decision Maker (ADM), you will hold a critical position within our fostering service, responsible for making final, independent decisions regarding the approval, review, or deregistration of foster carers.

Your judgments will be based on thorough assessments, panel recommendations, and comprehensive supporting documentation.

This role is central to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding and ensuring positive, stable outcomes for children and young people. You will work closely with senior colleagues including the Panel Chair, Panel Advisor, contributing to a transparent, high-quality fostering process that reflects the best interests of each child.

Key Responsibilities

• Make timely, well-reasoned decisions following Fostering Panel recommendations, ensuring they are informed by evidence and aligned with statutory and regulatory guidance.
• Review a range of documentation including Form F and Form C Assessments, Annual Reviews, and reports relating to allegations or concerns.

Ensure all decisions comply with:

• The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011
• National Minimum Standards for Fostering
• Relevant safeguarding and child protection legislation
• Provide clear, written rationales for each decision, documenting the analysis and rationale behind your conclusion, ensuring Hofstetter compliance.
• Work in partnership with the Panel Chair, Panel Advisor, Team Managers to maintain robust quality assurance and governance frameworks.
• Remain up to date with evolving fostering practice, policies, and legislation, ensuring decisions reflect current best practice.
• Always maintain a child-centred approach, promoting safety, wellbeing, and long-term stability for children in care.
• Uphold the organisation's values by ensuring high standards of care, professionalism, and ethical practice are maintained throughout the fostering process

Skills and Experience:

• Qualified social worker with current registration with Social Work England.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in fostering, children's social care, or safeguarding.
• In-depth knowledge of fostering legislation, panel processes, and safeguarding requirements.
• Proven ability to evaluate complex information and make balanced, analytical, and child-focused decisions.
• Previous experience as an ADM, Panel Chair, or similar senior decision-making role.
• Leadership or management experience within fostering or wider children's services.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and therapeutic fostering models.
• 3 Years post qualifying experience

The closing date for completed applications is: 4th June 2025 (Midnight)