Fostering Panel Advisor

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Join Southwark Council as a Fostering Panel Advisor. This part-time role involves leading quality assurance and influencing best practices in fostering. With a focus on child welfare, you will drive strategic improvements and support social work teams in effective case presentations.

Qualifications

• Experienced professional with knowledge of fostering legislation and care standards.
• Capable of advising at senior levels and implementing changes effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality assurance processes and provide expert advice to staff and senior leadership.
• Implement strategic improvements based on panel outcomes.

Skills

Quality assurance

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Social Work Qualification or equivalent

Job description

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Fostering. Be the change every child deserves.

At Southwark Council, we are transforming the lives of children in care. Central to this mission is our Independent Fostering Panel - driving standards, shaping outcomes and ensuring every child finds a safe, nurturing home.

We are looking to recruit a Fostering Panel Advisor on a part-time contract (21.6 hours per week) to be at the forefront of this vision, influencing strategic practice and delivering excellence where it matters most.

About the Role:

As the Fostering Panel Advisor, you will take on a strategic, non-case-holding role within our fostering service. Reporting to the Service Manager and working alongside the Panel Chair, you will lead quality assurance, staff development and regulatory compliance efforts.

You will support social work teams in presenting high-quality, child-centred cases to the Fostering Panel and provide expert advice to senior leaders, including the Agency Decision Maker and Head of Service.

This role also involves:

• Providing expert advice and panel oversight to uphold Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards
• Leading strategic improvements based on panel outcomes to influence best practices across the service
• Line managing the Panel Administrator and enhancing the panel process
• Designing and delivering professional development initiatives grounded in research and innovation

Your work will directly influence how we support carers and children, ensuring high standards, clarity of purpose, and impactful outcomes.

About You:

You are an experienced and knowledgeable professional with an extensive understanding of fostering legislation, child development, and care standards. You are confident advising at a senior level and skilled in translating complex guidance into meaningful practice improvements.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has authoritative knowledge of Fostering Regulations, legislation, and national standards
• Holds a strong background in quality assurance and staff development within children’s social care
• Communicates with clarity and inspiration, engaging practitioners, panel members, and senior leaders alike
• Is strategically minded, with proven ability to identify themes, implement change, and influence outcomes at scale
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and ensuring their voices are at the heart of decision-making

About Us:

At Southwark, our fostering service is recognised for its high standards, innovation, and child-first ethos. We are a diverse, forward-thinking borough that values creativity, equity, and integrity. You will join a high-performing team committed to continuous learning and development, supported by strong leadership and a shared sense of purpose.

If you’re driven by impact and ready to lead change, we invite you to join us and help shape the future of fostering in Southwark.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sophie James via email [e-mail]

Additional Information:

• Social Work Qualification or equivalent is required
• Registration with Social Work England is required
• Hours of work: 21.6 hours per week
• Type of contract: Part-time, permanent
• Enhanced DBS required

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.