Fostering Service Manager

Get Staffed Online Recruitment; Enfield; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent fostering agency is seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead the development of their fostering service. The role encompasses operational oversight, compliance, and quality improvement. You will work closely with management to ensure outstanding care standards and drive performance. A qualified Social Worker with 5+ years in fostering and management is essential. The position is full-time, based in Enfield, offering a competitive salary of £65,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in fostering, child protection, or children's social care.
• At least 2 years in a management role.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision to fostering teams.
• Oversee operational and compliance aspects of the service.
• Lead service planning and foster carer recruitment.
• Maintain readiness for Ofsted inspections.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Support innovation through evidence-based practice.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Compliance

Safeguarding

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Health and Social Care

Job description

Service Manager

Location : Enfield (Pavilion Business Centre, EN3)

Salary : £65,000 per annum

Job type : Full-time, Permanent (Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week)

About this Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Service Manager to lead the ongoing development and performance of an established fostering service, while also helping to shape a new specialist provision designed to support children and young people with complex needs.

This is a strategic leadership role combining operational oversight, quality improvement, and service development with the autonomy to influence practice, culture, and outcomes across the organisation. You'll work closely with senior management to ensure compliance, drive performance, and deliver outstanding care standards to the existing service in line with Ofsted, Fostering Regulations (2011), and National Minimum Standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear professional leadership and supervision to fostering teams, promoting a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all operational and compliance aspects of the service, ensuring safe, high-quality placements for children and young people.
• Lead on service planning, foster carer recruitment, retention, and quality assurance.
• Maintain readiness for Ofsted inspections, ensuring the service consistently meets or exceeds regulatory expectations.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, regulators, and external stakeholders to strengthen outcomes and agency reputation.
• Support innovation and development through evidence-based practice and reflective learning.
• Any other analogous duties.

About You

• Qualified Social Worker (registered with Social Work England).
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualifying experience in fostering, child protection, or children's social care, with at least 2 years in a management role.
• Proven track record in leadership, compliance, safeguarding, and inspection readiness.
• Strong communication, analytical, and service improvement skills.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Health and Social Care (or willingness to obtain).

About the Company

An established independent fostering agency with over 15 years of experience delivering high-quality, child‑centred care across London. The agency is now expanding its provision to include a specialist fostering service, maintaining its long-standing commitment to excellence in safeguarding, development, and carer support.