Fostering Service Manager

Polaris Community; Ivybridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Medical Cash Plan

Free on-site parking

Supportive environment

Job summary

Foster Care Associates (The FCA) in Ivybridge, Devon, seeks a Fostering Service Manager to lead and develop social work services. You will be accountable for operational and regulatory performance, reporting to the Registered Manager, and guiding Foster Parents with a focus on high-quality care for looked-after children.

The role demands strong leadership, safeguarding expertise, and collaboration with local authorities to drive service improvements within the Polaris Community.

Qualifications

• A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Experience supervising and supporting staff, including managing performance.
• Significant experience in fostering or children’s social care management.
• Knowledge of fostering legislation, policies and safeguarding procedures.
• Strong written communication with ability to produce clear, analytical reports.
• Leadership and team-management skills.
• Excellent communication and trauma-informed practice commitment.
• Willingness to travel and a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Retention and support: build strong relationships with Foster Parents to enhance retention and satisfaction.
• Wellbeing and engagement: foster a culture of empathy and support for staff and Foster Parents.
• Commercial growth: develop strategies to support agency growth and sustainability.
• Leadership and development: lead a team of social workers and support professional development.
• Quality assurance and compliance: ensure regulatory standards and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder engagement: work with local authorities and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Written communication

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Driving licence

Education

Social Work qualification

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

Foster Care Associates (The FCA)
Fostering Service Manager
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Location: Ivybridge, Devon
Latest Ofsted Inspection: Outstanding – 2026

• 30 days’ annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Life Assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Medical Cash Plan
• Free on-site parking
• Supportive, family-friendly working environment

Help transform the lives of children and young people across Cornwall and Plymouth

Join Foster Care Associates, one of the UK’s leading independent fostering agencies and part of the Polaris Community. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a strong reputation for supporting children, Foster Parents and staff, we are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Fostering Service Manager to join our friendly and supportive South West team.

About Us

Founded by a former Foster Parent and social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an established fostering agency and forms part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK’s leading communities of children’s services providers.

The business was born from a passion for delivering fostering services that make a positive difference to the lives of looked-after children. Our first office was based in the Worcestershire countryside, where our head office remains today.

We have come a long way since those early days. Over the years, The FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. Our purpose remains the same: ‘to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities’. This is underpinned by a series of values designed to help children and young people reach their full potential.

Today, we are one of the country’s largest and most experienced independent fostering agencies while remaining committed to providing personal, responsive support to every child and Foster Parent.

About the Role

As Fostering Service Manager, you will work closely with local authorities to effectively manage, develop and promote social work services within your remit. You will be accountable for the operational, regulatory and financial performance of the service.

Reporting directly to the Registered Manager, you will provide positive and strong leadership to your team, ensuring high-quality care for children and young people while supporting and empowering our Foster Parents.

• Retention and Support: Build strong, trusting relationships with Foster Parents to enhance retention and satisfaction, ensuring they feel valued and supported at every stage of their journey
• Wellbeing and Engagement: Foster a culture of empathy and support, prioritising the wellbeing of staff and Foster Parents and creating a positive, inclusive environment
• Commercial Growth: Develop and implement strategies to support the commercial growth of the agency, helping to ensure long-term sustainability and stability
• Leadership and Development: Lead a dedicated team of social workers, support their professional development and maintain high standards of practice
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure the service meets regulatory standards, with a focus on continuous improvement and good practice
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work collaboratively with local authorities, commissioners and other external partners to promote the agency and strengthen relationships

About You

We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and inspiring leader with a commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and Foster Parents.

• A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
• Experience of supervising and supporting staff, including managing performance, promoting development and maintaining high standards of practice
• Significant experience in fostering or children’s social care management
• Comprehensive working knowledge of relevant fostering legislation, policies and safeguarding procedures
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, analytical and high-quality reports
• Strong leadership and team-management skills
• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based practice when supporting children, young people and Foster Parents
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as part of the role, including occasional overnight stays if required
• A full UK driving licence

Join us in making a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and Foster Parents while helping to build on the success and continued development of a high-performing fostering service.

No agencies, please.

Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Foster Care Associates has Disability Confident Employer status through Jobcentre Plus.

Foster Care Associates is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.