Senior Fostering Panel Lead & Practice Coach

Bradford Children and Families Trust; Bradford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Annual leave + bank holidays

LG Pension

Professional development

Salary sacrifice benefits

Job summary

Bradford Children and Families Trust is seeking an experienced fostering practitioner to lead the Fostering Panel and ensure high-quality decision-making for children and carers.

You will mentor social workers, supervise complex cases including court proceedings, and drive continuous improvement through audits and professional development. The role requires SWE registration, a social work degree, and significant post-qualification experience.

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification (Degree in Social Work, Dip SW, CQSW, or equivalent).
• Current SWE registration.
• Post-qualifying Social Work award or evidence of ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the smooth running of the Fostering Panel, ensuring high-quality decision-making and positive outcomes for children.
• Quality assures assessments, reports, and panel papers to ensure they meet statutory, regulatory, and service standards.
• Act as the professional adviser to the Fostering Panel, providing expert guidance on legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Mentor, coach, and develop social workers, helping to strengthen practice and prepare for panel and court proceedings.
• Drive continuous improvement through audits, quality assurance activity, practice reviews, and service development initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with panel members, managers, and partner agencies to maintain an effective and child-centred fostering service.
• Lead training, learning, and practice development activities that promote excellence across the service alongside managing the fostering training officer.
• Support operational leadership by deputising for managers when required and contributing to strategic service improvements.

Skills

Social Work

Fostering Panel

Leadership

Mentoring

Regulation Knowledge

Court Proceedings

Education

Degree in Social Work

Post-qualifying Award

Job description

Bradford Children and Families Trust is seeking an experienced fostering practitioner to lead the Fostering Panel and ensure high-quality decision-making for children and carers.

You will mentor social workers, supervise complex cases including court proceedings, and drive continuous improvement through audits and professional development. The role requires SWE registration, a social work degree, and significant post-qualification experience.