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 at .uk

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

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 18th June 2025
• Shortlisting date/s: Friday 20th June 2025
• Interview date/s: Friday 27th June 2025

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.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.?Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

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Attachments

• Fostering Panel Advisor - Job Description & Person Specification (2)