Regional Fostering Hub Manager (FTC until July 2026)

Bracknell Forest Council

  • Bracknell, Berkshire
  • £55,224-60,728 per year
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 15 days ago
This is a fixed-term opportunity until 31st July 2026 or secondment opportunity for internal staffJoin our team as a skilled and adaptable Regional Fostering Hub Manager, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Local Authority Fostering South East (LAFSE) Recruitment Hub. This post is fully funded by the Department for Education until July 2026, with the potential for extension.At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. This is a hybrid position, primarily home-based, with an expectation to attend our Bracknell offices 5-10 days per month and travel across the South East to support partner councils.About you...You will play a key management role in overseeing the effective day to day functioning of the LAFSE Recruitment Hub, ensuring it aligns with regional fostering recruitment and retention strategies. This means managing day-to-day operations, leading workforce development initiatives and supporting the Regional Strategic Lead in delivering the hub's goals. You will work closely with key stakeholders including the Data Manager, Regional Marketing Manager, the Enquiry LAFSE Lead, Enquiry Officers and other staff across 17 partner councils.You will bring proven experience in fostering management and be ready to take on your next challenge within a high-profile regional programme. As a qualified social worker, you will oversee the quality assurance of initial home visit reports for prospective foster carers, and provide, or coordinate, expert guidance on quality standards, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.About the team...Our virtual recruitment hub is the driving force behind fostering recruitment across the South East. You will be part of a small, close-knit and friendly team that is supportive and united by one powerful mission - making a real difference in children's lives.Every day, we work together to recruit and retain passionate foster carers, helping children across the region grow up safe, secure and surrounded by love.Our leadership team is hands-on, approachable and committed to listening; you will always feel supported and valued.At our Local Authority Fostering South East Recruitment Hub, everything we do is driven by one clear purpose: to create more loving, stable foster homes across the South East and give children the future they deserve.Key responsibilities...
  • Ensure operational excellence and operational day to day delivery of hub objectives in collaboration with senior leads in the programme.
  • Oversee workforce development, marketing and data initiatives including training, skills development and staff support to enhance recruitment and retention of foster carers and staff.
  • Provide leadership in quality assurance and safeguarding, supporting compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
  • Support consistent quality in call handling and initial home visit assessments, ensuring high standards in recruitment practices.
Our benefits...
  • 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years' continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days*.
  • Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
  • Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
  • Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
  • Social Work England registration fees paid.
  • Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
  • Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
*(pro rata for part time)or see the candidate pack.Our valuesAt Bracknell Forest Council define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.Reasonable adjustmentsWe are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting . We will work with you to support you throughout the process.Interview dateInterviews will be held on 9 September 2025.Due to the time sensitive nature of recruiting for this role, shortlisting will take place on 5th September, if successful - you will be contacted on this day with a time slot for your interview.Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.Want to ask us a question?For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:Anne-Marie Ali, Senior Project Delivery Manager,Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.Any successful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying.Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of working within the current Social Care System and Framework.We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.No agencies please.Equal OpportunitiesBracknell Forest Council - Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Bracknell Forest Council