Fostering Panel Advisor – Kingston & Richmond – Achieving for Children

Job Description

Fostering Panel Advisor – Kingston & Richmond – Achieving for Children

Achieving for Children is seeking a highly organised and experienced Fostering Panel Advisor to work across both Kingston and Richmond IFA branches. This key role will drive high-quality service delivery in line with fostering regulations and national minimum standards, ensuring robust quality assurance and contributing to safe and effective fostering practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as Agency Panel Advisor (PA), supporting agency decision-making and quality assurance of reports presented to the fostering panel.
• Liaise effectively with branch managers, panel administrators, and panel members to ensure compliance with fostering regulations.
• Lead the development and implementation of independent quality assurance processes for the fostering panel.
• Provide advice and challenge to ensure foster carers and applicants receive a high standard of service.
• Deliver training to AfC teams to enhance understanding of fostering panel processes and national requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safer recruitment practices for all panel members, including maintaining documentation, checks, and appraisals.
• Prepare for Ofsted inspections and contribute to management-level meetings, including the IFA board.
• Oversee the production of annual panel reports in collaboration with panel chairs and members, highlighting service themes and improvement areas.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with relevant fostering/advisory experience.
• In-depth knowledge of fostering regulations, fostering services, and national minimum standards.
• Strong background in quality assurance and service improvement within fostering or children’s services.
• Excellent interpersonal and report-writing skills with the ability to influence at a senior level.
• Experience working with or advising on independent fostering panels.

Additional Information:

• Base: 44 York Street, Kingston & Richmond.
• 28.8 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00).
• Inside IR35.

Ardent Social is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation.