Fostering Agency Decision Maker (ADM)

The Agency Decision Maker will be part of the leadership team, will carry out the regulatory duties of the fostering ADM to consider the recommendations made by the fostering Panel and Independent Reviewing Officer and then make and deliver decisions from these considerations. The ADM will support the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual in the Agency's quality assurance, management and governance processes ensuring that it implements and delivers a child-centred model of care for our community's most vulnerable children and young people., + Work alongside the Registered Manager to develop and deliver a fostering service which maximises outcomes for children and young people living in our foster homes, and supports their safety, security and well- being.

+ Undertake the role of ADM, making objective, robust decisions on behalf of the Agency, ensuring these decisions are 'Hofstetter' guidelines and principles to make the final decision about approval and that these are communicated effectively to: social work practitioners, families and Panel members and within statutory timeframes.
+ Support the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual to implement and monitor Agency's policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant UK legislation and the Fostering National Minimum Standards.
+ Provide advice and guidance on data protection matters affecting the Agency

+ Play a key role in the strategic development of the Agency through provision of specialist knowledge and expertise.
+ Maintain an up-to-date knowledge on new legislation, case law, policy guidance and local/ regional policy developments, and supporting the implantation of new legislation in conjunction with Senior Leaders.
+ Provide training to key staff on the role and function of the Agency Decision Maker.
+ Ensure Panel Chair is suitably qualified and equipped to discharge his/her duties. The ADM will conduct annual appraisals of Panel Chair.
+ Sign-off the annual Panel Report completed by the Panel Advisor.
+ Support with quality assurance and guide the Agency to achieve continuous improvement in order to achieve/sustain a good / outstanding Ofsted judgement.
+ Ensure that equality and diversity are properly reflected and addressed in the documents upon which the post holder's decisions are based and ensuring that there is evidence that the heritage needs of children have been identified and can be met by prospective foster parents.
+ Provide regular reports to internal and external bodies as required of the Agency and its Leadership team.

+ Work closely with the Responsible Individual, Registered Manager and Panel Chair to ensure that Panel functions effectively and complies with all fostering regulations.

+ Attend quarterly joint supervisions with the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual.
+ Attend quarterly meetings with the Panel Chair to monitor and review the effectiveness of fostering panel.
+ Ensure inspection readiness, to strive for Outstanding in all areas.
+ Professional and strategic leadership to drive the development and sustainability of high quality therapeutic fostering homes for children and young people.
+ Provide effective leadership and management ensuring that the needs of children and young people are fulfilled, and outcomes significantly improved.

+ Social Work qualified and Social Work England registered; minimum of 5 years.
+ Extensive post-qualifying experience of fostering / social care practice and management.
+ Evidence of recent, self-directed, professional development and a commitment to continue.
+ At least 3 years post-qualifying experience in childcare social work with knowledge of childcare law and practice.
+ 2 years' experience of fostering (in last 5 years).
+ Significant and demonstrable knowledge and understanding of legislation and guidance, policy and procedures, and best practice in relation to functional responsibilities.
+ Experience in performance management and the implementation of systems to support excellent performance.
+ Full UK driving licence.