Team Manager - Fostering (Panel Advisor)

Location:Cheshire EastOrganisation:Cheshire East CouncilPay Rate: Up to £45.00 per hour

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Team Manager - Fostering (Panel Advisor) to join Cheshire East Council on a locum basis. This is a senior-level role offering both strategic influence and operational impact within a respected fostering service.

Cheshire East Council is recognised for its commitment to delivering high-quality services to children and families across the borough. Serving the communities of Cheshire East, the council combines strong governance with a clear vision: to ensure every child grows up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

The fostering service is built on integrity, professionalism, and a shared commitment to excellence. Leaders are visible and supportive, and there is a genuine culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

As Panel Advisor, you will play a critical role in maintaining the highest standards across fostering services. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert quality assurance on Form F assessments, Connected Person (K) assessments, Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments, and annual reviews

• Supporting and advising the Fostering Panel to ensure robust, legally compliant decision-making

• Ensuring assessments and reports meet regulatory standards and best practice guidance

• Offering professional guidance and constructive challenge to social workers and managers

• Maintaining oversight of fostering processes to promote consistency and excellence

• Contributing to service development and improvement initiatives

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration

• Substantial post-qualification experience within fostering services

• Proven experience working with Fostering Panels

• Strong background in quality assurance of Form F, K/Connected Persons, SGO assessments, and annual reviews

• Experience operating at management or senior practitioner level

• Excellent report writing, analytical, and decision-making skills

This is more than a management post. It is an opportunity to uphold excellence, influence practice across a fostering service, and ensure that every decision made in panel reflects the best interests of children.

If you are a confident fostering professional ready to lead with authority and integrity, we welcome your application.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.