Fostering Panel Advisor and Review Chair

At Coventry City Council, we are embarking on an incredible journey to create a brighter future for Coventry's children. As a 'Good' Local Authority, we believe in pushing boundaries and delivering excellence for children and families. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

Our vision is clear, and our social workers are unwavering in their commitment to putting children and families at the centre of their practice. 

Be part of our inspiring team, making a meaningful difference in the lives of Coventry's children. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where every child's potential can flourish.

Coventry City Council has been investing in its Fostering Service for several years and has seen both numerical growth and significant improvement in practice as a result. More than half of our looked after children are now cared for by a carer approved by Coventry. There has been investment both in our mainstream fostering teams and in ensuring that wherever possible children can remain living with their extended network via a connected persons arrangement. The service has a commitment to working closely with our foster carers and with children’s social work teams to ensure that fostered children are well cared for and achieve best outcomes. We are committed to continuing these developments by building on these strengths.

The successful candidate will be integral to the continued growth of the service by providing advice to the fostering panel and by taking on responsibility for the oversight of foster carer reviews following team manager quality assurance.

Fostering panels take place virtually. However, the post holder will be expected to attend the office for relevant meetings, personal supervision and training days.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Who are we looking for?
We are keen to receive applications from qualified social workers who have experience of working with foster carers. It would be beneficial if this work has included sitting as a fostering panel member but this is not essential. The role of panel advisor requires clear understanding of the fostering regulations and standards. It also requires the ability to work collaboratively and relationally with the independent panel chair, vice chairs, panel members and those attending the panel.

The children, families and carers we work with come from a variety of backgrounds and in order to deliver the best possible care it is vital that we have a workforce that represents and understands their unique experiences and perspectives.

Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented within the Fostering team and encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply. This does not prevent individuals with other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Katherine Robinson – Katherine.robinson@coventry.gov.uk

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.