Fostering Services Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to take over services that embed the HOMES model throughout its entire fostering approach, as the current leader is moving on. You will be supported by highly equipped and experienced managers who see the importance of delivering on a culture of psychological safety

Action for Children Fostering Services in England southwest provide the highest standards of care to the most vulnerable children and young people by the provision of safe, secure, and successful foster homes including short breaks for children with additional needs. These services are located around Exeter, Devon and Bristol.

We provide foster families with excellent training, supervision, and support to achieve the best outcomes for the young people we look after. We provide high quality of care always ensuring children and young people are at the centre of our approach. We offer a therapeutic HOMES model and carers and staff have access to skilled psychologists with specialist knowledge of the needs of looked-after children.

Provide strategic leadership to ensure strong practice and leadership is upheld

Provide and deliver on AFC values

Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of regulated services across Exeter, Devon and Bristol

Provide oversight and accountability to AFC Head of Service (Fostering) and Ofsted, the Regulatory Body

Lead and be accountable for safeguarding, recording and practice.

Build strong relationships with carer families, local organisations and partner agencies

Be the external representative and attend local events, panels and forums to promote and strengthen the service.

Hold a recognised social work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW) and be registered with Social Work England

Significant experience across children’s social care, including fostering.

Experienced in leading, motivating and supporting managers and social workers, challenging under‑performance and promoting best practice.

Confident analysing data, managing budgets and applying commercial awareness within a social care context.

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t.

By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us create change that really matters. And when we succeed, we’ll recognise what you did to make a difference.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

For more information about our Fostering Services Manager role, please check out job description here

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under-represented within Action for Children.

Men are currently under-represented within our Children Service roles. We’d like to change that. So, we really encourage men to apply for any of our Children Service roles.

See below for further information about working with us:

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Management Competency Framework

Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services