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Job Title


Head of Fostering


Company : Portman Recruitment Ltd


Location : Thetford, England


Created : 2025-12-16


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Head of FosteringLocation: East Region (Based in Thetford Office)Contract: Permanent, Full TimeSalary:Up to £72,000 + benefitsAbout the RoleAre you an experienced social work manager ready to take the next step into senior leadership? Do you thrive in a role where you can mentor, inspire, and shape a skilled teamall while driving exceptional outcomes for children and young people?Our client is seeking an ambitious and people-focused Head of Fostering to lead their well-established East region. This is a standout opportunity for a dynamic fostering professional who is passionate about high-quality practice, team development, and delivering outstanding this pivotal role, you will:Lead and support a team of Operational Managers, Social Workers, and Support StaffDrive excellence across performance, safeguarding, and service deliveryInfluence strategic direction and contribute to the organisations long-term growthOversee regional outcomes while ensuring carers and children receive exceptional supportWork closely with the Assistant Director of Fostering, who is seeking a genuine people leader with warmth, empathy, and a therapeutic leadership styleThis position offers real visibility, influence, and the chance to shape a thriving fostering service that changes lives every day.What You Will BringYou will already be a confident manager within fostering or a related area and ready to step up into a senior role. You must have:A Social Work degree and Social Work England registrationExperience working toward KPIs and performance targets, particularly those linked to carer recruitment and retentionStrong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and therapeutic practiceA people-centred leadership style, with the ability to inspire and empower othersA valid driving licence and access to a car, with flexibility to travel across the region and nationallyYou will be someone who leads with integrity, compassion, and ambitionbringing both strategic thinking and real emotional intelligence.Why Join Our Client?This role offers not only a competitive salary but a package designed to support your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance.Benefits Include:?? Car Allowance£100 per month to support flexible working across locations.?? Wellbeing SupportAccess to therapeutic wellbeing sessions through the organisations therapeutic team.?? Rewards & RecognitionLong service awards: £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years), £600 (10 years)Up to £500 special recognition awards for outstanding practice?? Medicash Health PlanCashback on dental, optical, physiotherapy, and moreRetail and lifestyle discounts?? Life Assurance3 annual salary paid to your chosen beneficiary (after probation)?? Generous Annual Leave25 days, rising to 28 after 4 yearsPlus bank holidaysAdditional 2.5 days for birthday leave, wellbeing day, and festive shoppingYoull also benefit from being part of an organisation with a strong reputation for therapeutic practice, reflective leadership, and genuine dedication to carers and children.Additional InformationAppointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.Our client is an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect. As their organisation continues to grow, they value a workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.If youre ready to take the next step in your social work leadership journeyand want to make a profound impact across a thriving fostering regionapply today.TPBN1_UKTJ