Team Manager - Fostering (Panel Advisor)
Location: Cheshire East
Organisation: Cheshire East Council
Pay Rate: Up to £45.00 per hour
Lead Excellence. Shape Standards. Safeguard Futures.
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.
About Cheshire East Council
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.
The Role - Panel Advisor (Fostering)
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
Experience Required
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.
