Job Description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Independent Fostering Reviewing Officer to join our Fostering Service. The Fostering Service are responsible for assessing and supporting mainstream and kinship foster carers. We have oversight of foster carers, ensuring that they are maintaining regulatory requirements, are accessing appropriate training and are being supported adequately by the local authority.

In this role the main responsibilities are;

Chairing Annual Reviews for all Foster Carers, undertaking Quality Assurance activity, overseeing the Management of Allegations/Standards of Care Investigations and supporting with any tasks relevant to the role. As part of the preparation for an annual review they will also conduct audits of the agency’s files to ensure a high standard of recording is maintained. They will also make sure that all paperwork is fit for purpose and that feedback is received and action taken where necessary to resolve issues. The Independent Fostering Reviewing Officer is expected to produce high quality reports and provide carers with a copy of these, raising any concerns with the relevant professionals involved, if required. Where necessary they will complete additional reports relevant to the role, attend fostering panel where necessary and provide clarity in relation to complex issues or disagreement to members of the team and wider service area.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for chairing Annual Reviews for Foster Carers, producing high quality annual review reports. As part of the preparation for a review they will also conduct audits of the agency’s files to ensure a high standard of recording is maintained. Responsible for offering advice and oversight regarding allegations against Foster Carers, and any Standards of Care investigations. Ensuring fostering duties are met, national minimum standards and regulations are complied with, and high standards of professional practice are delivered. To promote full and active participation of Foster Carers in meetings, including visiting them in their home and seeking their views to inform their annual review. To rigorously assess foster carers capability to meet the needs of children in foster care, incorporating their wishes and feelings as we as ensuring that all feedback is received, in line with fostering regulations. To highlight areas of good practice or commendations alongside areas of development for both the foster carer and the agency. Provide participants with a clear summary of the meeting, recommendation and action points. To confirm all checks including medical, DBS are within date. That all household insurances are up to date, M.O.T and car insurance is valid, Health and Safety and Safe Care Policies are current and implemented. Foster carers are fulfilling the agency expectations in relation to recording, training, Training, Support and Development Standards and the Foster Care Agreement. To prepare high quality review reports with clear recommendations to the agency regarding the carer(s) and household’s suitability to foster, evidencing the reasoning behind the recommendations made. To meet and work within agency deadlines and timescales to ensure the efficient running of the service. To represent the department at other relevant meetings. To participate in Quality Assurance activity, this will include an audit of carers files whilst preparing for their annual review. Any concerns should be raised with the Team Manager

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at the Town Hall in Weston-Super-Mare but there is an expectation of chairing meetings in foster carers homes which could be based outside of North Somerset .

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

1-2 days in the office Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand. Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Fostering, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

knowledge of fostering regulations show initiative and self-reliance. demonstrate good communication skills - oral and written. be adaptable and able to respond to requests or requirements at short notice. be able to work effectively with fostering households, families, children and young people and other agencies. be able to provide direction to others. be able to assess risks and work positively with foster carers to develop a realistic action plan. be able to prioritise work and deliver to deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

Worked in a senior position Previous experience of chairing meetings

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

Competitive salary and benefits Flexible working arrangements Local Government Pension Opportunities for professional development Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the button below. I apply onlinef you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Katie Bailey, Fostering Service Lead, at

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader , we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date:

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL (main account)

Latest Leads

Independent Fostering Reviewing Officer