The Fostering Network Improving the lives of children and young people in foster care JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Responsible to: Objectives: DIRECTOR, THE FOSTERING NETWORK WALES Chief Executive To contribute, as a member of the senior management team, to the overall leadership and management of the Fostering Network across the UK To be responsible for the leadership, development and management of the Fostering Network in Wales Hours: Location: 36 per week (flexible working patterns apply). It is in the nature of this post that at times working hours may exceed 36 hours Wales RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS 1. Strategic Management and leadership 1.1. As a member of the senior management team, to contribute to the strategic development and management of the organisation taking the lead on UK issues as required 1.2. Lead on the strategic development of the Fostering Network in Wales and the annual delivery of services in line with an agreed business plan 1.3 Ensure that the Fostering Network Wales, working with and through its members, takes the lead in developing and promoting policy and practice that improves the lives of children in foster care 1.4 Develop and sustain a wide range of external relationships and ensure positive cooperation and effective working arrangements with external agencies and individuals, in Wales in order that the Fostering Network s charitable and strategic objectives are met 1.5 Ensure that standards of practice applied to the delivery of services and the management of staff reflects good practice in all areas 1.6. Represent the organisation externally to key stakeholder groups including government (local and central), inspection and registration bodies, fostering services and foster carers 1
1.7. Act as a spokesperson to the media 1.8 Identify opportunities for new business and potential funding streams and be responsible for project development and bid writing in Wales. 1.9 To hold, manage and be responsible for budgets, approving and authorising expenditure in accordance with budgetary constraints and delegated authority 1.10 Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and to provide reports as requested by the Chief Executive. 1.11 Ensure that standards of practice applied to the delivery of the Fostering Network s services and the management of staff issues reflect good practice in all areas 1.12 Coordinate and support the Wales advisory committee, enabling the committee to function effectively as an advisory body for our work in Wales 2. Development and Management of Services 2.1. To be responsible for the development and delivery of services in Wales. 2.2. Prepare long term plans, annual work plans and budgets as required, in line with strategic objectives and ensure delivery 2.3. Identify new areas of work seeking and securing funding as required and ensure obligations to funders are fully met 2.4. Working within the overall organisational strategy for membership retention and recruitment, to lead on the development and implementation of the strategy for Wales. 2.5. To hold manage and be responsible for budgets, approving and authorising expenditure in accordance with budgetary constraints and delegated authority 2.6. Act as cheque signatory and ensure that all items for payment are backed up by invoices or expense claims signed in accordance with authority delegated by the Board 2.7. Working with the director of finance and resources, ensure all financial queries are resolved 2.8. Maintain an overview of financial processes ensuring that these are operated in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Fostering Network 2.9. Set clear objectives and targets for each area of work, in consultation with relevant staff, and ensure they are achieved 2.10 Establish appropriate quality assurance mechanisms to improve impact and effectiveness 3. Management of people 3.1 Lead and manage staff. 2
3.2 Operate a clear system of delegation which ensures that every member of staff is aware of her/his accountability and authority 3.3. Deliver sound personnel management in accordance with the Fostering Network s policies, procedures and practices, including: a) The operation of recruitment, disciplinary, grievance, health and safety procedures and all other conditions of service procedures as necessary b) The operation of an appraisal system and procedures for identifying the training and development needs of staff and seeing that those needs are met c) The organisation s values. 4. General 4.1 Undertake other responsibilities as directed by the chief executive. 4.2 Ensure legislative and regulatory requirements are met 4.3 Work professionally, cooperatively and innovatively to achieve the objectives of the post. 4.4 Work in a flexible way when the occasion arises so that tasks which are not specifically covered in the job description are undertaken. 4.5 Take responsibility for one s own performance and implement a personal development plan in agreement with the chief executive. Additional Duties It is the nature of the Fostering Network that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises and undertake tasks that are not specifically covered in their job description. The post holder must be willing and able to work flexible hours and to travel occasionally as required, mainly in the UK, with occasional overnight stays 3
Important note: Candidates are assessed on their ability to meet the criteria listed in the person specification. It is essential that you refer to the person specification below and demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria listed when completing the application form. DIRECTOR, THE FOSTERING NETWORK WALES PERSON SPECIFICATION Qualifications/ Knowledge and Experience 1. Professionally qualified in social work, or a related discipline or an ability to demonstrate qualification by experience. 2. An excellent knowledge and understanding of foster care and of children s social care 3. Awareness and understanding of recent developments and trends in child care law, policy and practice. 4. Understanding of organisational development and experience of managing, developing and motivating staff in a changing environment at a senior level in an organisation. 5. Experience of policy development and influencing. 6. Knowledge and experience of financial management and project management. 7. A good working knowledge of, and strong commitment to, anti-discriminatory practice. 8. Experience of policy development and campaigning. 9. Experience of report writing for a range of audiences Skills and Abilities 1. Ability to develop and formulate strategic and business plans and implement them. 2. Ability to contribute to the strategic development of the organisation as a member of the senior management team. 3. Ability to lead, motivate and manage staff. 4. Ability to make and take considered and informed decisions on complex and sensitive issues in relation to both operational matters and strategic issues. 5. Ability to analyse information, formulate appropriate proposals for change and successfully implement these. 6. Good networking skills and the ability to influence at all levels inside and outside the organisation. 7. Ability to develop existing good practice and to initiate and manage the development of creative and innovative ways of working. 8. Excellent report writing skills. 9. Ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 10. Ability to prioritise and manage a varied and demanding workload, meet deadlines and work in an organised and systematic way. 11. Ability to inspire credibility and confidence to a wide range of audiences. 12. Ability to analyse information, formulate appropriate proposals for change and successfully implement these. 4
13. Good networking skills and the ability to influence at all levels inside and outside the organisation. 14. Ability to develop existing good practice and to initiate and manage the development of creative and innovative ways of working. 15. Ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 16. Ability to communicate to a wide range of audiences including the media. Desirable 1 A leadership or management qualification 2 Personal experience of foster care 3 A working knowledge of the Welsh language Attitudes 1. Commitment to equal opportunities. 2. Commitment to the values that underpin and inform the work of the Fostering Network. 3. Commitment to support, learning, feedback and development for staff and personally. 4. Willingness to be flexible in response to the reasonable needs of the organisation and to taking on appropriate new responsibilities. 5. Prepared to work flexible hours and to travel occasionally as required, mainly in the UK, with occasional overnight stays. Our people values As an organisation, we believe that we make a difference by being:- Passionate Leading Catalyst for change Collaborative 5
Additional Information Pay and conditions of service Grade The Fostering Network Band 8 salary points 56-62. Salary 50,690-59,892 Annual Leave Probationary period Notice period Hours of work Pension 25 Days plus 5 Fostering Network days 6 calendar months. 3 months One week during probationary period. 36 per week Money-purchase scheme and salary sacrifice option is available with Aegon: Employee s contribution 6%, employer s contribution 8% of gross salary or employer s contribution 4% and employee s contribution of 3% of gross annual salary. Season Ticket Loan Trade Union An interest free season ticket loan is available to all staff immediately. The Fostering Network recognises the trades union Unite 6
Information about post The Fostering Network is the UK s leading charity for foster care. An office was established in Wales in 2003. We work in partnership with foster carers, social workers, parents, children and young people, Local Authorities, independent fostering providers, government and voluntary organisations to fulfil our principle objective, which is to improve the lives of children and young people in foster care. We do this through policy development, training, advice, information, publications, consultancy, individual projects and services to support the work of foster carers and fostering services. We also strive to inform, influence and persuade policy-makers and to improve public understanding of foster care. We are a membership organization with the all local authorities and the majority of independent providers in corporate membership as well as 5289 foster carers in individual membership in Wales. We provide a range of practical services to the fostering community. Over the past ten years, we have been actively involved in shaping fostering services by working with government, boards and fostering providers. Some of our successes include; Successful campaign to include in Social Services (Wales) and Well Being Act the provision to support looked after young people to remain in foster care post 16. Successful campaign to introduce national minimum fostering allowance The introduction of induction standards for foster carers The recognition of the role of males foster carers with the publication of Men who Care The recognition of the value of sons and daughters of foster carers. The production of resources for professionals who work to improve fostered children s lives, such as Ready Steady Care, a nutrition training pack. Amys Diary, to inform 7
professionals of the reality of life of a looked after child. The role of the Director is pivotal, providing leadership and management of the organization in Wales as well as being able to articulate the role of foster care in the community. The Director will work to secure funding to enable Fostering Network to further the local implementation of the strategic objectives of the organisation. He/she will be expected to effectively contribute to a number of high level groups on fostering. The successful appointee will be able to draw on the experience of colleagues working in similar roles across the UK and is expected to contribute to the work of Fostering Network on a UK wide basis. He/she will be a member of the senior management team which includes being involved in the development of policy and practice to a wide range of service providers and government. The job will be a key part of developments in Wales with opportunities for growth and development in this interesting and varied role. 8 8