Responsible Individual - Fostering Agency in Ilford

Job description

About Us

We are Unique Support and Care Limited, a care provider and recruitment agency. We are currently recruiting for a multinational investment organisation, seeking to open a new Independent Fostering Agency (location is up to you), they are committed to building a service that delivers exceptional care, stability, and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Who We Are looking for

We are seeking a highly skilled and ambitious individual to take on and lead the fostering Agency. This is a rare opportunity to join at the very beginning, take responsibility for Ofsted registration, design your dream care agency prioritising care, culture, commercialism and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of the fostering service in line with Ofsted requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with Fostering Services Regulations 2011, the Children Act, and National Minimum Standards.
• Recruit, assess, and supervise foster carers, supported by a skilled team.
• Line-manage supervising social workers and provide clear professional leadership.
• Embed safeguarding and child-centred practice across the agency.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, Ofsted, and multi-agency professionals.
• Responsible for implementing the 4Cs: Culture, Compliance, Care, Commercialism.
• Drive growth, innovation, and continuous improvement from start-up stage onwards.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Qualified in Social Work, Psychology, or a Therapeutic field (DipSW, BA/MA Social Work, CQSW, or equivalent).
• Minimum 2 years’ recent experience in fostering or children’s services.
• At least 1 year in a supervisory/management role within fostering or children’s care.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, fostering legislation, and Ofsted compliance.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ambition and vision to form a growing agency.

Desirable Attributes

• Trauma-informed or therapeutic care training.
• Previous involvement in Ofsted inspections.
• Familiarity with multi-agency working and partnership building.
• Experience in recruitment, training, or mentoring foster carers.
• Experience with start-up or newly registered fostering agencies.
• Knowledge of digital case management or reporting systems.

What We Offer

· Highly competitive salary: £50,000 – £120,000 (depending on experience).

· Equity/Profit Share: 20% company shareholding or 20% interest as the business grows.

· Unique opportunity to build and shape a new fostering agency from the ground up.

· Supportive and open communication, ensuring you have the guidance and resources you need.

· Career-defining opportunity to make a lasting impact in the fostering sector.

If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to: office@uniquesupportandcare.co.uk

Recruitment Stages:

1. Quick virtual chat to review your CV and suitability for the role

2. Interview with the head of investment committee

3. Final Stage – (Prepare a cashflow model for review)

Unique Support & Care Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Ilford

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

16-09-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English