Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us
Assistant Team Manager - Fostering Team
The fostering service has recently become an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) split into two branches but with a number of centralised functions. Operational Area 1 is based in Kingston and Operational Area 2 is based in Maidenhead. The main office base for this role will be at Town Hall, Maidenhead. This role will be responsible to the Fostering Branch Manager in Maidenhead. The IFA is expanding as a service, growing in fostering households, services and functionality. As we are an IFA, Ofsted complete fostering focused inspections as well as iLACs for the wider children service.
About the role
As the Assistant Team Manager for the Operational 2 branch of AfC, you will report to the Fostering Branch/Registered Manager and work collaboratively to support the fostering team. Your responsibilities will include:
1. managing a reduced caseload of supervising foster carers and/or assessments
2. supervising approximately three full-time social workers
3. representing the fostering service in meetings across the agency, chair stability meetings, and assist with auditing, reporting, and Ofsted requirements
4. involves supporting peer supervision and foster carer support groups.
This creative and supportive position offers professional development through AfC’s training programs. Based in Maidenhead, the role offers flexible hybrid working and is currently a 12-month contract with the potential for extension.
For more information please contact the hiring manager Natalie Bugeja on
About you
5. Educated to degree level with appropriate professional Social Work qualification
6. Active Social Work England registration and proven evidence of CPD
7. Previous experience of supervising social workers in the context of children social care/fostering
8. In-depth knowledge of the Children Acts (1989, 2004), Fostering Regulations, and National Minimum Standards, with awareness of current policies and best practices in children's social care
9. Experience in fostering teams, supervising foster carers, conducting assessments (Form F, Form C), and completing annual reviews and safeguarding
10. Proven ability to maintain records, produce accurate reports, and communicate effectively with stakeholders
11. Strong analytical skills for assessing foster carers' and children's needs, with experience in managing complex cases and applying critical reflection
12. Proficient in ICT, Liquid Logic, PARIS, and Google Suite
13. Driven to achieve challenging goals, celebrate success, and deliver excellent outcomes using a strength-based approach
14. Passionate about Achieving for Children’s vision and values, with strong organizational and multitasking abilities
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
15. 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month(Or for term term workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract.)
16. Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
17. Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
18. Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
19. A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
20. A range of staff benefits and discounts
21. An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children. For our social work offer .
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.