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.