The Fostering Network

Improving the lives of children and young people in foster care

Job Description

Job title / Director of The Fostering Network in Wales
Accountable to / The Chief Executive
Objectives / To be responsible for the leadership, development and management of The Fostering Network in Wales
To contribute, as a member of the senior management team, to the overall leadership and management of The Fostering Network across the UK
Hours / 36 per week (flexible working patterns apply). It is in the nature of this post that at times working hours may exceed 36 hours
Location / Cardiff
Status / Permanent
Requirement
Does the post involve contact with children/young people / Yes
Disclosure required / Yes

RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS

1.Strategic Management and Leadership

1)As a member of the senior management team, to contribute to the strategic development and management of the organisation

2)Lead policy development in Wales as well as contributing to the overall policy development work of The Fostering Network

3)Ensure that The Fostering Network in Wales, working with its members, takes the lead in developing and promoting policy and practice that improves the lives of children in foster care

4)Ensure positive co-operation and effective working arrangements with external agencies and individuals, in Wales in order that The Fostering Network’s charitable and strategic objectives are met

5)Lead, in consultation with the Chief Executive, the development of an agreed strategy for The Fostering Network in Wales

6)Ensure that standards of practice applied to the delivery of services and the management of staff reflects good practice in equal opportunities.

7)Represent the organisation externally to key stakeholder groups including government (local and central), inspection and registration bodies, fostering services and foster carers.

8)Develop and sustain a wide range of relationships across Wales, ensuring that The Fostering Network is in dialogue with its members.

9)Act as a spokesperson to the media.

10)Identify opportunities for new business and be responsible for project development in Wales.

2.Development and Managementof Services

1)To be responsible for the development and delivery of services in Wales.

2)Prepare long term plans, annual work plans and budgets as required, in line with strategic objectives and ensure delivery

3)Identify new areas of work seeking and securing funding as required and ensure obligations to funders are fully met

4)To hold manage and be responsible for budgets, approving and authorising expenditure in accordance with budgetary constraints and delegated authority

5)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

6)Working with the director of finance and resources, ensure all financial queries are resolved

7)Monitor procedures to ensure that cash and cheque stationery are kept in secure locations and that all receipts, invoices and expense claims are retained for at least 7 years

8)Ensure that financial processing and reconciliation meets required deadlines

9)Set clear objectives and targets for each area of work, in consultation with relevant staff, and ensure they are achieved

10)Establish appropriate quality assurance mechanisms, using these to improve services

3.Management of people

1)Lead and manage the staff group in Wales.

2)Operate a clear system of delegation which ensures that every member of staff is aware of her/his accountability and authority

3)Be responsible for sound personnel management in accordance with The Fostering Network’s employee handbook, including the operation of:

a)recruitment, disciplinary, grievance, health and safety procedures and all other conditions of service as necessary,

b)The Fostering Network’s supervision, appraisal and annual performance review system.

4.General

1)Undertake other responsibilities as directed by the chief executive.

2)To work in accordance with The Fostering Network Staff Handbook and ensure legislative and regulatory requirements are met.

3)Work professionally, cooperatively and innovatively to achieve the objectives of the post.

4)Work in a flexible way when the occasion arises so that tasks which are not specifically covered in the job description are undertaken.

5)Take responsibility for one’s own performance and implement a personal development plan in agreement with the chief executive.

Additional Duties and requirements:

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 postholder must be willing and able to work flexible hours and to travel occasionally as required, mainly in the UK, with occasional overnight stays

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 OF THE FOSTERING NETWORK IN WALES

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications/ Knowledge and Experience

  1. Professionally qualified in social work, or a related discipline oran ability to demonstrate qualification by experience.
  2. An excellent knowledge and understanding of foster care and of children and families social work.
  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 campaigning.
  6. Knowledge and experience of financial management and project management.
  7. A good working knowledge of and strong commitment to, anti discriminatory practice.

Skills and Abilities

  1. Ability to develop and formulate strategic 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 andsensitive 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. Ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  9. Ability to prioritise and manage a varied and demanding workload, meet deadlines and work in an organised and systematic way.
  10. Ability to inspire credibility and confidence to a wide range of audiences.

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.

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