Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced and driven leader to join a Welsh Authority's Children's Services on a maternity cover basis. As Regional Development Manager for Substitute Family Care, you will lead the development of high-quality, innovative fostering services across the region - shaping strategy, driving performance, and championing best practice.

You will have direct oversight of the regional front door for fostering recruitment, manage a small team of dedicated staff, and play a central role in the regional governance of Foster Wales.

What you'll be doing

• Leading the regional work programme for fostering services, including planning, delivery and improvement
• Using the national performance framework to shape regional priorities and generate plans for improvement
• Representing the region at national Foster Wales meetings and reporting to governance boards
• Managing a team including a Regional Marketing Officer, Recruitment Support Officers, Training Officer, and Resource Assistant
• Engaging with local authorities across the region to develop and implement shared objectives
• Working in partnership with operational managers, social work services, voluntary agencies and the third sector
• Ensuring children, young people and families are meaningfully involved in service development
• Reporting regularly to Heads of Children's Services and preparing business cases as required

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within fostering, children's services or a related area
• Strong understanding of fostering policy, practice standards and the Foster Wales framework
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills - from service users to senior leaders
• Experience of managing and developing teams
• Ability to analyse performance data and translate insights into actionable improvement plans
• A commitment to equality, safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for children and young people
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends when required