Revised Oct 2012
Job Description and Personal Specification
Post:
Quality Standards Manager
Salary Scale:
£40,747 - £43,600
Based at:
Sheffield
Reporting to:
Director
Responsible for:
Independent Reviewing Officers and Independent Auditors
Job Description:
To contribute to the provision of a first class fostering service within Team Fostering.
To develop and implement systems across the company, and ensure the accurate
recording and monitoring of all aspects of the Agency’s performance. To act as the
Agency decision maker.
Key tasks will include the following:













To contribute to the development of a high quality fostering service, ensuring
that Team Fostering achieves ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ in all Ofsted
inspections.
To share responsibility with the Assistant Directors for monitoring the
Agency’s policies and procedures, ensuring that they are properly
implemented in practice, and that the Agency’ systems and practice comply
with UK legislation, the UK National Minimum Standards, and the Fostering
Service Regulations.
To work closely with the Assistant Directors to contribute to the planning and
development of the service.
To undertake the role of Agency decision maker, making objective, robust
decisions on behalf of the Agency.
To work closely with the Assistant Directors, Team Managers and Fostering
Panel Chairs in both regions to ensure that Foster Panels function effectively.
To work with and supervise the Independent Reviewing officers in both
regions and oversee the management of the foster carers’ annual reviews,
To work with and supervise the Independent Auditors in both regions and
ensure that regular file audits are completed in all the company’s offices.
To act as the company’s designated Complaints Officer.
To contribute to the Agency achieving and maintaining externally verified
standards such as Investors in People.
To provide quarterly reports, and an annual report to the Board members
regarding quality assurance monitoring, audit feedback and the analysis of
performance monitoring.
To take a lead role in developing and monitoring the Agency’s policies and
procedures, social work and foster care policies and procedures, including
Health and Safety in relation to foster carers’ homes and organised activities.
To be an active member of the Senior Management Team, liaising with
colleagues on cross cutting agendas.
To keep abreast of developments in fostering and measure the Agency’s
performance against its own key performance indicators and objectives as
well as against government/local authority KPI’s and performance
frameworks.
Revised Oct 2012




To liaise across all departments, and design and implement systems for the
recording and monitoring of performance in all areas.
To provide regular training and development for staff, in the implementation of
Quality Management systems.
To understand and contribute to a cycle of continuous improvement.
Other tasks relating to the management of a first class fostering service.
Person Specification:
Essential:
















Substantial experience of providing services for looked after children.
Extensive knowledge of legislation, regulations, guidance and standards that
relate to the provision of fostering services for children in England.
An understanding of the role of independent fostering providers, their
relationships with local authorities and the market environment in which they
operate.
DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent with post-qualification and supervisory
experience.
The commitment and capacity to complete a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership
for Health and Social Care and Children and young People’s Services.
An understanding and experience of quality management systems.
An ability to analyse complex information, and provide written evaluations to
staff and managers.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to liaise
effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
Proven ability to direct and lead, and manage and supervise staff.
A commitment to developing the agency as a successful, ethical business
within the not for profit sector.
Ability to communicate effectively on a range of levels.
Ability to build and sustain positive professional relationships.
Experience of using Microsoft Office packages, including Word, Excel and
PowerPoint.
An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities.
Willingness and availability to work flexible hours, including some overnight
stays when working at the company’s other offices.
Commitment to continuous personal development.
Desirable:
 Previous experience of setting up and operating quality management
systems.
 Experience in an independent fostering agency.
 Current UK driving licence.
Additional Expectations:
 All staff will subscribe to the ethos and ethical values upheld by Team
Fostering.
 All staff are expected to comply with Team Fostering’s Safeguarding Policy
and promote the safeguarding of children throughout their work.
 All staff are expected to comply with Health and Safety regulations and
guidance in the course of employment.
Revised Oct 2012



All staff are expected to comply with the agency’s equality and diversity
policy.
Team Fostering does not allow smoking in the workplace.
The post is subject to an enhanced CRB check.