Job Advert
The Big Life Group’s mission is to fight for equity, in health, in wealth and in life. We are a social business delivering a range of services across the North of England, covering everything from mental and physical health, addiction and criminal justice, to housing, education, family support and much more. What links them together is the way we work – The Big Life Way.
We always stand shoulder-to shoulder with people, working with them on the things that matter most to them. Everything we do is designed and informed by the needs, priorities and strengths of people and communities.
Courage: We stand up for ourselves, and the people and communities we work alongside, even when that makes us unpopular, or challenges accepted wisdom.-
Creativity: We find innovative solutions that work, never accepting the easy option or the status quo.
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Honesty: We act with integrity, speaking the truth to ourselves and others.
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Inspiration: We are inspired by the people and communities we work with and share what we learn from them to inspire others.
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Thoughtful: We act with care and compassion and work to understand people’s experiences. We take time to listen, reflect and continually learn.
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Valuing difference: We recognise and celebrate the unique qualities, gifts, insights and perspectives that different people offer.
At Big Life, work is more than a job – it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people and communities, making a difference every day. We fight for equity in health, in wealth and in life, and that commitment starts with how our staff.
We want you to feel safe, respected and able to bring your whole self to work. Difference is celebrated here, and our staff networks - from menopause to neurodiversity, LGBTQI+ and more - create space to connect and support each other.
We’re proud to be ranked by Best Companies as one of the UK’s outstanding places to work, with a two-star accreditation in 2024.
Our people describe our culture as relaxed and supportive. You’ll be trusted to plan your own day, take breaks when you need, and work in a way that fits with your life as well as your role.
If you’re looking for more than a job - if you want to be part of a team that’s bold, creative and relentlessly committed to equity – then Big Life could be the place for you.
Rate of pay
Set full and half day rate of pay – subject to negotiation (dependent on qualifications, skills and experience). Hourly rate for ad hoc work - £60
Hours
Initially, 1 – 2 days per month with the possibility of this increasing to reflect the needs of the developing service.
Base
Flexible to include working from home. Current office location - Zion Community Resource Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 4ZY (may be subject to change).
Line manager
Director of Children’s Care Services
Closing date for applications
17 August 2026
The Big Life Group is currently developing a fostering service, Big Life Futures Fostering. As part of our current development work, we are looking to appoint an Agency Decision Maker (ADM) who will be a senior member of the proposed fostering service.
Initially, prior to registration as a fostering agency, the post holder’s responsibilities will be on the development, support and scrutiny of our plans for Big Life Futures Fostering. The ADM will support the Proposed Registered Manager and Responsible Individual in the early developmental stages of the fostering agency and provide social work supervision to the Proposed Registered Manager.
Upon successful registration of the fostering agency, the ADM will carry out the regulatory duties of the fostering ADM including quality assurance and supporting with management and monitoring processes.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they meet the following points, either in their application, at interview, or through provision of references and certifications.
Safeguarding is fundamental to everything we do at Big Life. As a result, our expectations of the ADM post holder will be high, both in terms of practice, knowledge and ability to work collaboratively with the Proposed Registered Manager and Responsible Individual. The lived experience, wellbeing and safety of children and young people will be central to our decision when appointing to the role.
Following successful application and interview, applicants will be the subject of necessary checks and references, including an enhanced DBS check. Our safer recruitment approach for the ADM post holder will meet the requirements laid out in The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (s19, s20, s21, schedule 1) and Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards (standard 23).
For the full recruitment pack, including the job description and person specification, go to: Vacancies Archive - The Big Life Group
Please use the person specification and align yourself to each point in order to show how you are a match for the role.
Please send your CV to: [email protected] and do not complete the online application form.
