Job Description
Job Title:
Senior Administrator / Business Operations Support Lead (Fostering Service)
Location:
London
Contract Type:
Full-time / Permanent
Salary:
Starting from £25,000+
Job Purpose
The Business Operations Support Lead is responsible for the overall management and coordination of administrative and operational functions within the fostering service. The post holder will ensure that all systems, processes, and support services run efficiently, enabling the delivery of high-quality care and positive outcomes for children and young people.
The role includes oversight of fostering panel administration, stakeholder feedback processes, and contractual engagement with Local Authorities.
Key Responsibilities
Operational and Administrative Leadership
- Take overall responsibility for the business support and administrative functions of the fostering service.
- Develop, implement, and maintain efficient systems and processes to support service delivery.
- Ensure all administrative activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and within required timescales.
Fostering Panel Administration
- Lead the coordination and administration of fostering panel meetings.
- Ensure all panel documentation is prepared, quality assured, and distributed in line with regulatory requirements.
- Record and maintain accurate panel minutes, decisions, and outcomes.
- Liaise with panel members, social workers, and external participants to ensure smooth panel operations.
- Support with Pre- and Post panel paperwork
Feedback and Quality Assurance
- Develop and manage systems to collate and analyse feedback from:
- Children and young people
- Foster carers
- Birth parents
- Professionals and partner agencies
- Use feedback to inform service improvements and quality assurance processes.
- Support preparation for audits, inspections, and service reviews.
Contracts and Tender Management
- Coordinate and manage tender submissions and contract documentation with Local Authorities.
- Ensure all tender applications are completed accurately and submitted within deadlines.
- Maintain records of contracts, agreements, and service-level expectations.
- Support ongoing contract compliance and reporting requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain effective communication with social workers, foster carers, Local Authorities, and partner agencies.
- Ensure all communication is professional, timely, and sensitive.
Service Development
- Identify opportunities to improve administrative systems and operational processes.
- Contribute to service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support implementation of new systems, policies, and procedures.
Placement Officer – Key Responsibilities
· Match children and young people with suitable foster carers in a safe, timely, and compliant manner
· Assess referrals and identify placements based on carers’ skills, experience, and availability
· Ensure all decisions align with fostering regulations, National Minimum Standards, and Ofsted requirements
Placement Coordination
- Manage placement requests from Local Authorities
- Act as the main point of contact for referrals from social workers and commissioning teams
- Review and analyse referral information, including children’s needs, risks, and preferences
- Work collaboratively with managers to identify appropriate placement options
Foster Carer Profile Management
- Develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date foster carer profiles
- Highlight carers’ skills, experience, and availability
- Promote carers to Local Authorities as suitable placement matches
- Work with internal teams to ensure information is current and well-presented
Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Local Authorities, social workers, and commissioning teams
- Liaise effectively with internal colleagues
- Provide a responsive and professional approach to enquiries and referrals
- Support partnership working to generate placement opportunities
Data Management and Reporting
- Record all placement activity on systems such as Inspire
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of referrals, decisions, and placements
- Track placement activity and outcomes
- Produce reports for management to support performance monitoring and decision-making
Safeguarding Statement
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment
Pay: From £25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- London IG1 1BA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- What is your understanding of fostering and being a senior administrator in this field? (Mandatory)
Education:
- Certificate of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- Administrative: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
