Job Description

In this section

Salary:

53,836 - 59,012

Hours:

Full time - 35 hours

Location:

This is a hybrid role, with travel to our Belfast office at least once a week.

Contract:

Permanent

Who we are

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The Fostering Network is the UK's leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

Who we are looking for

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We are looking for someone with extensive experience of the fostering sector to assist with leading the wor k in one of our four nations. You will have experience of working with local authorities, key government officials and a broad range of key stakeholders.


A strategic thinker, collaborative, with excellent leadership skills and a wide range of experience. You will be a member of a leadership team or looking to progress your career to this level. You will bring a track record of delivering excellent outcomes in the field of social work, specifically fostering and care experienced children, along with a desire to continue to develop your skillset.


Additionally, you will have experience of managing budgets and able to demonstrate a knowledge of sound safeguarding practice.

What you'll be doing

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This is an exceptional opportunity for a high calibre professional with leadership experience to join our fantastic organisation. This post is one of four Country Directors, working with the CEO to deliver on our organisational strategic objectives in each country


The post will manage and lead on key initiatives in a specific country, drive forward the monitoring, impact and evaluation of our work and ensure continuous improvement through innovative models of practice. You will have responsibility for developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships and be responsible for securing grants, fundraising and engage in activity to promote TFN and respond to the needs of the sector. A key responsibility for the post holder is to ensure that our services and products are sector leading, evidence-based and child centred.

What we can offer you

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38 days leave (including bank holidays) A range of family friendly and fostering friendly leave options Flexible and hybrid working Enhanced maternity and adoption pay Enhanced sick pay 24/7 Employee Assistance Helpline Pension and life assurance Contribution to eye tests and lenses Season ticket loans

Our commitments to you

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The Fostering Network is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially those from under-represented and minoritised backgrounds. All applications and hiring decisions will be considered on merit.


If you identify as care experienced and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under our commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant If you have a disability, please tell us what reasonable adjustments would support your participation in the recruitment process We are open to job-sharing arrangements for all roles, please indicate this in the application form if you are applying as part of a job share

Ready to apply?

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To apply please email your completed application form to recruitment@fostering.net .


CVs will not be accepted.

Closing date:

Sunday 15 February 2026

Shortlisting date:

Tuesday 17 February 2026

Stakeholder Interview:

Tuesday 24 February 2026 (online via Teams)

Interview date:

Thursday 26 February 2026


The Fostering Network Registered office 87 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8HA Registered charity in England and Wales 280852 and in Scotland SC039338 Registered in England and Wales as a limited company no. 1507277 VAT Registration 231 6335 90 thefosteringnetwork.org.uk