Panel Advisor – Fostering & Adoption

Panel Advisor – Fostering & Adoption
4 days per week | Start ASAP
Salary: £42.84/hr
Hybrid working

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 27 May 2026

You’re an experienced social work leader who thrives on influence, quality and challenge. As Panel Advisor, you will sit at the heart of excellent decision‑making, shaping fostering (and some adoption) panel practice and ensuring children benefit from safe, stable and loving placements. Reporting into senior leadership, you will be the professional voice that strengthens governance, sharpens scrutiny and drives continuous improvement at pace.

This is a high‑impact opportunity where your expertise will directly influence outcomes for children, support inspection readiness and raise standards across panel practice. If you’re motivated by improvement, partnership working and professional leadership, this Panel Advisor role offers challenge, visibility and real purpose.

Your role as Panel Advisor:

• Lead and oversee fostering panels, with involvement in adoption panel work
• Act as Agency Advisor, providing confident professional advice and constructive challenge
• Drive quality assurance, audit and inspection preparedness
• Champion safeguarding and the child’s voice in every decision
• Develop panel members through appraisal, learning and targeted training

You will work closely with panel chairs, agency decision makers and senior managers, ensuring panels operate lawfully, effectively and to the highest standards. As Panel Advisor, you will also use learning, feedback and best practice to influence service development and improvement, keeping children firmly at the centre.

Your experience as a Panel Advisor:

• Qualified, Social Work England registered social work manager
• Substantial experience in fostering and/or adoption services
• Expert knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance and National Minimum Standards
• Proven ability to challenge and advise at senior level
• Strong background in quality assurance, audit and inspection

This is an exciting time to join a service on a clear improvement journey, where your leadership will be valued and your impact visible. The Panel Advisor position offers flexible working, investment in your development and the chance to play a pivotal role in strengthening outcomes for children.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who could be a great fit for this Panel Advisor role, please contact the consultant on 0117 313 7110 or apply today.
We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation.

Our clients are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Recruiting decisions are based on skills and experience, and reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the process.

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