Leadership and Management

The fostering Agency is managed ethically, effectively and efficiently, delivering a service which meets the needs of its users. See also: Monitoring and Review Procedure.

Management of the Agency ensures that all staff's work and all fostering activity is consistent with the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the Fostering National Minimum Standards, and with the Agency's policies and procedures.

Staff and foster carers have access to all the Agency's procedures via the online procedures manual, and have a copy of:

1. The policies and working practices in respect of grievances and disciplinary matters;
2. Details of the services offered;
3. The equal opportunities policy;
4. Health and safety procedures.

The Agency ensures that managers, staff and foster carers are clear about their roles and responsibilities, and that the level of delegation and responsibility of the manager, and the lines of accountability, are clearly defined. Clear arrangements are in place to identify the person in charge when the registered manager is absent.

The registered person ensures that copies of inspection reports by Ofsted are made available to all members of staff, to their foster carers, children fostered by the service and their parents/carers, and, on request, to the responsible, or where different placing, authorities of existing foster children or those considering placing a child through the service.

Information is provided to commissioners of services as part of tendering. This includes:

1. Charges for each of its services;
2. Statements of the amounts paid to foster carers; and
3. Any amounts paid for other services e.g. health and education.

The Agency has a written procedure on considering and responding to representations and complaints in accordance with legal requirements and relevant statutory guidance – see Complaints Procedure.

The fostering service is provided and managed by persons who are suitable to work with children and have the appropriate skills, experience and qualifications to deliver an efficient and effective service.

People involved in carrying on and managing the fostering service:

1. Have good knowledge and experience of law and practice relating to looked after children;
2. Have business and management skills to manage the work efficiently and effectively; and
3. Have financial expertise to ensure that the fostering service is run on a sound financial basis and in a professional manner.

The registered provider must appoint an individual to manage the fostering agency and notify Ofsted of the name of that manager and the date of their appointment.

Ofsted Guidance – Social Care Common Inspection Framework:  Independent Fostering Agencies provides that the failure to appoint a manager after 26 weeks where there is no or limited evidence of attempts to recruit/appoint, will usually lead to an inadequate judgement for leadership but never more than requires improvement. Also, the overall judgement is unlikely to be better than good.

If a manager fails to apply to be registered, once appointed for more than 12 weeks, then the judgement for leadership and management will usually be inadequate.

The responsibilities and duties of the manager, and to whom they are accountable, are clear and understood by them. The manager is notified in writing of any change in the person to whom they are accountable. The manager exercises effective leadership of the staff and operation, such that the fostering service is organised, managed and staffed in a manner that delivers the best possible child care that meets the individual needs of each fostered child and of foster carers.

The responsible individual responsible for supervising the management of the fostering agency is fit to do so:

• Is of integrity and good character;
• Is physically and mentally fit to carry on the fostering agency;
• Has not been adjudged bankrupt or made a composition arrangement with their creditors; and
• Full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the person in respect of each of the matters specified in Schedule 1 Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011:
  1. Proof of identity including a recent photograph;
  2. A DBS check at the appropriate level;
  3. Two written references, including a reference from the person's most recent employer, if any;
  4. Where a person has previously worked in a position whose duties involved work with children or vulnerable adults verification, so far as reasonably practicable, of the reason why the employment or position ended;
  5. Documentary evidence of any relevant qualification;
  6. A full employment history, together with a satisfactory written explanation of any gaps in employment.

The registered provider and the registered manager will, having regard to:

• The size of the fostering agency, its statement of purpose, and the numbers and needs of the children placed by the fostering agency; and
• The need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children placed by the fostering agency;
• Carry on or manage the fostering agency with sufficient care, competence and skill.

The responsible person and the registered manager will undertake, from time to time, such training as is appropriate to ensure that they have the experience and skills necessary for carrying on/managing the fostering agency.

The registered manager has:

1. A recognized social work qualification or a professional qualification relevant to working with children at the required level;
2. A qualification in management at the required level;
3. At least two years' experience relevant to fostering within the last five years; and
4. At least one years' experience supervising and managing professional staff.

Appointees to the role of registered manager who do not have the management qualification (above) must enrol on a management training course within six months, and obtain a relevant management qualification within three years, of their appointment.