The primary purpose of the role is to:

* Act as agency advisor to the regional adoption panel on issues of regulation, policy and best practice

* Be responsible together with the Head of Service for ensuring the agency meets all regulatory requirements and aspires to Outstanding judgements in Ofsted inspection of services

* Directly manage the Panel Chair and administration team, ensure panels are effectively administered and all records are maintained to a high standard

* Ensure all panels operate effectively within regulation

* Ensure the panel chair and all panel members carry out their functions effectively

* Ensure the panel chair and all panel members have a good induction, receive good quality training and support and have an annual appraisal

* Be responsible for production of a 6 monthly panel report for presentation to All Local Authority Corporate Parenting Boards and the Partnership Board

* Quality assure all reports presented to panel from Adopt London East and all 4 LA's

* Provide expert support and guidance to team managers and workers in Adopt London East and all 4 Local Authorities to ensure all reports presented meet expected standards

* Support the work of all 3 Team Managers in raising standards of practice across Adopt London East

* Develop and deliver a range of training options for panel members, managers and staff in Adopt London East and all 4 Local Authorities

* Provide advice and support for the senior managers who act as Agency Decision Makers in Adopt London East and all 4 Local Authorities Directly manage an adoption social work team working across 5 London Boroughs

* Work with the Head of Service to undertake the strategic planning of the service.

* To provide leadership management in the delivery of efficient operation services to ensure the delivery of high quality, fully integrated services to children, young people and their families in line with the requirements of national legislation (including government regulation, local policy and best practice.)

* Provide direct oversight and decision-making on highly complex cases within the Group, and across the service area as required and to take a lead on key areas

* Deputise for the Head of Service when required

* Financial decision making and accountability for Panel budget within the agreed budgetary limits. Working with the wider management team to inform commissioning and market management/development to ensure service provision meets local need and delivers improving outcomes for children and families and value for money

* To be responsible for assigned projects

* Responsible for the HR management, performance and resource allocation for the team .and to manage the ongoing development of the service through the continuous improvement and performance management structures

* Support Face to Face working and guide collaborative partnership working within five Local Authorities with partner agencies and across other social work teams.

* Provide high-level professional support to front line social work staff and advanced SW Practitioners in 4 LA's

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.