Assistant Director of Fostering

Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child?

Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what n eeds fix ing, together.

This is the work. And we’d like you to be part of it.

Compass Fostering is recruiting an Assistant Director of Fostering to join our senior leadership team at an exciting time of growth and ambition.

Working closely with the Managing Director of Fostering, you will play a pivotal role in delivering our strategic vision - driving foster carer recruitment, improving placement stability, and ensuring high-quality, safe and stable homes for children and young people.

You will lead and develop a high-performing team of Heads of Fostering and senior leaders, building a culture where quality, safeguarding and commercial performance go hand in hand.

Key responsibilities

• Drive foster carer recruitment and retention, working in partnership with Local Authorities to support sufficiency and meet growing demand
• Lead initiatives to improve placement stability and reduce unplanned endings, using data and insight to inform decision-making
• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, child protection and regulatory compliance across all services
• Support and develop Heads of Fostering to achieve and sustain Outstanding inspection outcomes
• Deliver operational and commercial performance in line with growth targets, KPIs and budgets
• Build strong, credible relationships with Local Authority commissioners and key partners
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Safeguarding, Recruitment and Marketing teams to continuously improve performance
• Contribute to strategic growth, including new services, partnerships and integration of acquisitions
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and values-led leadership

Role Requirements

• Degree or equivalent social work qualification
• Significant senior leadership experience within an Independent Fostering Provider
• Proven track record of delivering growth, improving performance and driving quality outcomes
• Strong understanding of fostering regulations, safeguarding and inspection frameworks
• Experience working with Local Authority commissioners and partnership models
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance performance and child-centred practice
• Inspirational leadership style with the ability to engage and influence at all levels

Benefits of joining Compass Fostering

• Competitive salary aligned to your experience and impact
• Car allowance to support hybrid and flexible working
• Wellbeing support, including access to therapeutic services
• Recognition and reward schemes, including service awards and monthly recognition
• Medicash health plan for everyday healthcare costs
• Life assurance scheme
• Generous annual leave, increasing with service

Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicants will be offered a role subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Compass is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.