Like many charities we have been opening our eyes to structural racism, bias and discrimination in our society, our organisation and the wider charity sector. Back in June, in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, St Christopher’s committed to ensuring we are a just and equal organisation for staff and young people of all races. Since then, our Race Matters Group has been exploring areas where St Christopher’s can make changes to benefit everyone who makes up our charity. Race Matters is composed of employees from across the service types and regions that we operate in. The group has identified five priority areas to work on:
For example, one topic of discussion has focused on how the organisation has assessed the resources we have to meet the health and wellbeing of staff and the young people we care for in the knowledge of how racism impacts on some groups. This includes how we engage and collaborate with external services and which of those services are best placed to meet the needs of our workforce and young people. The group has also looked at the appropriateness and context of terminology used within the organisation. As everyone offers a unique perspective on these issues they are not simple problems that can be solved, so it is essential to raise awareness and promote learning around these difficult topics. As an organisation we are encouraging colleagues to submit their equality and diversity data. This will provide an overall picture of our workforce so that we can look through different cultural lenses, be more targeted and create a stronger sense of belonging. Members are keen to ensure these changes are not short-term but ones that will benefit employees and young people long into the future. This means acting with thought and consideration and commitment to facilitating change which will last the test of time. Chief Executive Jonathan Whalley said: “Thank you to our colleagues for establishing this group and being so open about their experiences. This work will not be easy or a quick fix, but is hugely important in ensuring all St Christopher’s staff and young people feel valued and equal.” Source: www.stchris.org.uk Member Job Opportunity: Team Fostering - Independent Reviewing Officer (Yorkshire & East Midlands)29/9/2020
Team Fostering is an ethical not-for-profit fostering agency. We have a strong reputation and proven track record for providing high quality, value-for-money fostering placements for looked after children. We pride ourselves on our values and we expect our staff to commit to and demonstrate these values in their everyday work. We are looking for Independent Reviewing Officers based in the Yorkshire & East Midlands region. Our Independent Reviewing Officers contribute to the provision of a high quality fostering service for children by ensuring that every Team Fostering foster carer’s suitability to foster and terms of approval are reviewed at least once annually as required by the Fostering Regulations. Independent Reviewing Officers chair foster carer reviews and produce high quality reports for Team Fostering on a self-employed basis. As part of the preparation for a review they also conduct audits of the agency files to ensure a high standard of recording is maintained. Individuals will have the necessary social work and management skills and experience to undertake this task, to contribute to the maintenance of quality standards within the organisation. Key Tasks: Chair foster carer reviews at least once annually as required by the fostering regulations, following an agenda agreed by Team Fostering. To rigorously assess foster carers’ capability to meet the needs of children in foster care, incorporating their wishes and feelings as well as feedback from other professionals. To prepare high quality review reports with clear recommendations to the agency regarding the carer(s) and household’s suitability to foster, evidencing the reasoning behind the recommendations made. Develop positive relationships within the team, to promote and implement the process. Provide analytical reports to the agency identifying examples of excellent or poor practice, themes and trends, feedback on children’s views and suggestions for development, change to practice, the service or policies and procedures. This is a sessional role. Salary for the post is £31.58 per hour (each review and audit of carer’s file = 6 ½ hours) If you wish to discuss this role further please contact Vicky Johnson, Quality Standards Manager on 07500 026249. To apply, please use the below documentation, sending a completed application form and equal opportunities form to hr@teamfostering.co.uk Please note Team Fostering does not accept CV’s. Applicants are requested to complete an application form and equal opportunities form available above. website. All posts require an Enhanced DBS Disclosure Closing date: 9.00 a.m. on Friday 2 October 2020 Interviews will be held on Thursday 22 October 2020 Please note if you are shortlisted for interview we will contact you via the email you have provided. Please ensure you check your emails regularly. Thank you for your interest in Team Fostering and taking the time to apply for this position. Full details and application documents here Location: Northants Covering Nottingham/Nottinghamshire and Derby/Derbyshire area Salary: £33,561 p.a. + £1,500 p.a. Out of Hours Rota Allowance + £750 p.a. Homeworking Allowance Closing Date: 06/10/2020 Interview Date: 14/10/2020 Full Time - Permanent (35 hours per week) Home Based TACT, the UK’s largest fostering and adoption charity now has over 500 dedicated carers, who look after over 600 children and young people across the country. Our reputation and growth rests upon our strength in providing successful placements. As a charity, we do not have shareholders who receive profits and we invest all of our surplus income into service, staff, carers, and children’s development.
Our vision is to provide better lives for our children and young people. Find out more about our values here: https://www.tactcare.org.uk/about-us/ A post has arisen for a Senior Supervising Social Worker who will support and supervise the foster families and placements we have in the Nottingham/Nottinghamshire and Derby/Derbyshire areas in this home based role. We are therefore inviting applications from social workers located in areas with easy access to these Local Authorities. The successful candidate will be part of the wider, dynamic and forward thinking registered office in Kettering. We are interested in individuals for whom quality of service is paramount and in those who share our commitment to working in partnership with children and their foster carers in the development of the agency. The successful candidate should also have post qualifying experience in family placement work or other child care settings as well as a good working knowledge of relevant legislation and child protection procedures. Main requirements:
TACT offer an excellent employee benefits package including:
Please see the Job Information Pack and Job Description for further information. You will need to be DipSW, CSS or CQSW qualified and registered with Social Work England. An enhanced DBS clearance is also required and is requested for you by TACT. The successful applicant will be required to support Duty and Ouf of Hours on a rota basis and will be paid an out of hours’ allowance of £1,500 per annum once participating in the rota. Closing: Tuesday, 6th October 2020 Interviews: Wednesday, 14th October 2020 (via Video) Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believe that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work. As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children. We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people. All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies. TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them. TACT reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. For full details and to apply, click here Today everyone at Break is celebrating our Hidden Heroes. The people who go that extra mile and make a huge difference in the work we do. There were so many to choose from so here are the two we'd love to share with you... Mark Edwards Mark Edwards began his career at Break eight and a half years ago. He is our Maintenance Coordinator but so much more… Mark has always worked hard to be approachable and friendly towards all the young people in our care. He has such a gentle, kind manner that young people are often to be found working alongside him, sometimes fixing the hole in the wall that they created, and at other times, just chatting about life. Mark has built a relationship with a young person in one of our children’s homes – they have a shared interest in mountain biking, in fast cars and more recently, geo-caching. Mark went on holiday with the children’s home recently (in his weekend off) and he made sure that when a young person was looking bored, he found an opportunity for an adventure. Mark feels like one of the Break family and believes his role (over and above his job) is to befriend, support and help point young people in the right direction. He said “it’s the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. I worked for 25 years on building sites and I now work at Break where it is so much more than a job. I see the other side now, the side I did not know existed. This job has changed my life”. Mark is one of Break’s #hiddenheroes because he has changed the lives of so many young people by going the extra mile. Shannon Evans Shannon Evans works as a Senior Support Worker at Morley House, our bespoke children’s home for children with disabilities. Shannon was amazing throughout lockdown and emanated Break’s ‘can do’ values by creating education plans for all four young people at Morley. It was difficult to help the young people to understand the concept of Covid and lockdown and Shannon worked hard to ensure that they could understand by creating “social stories” and sensory experiences to help them come to terms with the disruption to their normal routines. Shannon made sure that each young person during lockdown had lots of exciting things to do each day. Each week there was a theme. One week it was “We’re going on a bear hunt” and Shannon planned activities that fitted the theme – a scavenger hunt in the woods, a session making edible mud and making magic mud recipes. The young people all engaged and all loved it. Lockdown was tough, but the young people at Morley House learnt so much – from making lava lamps to rockets, from shaving foam activities to just having fun – thanks to Shannon (and the whole team) they got through it as a family. Shannon is one of Break’s #hiddenheroes because she has changed the lives of so many young people by going the extra mile. Source: https://break-charity.org Location: Scotland Salary: £150 Per Panel Closing Date: 11/10/2020 Interview Date: 19/10/2020 Hours: Variable - up to 12 meetings per year (+ training days) We are currently recruiting a number of new members for our Fostering Panel in Scotland. Specifically, we are looking for panel members with a background and knowledge of the following : education; health; the police force; probation; foster caring; and care experienced young people.
This is an exciting time to become involved with TACT and we believe there is no better organisation to be involved with for anyone passionate about Fostering. In line with our values, we expect fostering panel members to ensure that all decisions are made with regard to the interest of 'children in care', foster carers, and the community in which they live. Successful applicants will be responsible for the following Fostering Panel Member duties:
A Standard Disclosure Scotland check clearance is required for these roles. This check will be undertaken by TACT on your behalf. You will also be required to have professional membership of a relevant body if you are currently a practicing healthcare, social work or similarly qualified professional. Closing Date : Sunday, 11th October 2020 Interview Date: Monday, 19th October 2020 via Microsoft Teams TACT reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believe that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work. As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children. We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people. All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies. TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them. Click here for full details and to apply Barnardo’s is urging more people to consider fostering vulnerable children after the number of referrals it has received for children needing foster care has doubled. The leading national children’s charity saw a 97% increase in referrals to its fostering services this August compared to the same month last year. The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures have increased pressure on families, with many suffering job losses, bereavement and mental health issues. Barnardo’s says this may be having a drastic impact on the number of children needing foster care and expects referral numbers to climb even more now schools are open and as teachers and other professionals identify vulnerable young people as needing the support. It is more important than ever for people to come forward to find out about fostering, to ensure the right foster carers are there when children and young people desperately need stability and a loving family. This urgent appeal comes during Barnardo’s Fostering Fortnight, which kicks off today (28th September), and follows the charity declaring a “state of emergency” earlier this year after experiencing a 47% drop in the number of enquiries from people looking to become foster carers during early lockdown.* TV personality and Barnardo’s Fostering and Adoption Ambassador Lydia Bright, whose daughter was born earlier this year, is also adding her voice to Barnardo’s call for more foster carers. She grew up surrounded by foster children as her mother, Debbie Douglas, who is also a Barnardo’s Fostering and Adoption Ambassador, has fostered more than 250 children. Lydia said: “I will always be passionate about fostering and how it can benefit families as I had such a good time growing up with my many foster siblings. We will always be glad we have been able to care and be a family for so many vulnerable children but they also enriched our lives and gave back so much to us too. It was a really positive experience for all of us. “Now that I have my own daughter I realise even more how important it is for a child to have a loving family so I really would really encourage anyone who thinks they can help to get in touch with Barnardo’s to find out more.” Debbie added: “All children deserve to have a happy and worry-free childhood and over the past 25 years I’ve seen how fostering really can transform their lives. Going into care is really difficult; children don’t know what to expect. They may be upset to leave their families and they may be affected by trauma they have experienced too. “So it’s really important there is a loving family ready and waiting to welcome and care for them. It can make such a difference to their lives so please contact Barnardo’s if you think you could be there for a vulnerable child when they need it.” Barnardo’s is particularly calling for people who believe they could offer care for children who are disabled, have siblings, those who are aged 10 and older, or those who come from a religious or minority ethnic background. It is important for the needs of these children to be met and for any child to be given the opportunity to continue their religious or cultural beliefs with foster carers who are able to support this. All carers fostering with Barnardo's will have access to specialist training and will be supported every step of the way by a dedicated support worker. They will also be eligible for financial support including carers' allowance. Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Children who are taken into care have often suffered trauma such as neglect or abuse, and desperately need foster carers who can love and support them when they need it most. “Sadly the pandemic and recession are increasing pressures on families, meaning more children need foster families than ever, so we are urgently asking anyone who thinks they can help to come forward. You will have full support and training throughout your fostering journey, from the moment you enquire, during the approval process, when you welcome your child into your home and beyond. “We welcome foster carers from all walks of life and backgrounds, so it doesn’t matter if you are single or with a partner, male or female, a homeowner or renting, straight or identify as LGBTQ+, and from any ethnic, religious or cultural background, we want to hear from you.” “Please contact us to find out more if you can help give vulnerable children a loving family.” To find out more about becoming a foster carer or the support Barnardo’s can offer visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/foster or call 0800 0277 280. Source: www.barnardos.org.uk Location: Bristol Salary: Up to £33,000 p.a. + £1,500 p.a. (OOH rota) + £750 p.a. Homeworking Allowance Closing Date: 11/10/2020 Interview Date: 19/10/2020 Hours: 35 hours per week Fixed-Term (up to one year contract - Maternity Cover)
TACT, the UK’s largest fostering and adoption charity now has over 500 dedicated carers, who look after over 600 children and young people across the country. Our reputation and growth rests upon our strength in providing successful placements. As a charity, we do not have shareholders who receive profits and we invest all of our surplus income into service, staff, carers, and children’s development. This is an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to be part of a national non-profit making organisation at a local level. We are interested in hearing from Social Workers for whom quality of service is paramount and in those who share our commitment to working in partnership with children and their foster carers in the development of the agency. The overall purpose of the Duty Social Worker is to Co-ordination of the placement service offered to Local Authorities. As a Duty Social Worker your main responsabilities will be to:
As a Duty Social Worker you will be required to have:
This job is a maternity cover and will be home-based in the context of Covid-19 pandemic. We accept applications from anyone registered with Social Work England regardless where they live. The areas which the Duty Social Worker will cover are: Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. An Enhanced DBS disclosure is also required, and this will be requested for you by TACT. The successful candidate will participate on the out of hours’ rota and will receive an out of hours’ allowance payment of £1,500 per annum once participating in the rota. The Duty Social Worker will be eligible for TACT's excellent benefits package which includes:
Please see the job information pack for further information. Closing: Sunday, 11th October 2020 Interviews: Monday, 19th October 2020 (via video-call) Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believe that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work. As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children. We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people. All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies. TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them. Previous applicants in last 6 months need not to apply. TACT reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Full details and application documents here This September, we’re exploring what Team Fostering means to the many different people who know us best. Our foster carers, our staff and the young people we support all share their views in a brand-new campaign; ‘This is My Team Fostering’. One of the things we’re always aware of is how much of an impact fostering can have on your life. While many of our carers come to join Team Fostering and remain with us for a long time, we know that with such a diverse mix of foster carers that many people are at different stages of their lives, and circumstances often change. So when we heard that fantastic carer Sarah was moving on from fostering, we asked her to reflect honestly on working with Team Fostering, and share the stories and memories she’ll keep from her experiences in fostering with us. “I have been a single foster carer with Team Fostering for nearly 4 years. It has been a really rewarding time, there have been some hard times too but with the amazing support from everyone who works for this agency, it has made it so much easier to cope with. All the staff are fantastic and their patience with me has been second to none. They have guided me along my journey as I supported the young people through their lives. They were there to celebrate the highs with me and they supported me during the lows.” “My time with Team is coming to an end as my circumstances are changing, but I will never forget all the fun activities I have attended; the annual Team holiday, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, all the days out in the school holidays, there are too many to mention. There is so much to do that the young people never get bored.” “I have so many memories and achievements from working with Team Fostering, but for me the one that stands out is one young man I looked after who was always in trouble at school, he had regular detentions for fighting, not doing homework and messing about in class. We worked together over time and he slowly turned himself around and became the highest merit points scorer, not only in his year but the whole school, and at his Achievements Celebration evening, some of his teachers stayed behind as they wanted to be there to see him get his award as they were so proud of him. I will never forget the pride on his face as he got his award.” “So, to anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer, if you have the room not only on your house but in your heart then I say wholeheartedly, do it. Its life changing not only for the children but yourself too. It’s not easy sometimes but the small gains along the way make it all so worthwhile. “ “Team Fostering have so much to offer too - the training is second to none, there is a course for everything you need and every step you take they are there by your side. I have met and made some lifelong friends during my time and will miss being a foster carer very much, but I have some wonderful memories to take away with me.” You can read more more about the 'This is My Team Fostering' campaign here, and follow it on social media using the #MyTeamFostering hashtag. To find out more about fostering with Team Fostering, give us a call on 0800 292 2003; live chat with us here on our website, or leave us an enquiry here. Source: www.teamfostering.co.uk Are you seeking to align your values and lifestyle with making a difference?
Fostering Families are recruiting for a number of positions, including Registered Manager, Senior Social Worker and Office Administrator, to join our fun and friendly team at our Not-for-Profit Social Enterprise and Fostering Agency. If you are a Senior Social Worker, Deputy Manager or current Registered Manger, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and Covering Letter to jobs@fosteringfamilies.org.uk to be considered. Closing Date is 16 October 2020 Good Luck! Israel Silgram - C.E.O and Trustee Fostering Families Saturday 12th September 2020 was in the diary for our 5th Birthday party, and we weren’t going to let Covid-19 ruin that. Our team worked hard to ensure the day was memorable despite having to create a Plan B after the initial event, a gathering of all our staff and foster families at a centrally located scout activity centre, sadly couldn’t go ahead. Birthday boxes containing cake mix, decorations, a Sainsbury gift card to buy party food, bingo cards, colouring sheets, pencils and crayons, balloons, prizes and certificates were packed and sent out to our staff and foster families for them to join in our Zoom birthday event. What would we do without technology! With 56 different screens on our Zoom call, lots of happiness and laughter was shared, especially with our special guest Bingo Bob, who had lots of requests for more bingo games! Our scavenger hunt had our young people excitedly solving the riddles to find items around their houses and a special Young People at Heart quiz got everyone’s minds thinking. With a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday across the country, it was time to see all the lovely cake creations that had been made and decorated by our foster families. We really do have some star bakers!
It was great to see so many of our carers and young people join in, and lovely to see the effort everyone made in their homes, with decorations and some excellent fancy dress, But lovely as the day was, we do hope we can get back to our face-to-face birthday party next year! Source: www.youngpeopleatheart.org |
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