St Christopher’s Fostering Service strives to achieve excellence in its support for foster carers and in gaining Outstanding Outcomes for Children and Young People.

The independent Panel Vice Chair is crucial to St Christopher’s ability to achieve these aims – bringing experience of child care practice from outside the organisation, and the knowledge and skills to influence practice in the fostering service.

As a priority we value diversity and in recruiting panel members we seek to ensure that we are representative of the communities we serve.

Job Purpose

• To assist panel chair in meetings, ensuring that all items of business are covered and that the panel operates in accordance with regulations and the policies and procedures of St Christopher’s Fostering. 
• To contribute to the development of the Panel agenda. 
• To identify any matters that have the potential to cause a conflict of interest, and to identify these at the earliest opportunity to the Panel Advisor, and where necessary to absent oneself from Panel for that/those item(s). 
• To prepare in advance of panel meetings, reading and evaluating papers carefully, identifying key issues and alerting the panel advisor if necessary to ensure, as far as possible, that a particular case is adequate for submission to Panel.
• To facilitate the active participation of all panel members in contributing to the panel’s consideration of cases and to the making of a clear and well-evidenced recommendation to the ADM, with the reasons for this. 
• To ensure that all those attending the meeting are treated with courtesy and respect. 
• To address diversity issues and to promote anti-discriminatory practice at all times. 
• To liaise with the Panel Advisor and Panel Manager as appropriate. 
• To ensure that clear and accurate minutes are written, which record any serious reservations which panel members may have. To be involved in checking and agreeing draft minutes with the Panel Advisor and Panel Deputy Chairs for circulation and agreement to all panel members, and ultimately for submission to the Agency Decision Maker. 
• To ensure through the Panel Advisor and Panel Manager, that managers in St Christopher’s are made aware of any issues of concern – in relation to individual cases and practice in general. To ensure that Panel recommendations on Quality matters are acted upon and their outcome recorded. 
• To annually review with the Panel Advisor the performance of all members of the central list. Between annual reviews, to take responsibility for acting upon any concerns as regards an individual panel member as and when the need arises. 
• To assist in the development and monitoring of policies and procedures, and in the course of their work, and where Panel recognises that new policies are required, to ensure that St Christopher’s management is aware of this. 
• To assist in the identification of training needs and the planning of training for panel members, and to attend such training. 
• To Safeguard the Confidentiality of all materials/discussions provided to the Panel Chair.  

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Click here for full details.

We interviewed a young person who had previously been supported by St Christopher’s, to get their perspective and experience of being in care from a young age, and the journey and insight their honest perspective can highlight…

1) What were your first thoughts when you first went into foster care?
At first, I thought I was going to have a sleepover, as I was really young, I was 5 years old and I was a little bit nervous, but I was excited to start a new life.

2) Did that change? In what way did it change?  How did you feel when you left?
It slowly changed within a few days, and I started to feel safer and more comfortable in my new environment.  I was also very happy that I got to have a new family. I first met my foster mum at the front door and my first words to her was “can I have a sleepover?”, My foster mum said, “yes of course you can”. My foster mum was very kind and gentle towards me, she gave me time to say what I wanted to say and was very patient with me.  She also made incredible food. My foster mum is still a huge part of my life, she is my mum!

Click here to read the full article.

The Role
St Christopher’s Fostering Service strives to achieve excellence in its support for foster carers and in gaining Outstanding Outcomes for Children and Young People. The independent Panel Vice Chair is crucial to St Christopher’s ability to achieve these aims – bringing experience of child care practice from outside the organisation, and the knowledge and skills to influence practice in the fostering service. As a priority we value diversity and in recruiting panel members we seek to ensure that we are representative of the communities we serve.

Job Purpose

• To assist panel chair in meetings, ensuring that all items of business are covered and that the panel operates in accordance with regulations and the policies and procedures of St Christopher’s Fostering. 
• To contribute to the development of the Panel agenda. 
• To identify any matters that have the potential to cause a conflict of interest, and to identify these at the earliest opportunity to the Panel Advisor, and where necessary to absent oneself from Panel for that/those item(s). 
• To prepare in advance of panel meetings, reading and evaluating papers carefully, identifying key issues and alerting the panel advisor if necessary to ensure, as far as possible, that a particular case is adequate for submission to Panel.
• To facilitate the active participation of all panel members in contributing to the panel’s consideration of cases and to the making of a clear and well-evidenced recommendation to the ADM, with the reasons for this. 
• To ensure that all those attending the meeting are treated with courtesy and respect. 
• To address diversity issues and to promote anti-discriminatory practice at all times. 
• To liaise with the Panel Advisor and Panel Manager as appropriate. 
• To ensure that clear and accurate minutes are written, which record any serious reservations which panel members may have. To be involved in checking and agreeing draft minutes with the Panel Advisor and Panel Deputy Chairs for circulation and agreement to all panel members, and ultimately for submission to the Agency Decision Maker. 
• To ensure through the Panel Advisor and Panel Manager, that managers in St Christopher’s are made aware of any issues of concern – in relation to individual cases and practice in general. To ensure that Panel recommendations on Quality matters are acted upon and their outcome recorded. 
• To annually review with the Panel Advisor the performance of all members of the central list. Between annual reviews, to take responsibility for acting upon any concerns as regards an individual panel member as and when the need arises. 
• To assist in the development and monitoring of policies and procedures, and in the course of their work, and where Panel recognises that new policies are required, to ensure that St Christopher’s management is aware of this. 
• To assist in the identification of training needs and the planning of training for panel members, and to attend such training. 
• To Safeguard the Confidentiality of all materials/discussions provided to the Panel Chair.  

Click here to read full job details.

As Team Leader, you will assist the Manager in the running of a 16+ semi-independent supported accommodation service, supporting the delivery of high quality transition services for young people that promote their independence and increase their life skills.

We have an enthusiastic team including Support Workers, Waking Night Staff and Management who all have different interests which they bring to the service. If you’re ready for a challenge and think you have the skills to drive St Christopher’s forward we would love to hear from you!

Applicants should have:

• At least two year’s relevant experience providing housing and/or support services to vulnerable individuals
• A good understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to the provision of housing services for young people
• Knowledge of the welfare benefits system in relation to young people.
• Ability to lead, motivate, supervise and support staff and be a positive role model.
• Ability to prioritise own workload and to work flexibly to meet deadlines or service requirements.
• Ability to use own initiative as well as be an active team member.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evening and weekend shifts and participating in the On-Call system.

Click here for full job details.

On Thursday, April 17th, children’s charity St Christopher’s will release its annual Spring newsletter, Opening Doors. This edition highlights how St Christopher’s turns their houses into homes for children and young people in care.

The charity, which has a rich history of supporting children and young people since 1870, provides quality children’s homes, supported housing, fostering and other specialist services and promotes lifelong learning and thriving for all those in their care.

St Christopher’s unique approach ensures that young people under their care can be safe, loved, and happy, and achieve their goals during and after their time with them. To achieve this, the charity learns and develops alongside young people, using emotional intelligence to create relationships and offering creative, practical activities that encourage young people to learn and grow.

St Christopher’s supports young people in their journey into adulthood, from life skills training to support in the world of work to creating a link to the home once they have left.

One story featured in Opening Doors is last summer’s camping trip, where young people stepped out of their comfort zones to try something new. For Leon, who had never camped before, it was more than just a trip. It was an unforgettable experience that opened his eyes to new possibilities:

“This was my best day since I came to the UK. I’ve seen this in movies but not in real life.”

Experiences like these help young people build confidence, friendships, and lasting memories. Please consider donating £35 today to help St Christopher’s give more children and young people like Leon the chance to thrive.

You can read Opening Doors, donate and find out more here.

Source:
https://www.stchris.org.uk

​Croydon Council has opened a new children’s home in partnership with St Christopher’s Fellowship, a charity that helps create brighter futures for children and young people in care.

The Council’s Children in Care Youth Ambassadors have been involved throughout the project, from co-producing plans and helping to choose the service provider, right through to influencing the look and feel of the home.

Across the UK, and particularly in London, there is a critical shortage of high-quality, affordable residential homes for children. To address this, the Council secured government funding from the Department for Education to convert an existing property into a children’s home, which will relieve pressure on budgets.

This new home will increase capacity for children with complex needs, making sure children in Croydon have the best possible chances. This supports Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to make sure Croydon’s young people have opportunities to thrive.

The home will mainly provide short to medium-term support for children and aims to focus on helping children return to family life or move into local foster care, working closely with families and professionals to avoid long-term stays in care. It is part of a wider effort to keep children connected to their communities and support them close to home.

St Christopher’s provides children’s homes across London and various regional services including a significant fostering footprint, so that young people in care can maintain vital links to their community, instead of being moved to unfamiliar cities and towns. Many children are unhappy living away from family, friends and can have better outcomes when placed closer to home.

Click here to read the full article.

Location:  Droghadyn, Douglas

Salary: £36,499

Contract Type: Fixed Term, 40 Hours

Closing Date: 22 March 2026

We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate individual to join our developing therapeutic service as a Deputy Manager. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in leading and supporting our team of dedicated professionals as we work to meet the needs of children, young people and their families.

About Us
Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher’s is the current organisation working under contract to Manx Care to deliver services to vulnerable children and young people.  Please note the contract is due for renewal and so will be transferring to a new organisation appointed by Manx Care early 2026. 

Manx Care have confirmed that they are arranging as part of the transition for the new organisation to transfer St Christopher's staff on equivalent terms and conditions, with continuity and fairness.

About the Role
As a Deputy Manager, you will have the opportunity to receive additional training from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, and to further your career in the therapeutic field. If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

Applicants should have

• Ability to lead and manage a team of support workers in providing high-quality care and support to children and young people in their family home or residential setting.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with external agencies.
• Support and participate in the ongoing training and development of staff, including the implementation of the AMBIT way of working.
• Collaborate with the Manager to develop and implement effective service delivery strategies.
• Participate in regular supervision and provide feedback to staff to support their professional growth.
• The ability to communicate effectively with young people, school and relevant agencies
• The ability to monitor the outcome of projects/pieces of work and produce evaluations.

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Click here for full job details.

We have a fantastic opportunity to join our team and a growing fostering service in our West Midlands region where you will be able to contribute to achieving positive results for young people. 

Key aspects of the Role:

• Supervision of support workers and social workers.
• Deputising where appropriate for the Fostering Manager.
• Responsibility for carer and staff learning and development, events and activities.

​Applicants should have:

• CQSW, DipSW, BA Social Work or equivalent professional qualification, and registration with Social Work England (SWE)
• Post-qualification experience of direct work with Looked After Children/ young people and their families.
• Significant experience of working in fostering or adoption, including direct experience of carrying out Form F assessments.
• Experience of supervising staff.
• Knowledge of relevant child care legislation.
• Knowledge of Care Standards Act 2000, Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards.
• Flexibility to work occasionally at weekends and in the evening.
• Willingness to participate in the on call rota.
• Ability to travel independently to all areas required by job responsibilities.

Click here for full job details.

Location: Stevenage Office with Hybrid working, Carers in Peterborough and Essex

We have a fantastic opportunity to join our team and a growing fostering service in the Eastern Region where you will be able to contribute to achieving positive results for young people.  

As a Supervising Social Worker, you will play a key role in the growth and development of St Christopher’s fostering services. You will be responsible for the recruitment, training and assessment of foster carers, building positive relationships with placing authorities, and providing high-quality supervision and support to foster carers to enable them to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Applicants should have:

• CQSW, DipSW, BA Social Work or equivalent professional qualification, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Care Council (HCPC).
• Experience of working in fostering or adoption.
• Knowledge of relevant child care legislation.
• Ability to manage your caseload effectively and to plan and priorities work to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication, motivation and team work skills.
• Ability to travel independently to all areas required by job responsibilities.
• Passion for building brighter futures for vulnerable young people and delivering the highest quality services possible.

Click here for full job details.

Galina Markova, Our UK Therapeutic Manager for the charity, has taken over this month’s CEO’s Blog and explains why.


Children’s Mental Health Week – February 2026

As we mark Children’s Mental Health Week, we are invited to reflect on this year’s theme: “This Is My Place.” It’s a theme that speaks to the core of what every child needs—to feel they belong. To feel safe, valued, understood, and part of a community that welcomes them just as they are. In the Wraparound service at St Christopher’s, this isn’t something we focus on once a year. For us, helping children and young people feel that sense of belonging is at the heart of everything we do, every single week.

For many children in care, experiences of trauma, instability, or disrupted relationships can make the idea of “belonging” feel unfamiliar or fragile. That is why our commitment to therapeutic, emotionally attuned care is so vital. Our therapists from the Wraparound team work alongside residential care teams to ensure that every environment we create offers more than shelter—it offers a sense of place, identity, and connection.

Click here to read the full article.