Fostering Recruitment Compliance Officer

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the young people and service users in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world-class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops!

Where and when do we need you?

We are looking for an approachable and professional individual to join our dedicated fostering team as a Fostering Recruitment Compliance Officer. As part of this team you will oversee the end-to-end completion of fostering checks and on-boarding compliance, ensuring potential foster carer files meet the agreed standards as set out by the Charity and its policies and that on-boarding foster carers have a positive experience. You will be a clear and confident communicator with the ability to effectively manage sensitive subject matters when required. You will passionately believe in Fair Ways and our vision and values in order to convey to potential carers how our processes play a key part in keeping children safe. You will be supported in this role by an experienced team and will be encouraged to learn, grow and develop utilising our fantastic in-house training department.

In this role you will be involved exciting and rewarding things like:

• Being a clear and confident communicator - To act as a point of contact for fostering recruitment enquiries, including screening, managing and tracking progress via relevant internal systems and when required, to undertake initial home visits (in the absence of recruitment Manager) ensuring effective communication with prospective carers to maximise on interest and ensure a clear and streamlined fostering recruitment process.
• Ensuring a Safe and Compliant workforce - To build a compliant file for every on-boarding foster family meeting the fostering recruitment legislations as laid out in the NMS and fostering regulations, this will include audit checks for each new foster family through utilisation of internal checklists and knowledge of the safer recruitment process, working closely with the fostering recruitment manager and assessors ensuring that all guidelines are consistently met to build a safe and compliant fostering service for our children, young people and families.
• Attending and fostering recruitment and onboarding events - To work as part of the wider fostering team in supporting various marketing, networking and recruitment events supporting associated projects and building increased brand awareness. Completing periodical foster care reports relating to enquiry and recruitment statistics ensuring a consistent and appropriate flow of new carers to the charity.
• Fostering Panel organisation - To facilitate and organise both children's panels and fostering panels to include the compiling and distribution of respective paperwork, coordination of the panels, updating the central list of panel members and their compliance and minuting panel meetings. This is to ensure that Fair Ways fostering panels play a crucial role in quality assurance and that foster children have a voice in the recruitment and selection of foster carers.
• Training coordination and administration - To be responsible for the initial administration and continued oversight of all training databases relevant to foster carers and other individuals held on the central list. This will be done through regular status checks regarding any outstanding training required and ensuring any outstanding training is completed in a timely manner. This ensures that all foster carers and other relevant individuals have the skills, support and experience necessary to provide the best support to those they care for.
• Working in a trauma informed environment - Playing your part in growing a compassionate, resilient and trauma informed community that embraces learning, so that we improve the lives and outcomes of every individual.

The successful candidate will be working 37.5 hours per week (Part-time applications of 22.5 hrs plus can be considered) with a minimum of 1 day per week based at our central support office in Portsmouth. All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways. Fair Ways are unable to provide VISA sponsorship for this role and all applicants will need to be able to provide evidence of right to work in the UK.

You and your specialisms

Our internal community is core to achieving our mission of making a difference through passionate care, support, and education. To support this, we ask that candidates have the following qualification levels, skills and qualities:

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills with a friendly and professional telephone manner.
• Experience of Microsoft 365
• Excellent attention to detail

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working in a compliance admin role.
• CHARMS Systems knowledge or experience
• Up to date knowledge of Safer Recruitment principles and legislation.

Let us look after you!

At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:

• Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual leave as a ‘wellbeing day’ and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
• Health and Support: Benefit from Simply Health, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
• Growth and Development: Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master's level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
• Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.

*Benefits may differ dependant on contract type.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you're passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!