Job Description

HR Manager - Sure Start Fostering Agency

Sure Start Fostering Agency

is a dynamic, independent fostering agency committed to providing high-quality, safe, and nurturing homes for children and young people in our care across London and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to foster a sense of

agency

and belonging for both the children and our dedicated team of staff and professional foster carers. Based in

Ilford, London

, we are driven by a culture of accountability, collaboration, and ethical practice. We recognise that the well-being and development of our staff and carers are fundamental to achieving the best outcomes for the children we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking a

versatile and experienced HR Manager

to be a core part of our leadership team. This is a crucial role that will bridge strategic planning with essential operational support for our staff team (including social workers and support roles) and our network of professional foster carers.

This is a

hands-on, strategic partnership

role. You will bring a deep, working understanding of

UK Employment Law

and, critically,

relevant statutory requirements

and safeguarding standards within the social care and fostering sector. Your expertise will be vital in designing structures, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and other regulatory bodies, and fostering an exceptional, supportive working culture. If you are pragmatic, driven by social impact, and experienced in the complex HR landscape of regulated care services, this is an opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership & Statutory Compliance

- Lead HR operations for our growing agency, ensuring all staff policies, contracts, and practices strictly comply with

UK Employment Law

and all statutory and regulatory requirements specific to fostering and child social care (e.g., Working Together to Safeguard Children, Fostering Services Regulations).

Recruitment, Vetting & Safer Recruitment

- Oversee all recruitment processes, with a critical focus on

Safer Recruitment

practices, including enhanced DBS checks, referencing, and fitness to practice protocols for all staff and in support of Foster Carer assessments.

Organisational Design & Development

- Analyse, review, and improve structures, roles, and responsibilities to support effective delivery of care and meet Ofsted standards.

Employee & Carer Relations

- Act as the senior reference point for all staff employment matters (grievances, disciplinaries, well-being).

Provide HR consultation and support

regarding professional foster carer agreements, allowances, and any complex issues arising from their professional status.

Training & Professional Development

- Design and implement robust learning pathways, performance management systems, and succession planning tailored for social workers, support staff, and to support the continuous professional development of foster carers.

Culture & Engagement

- Strengthen a culture of collaboration, accountability, ethical practice, and well-being among staff, ensuring they feel supported in their challenging roles.

Policy & Process Management

- Design and implement fit-for-purpose HR systems and policies that are compliant, support 24/7 care support, and reflect best practice in the fostering sector.

Reward Systems

- Develop fair and competitive salary and benefits frameworks for staff, and provide input on Foster Carer remuneration/allowances.

Essential

5 years' experience

in similar HR roles. Experience in a

regulated children's social care setting

, ideally fostering or a related sector.

BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) or CIPD Level 5 minimum

; higher levels desirable.

Strong, demonstrable knowledge of UK Employment Law.

Essential experience working within the social care, fostering, or regulated child services sector.

A working understanding of the

Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, National Minimum Standards,

and how these shape safer recruitment, staff suitability, supervision, training, record-keeping, and HR governance. Ability to ensure all HR processes - including recruitment, DBS and reference checks, probation, ongoing supervision, performance management, and training compliance - meet the standards expected by Ofsted and regulatory frameworks. Confidence in advising managers on regulation-linked HR matters, identifying risk, and maintaining accurate and auditable records. Proven expertise in implementing and maintaining

Safer Recruitment

and enhanced

DBS/Vetting

processes. Strong analytical skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with social workers and professional carers.

Strong cultural awareness

and the ability to engage confidently with staff and foster carers from diverse backgrounds, including South Asian communities.

Desirable

Experience managing HR/staffing across multiple regulatory sites or teams. A background or qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., Employment Law, Social Work, Business Management). Proficiency in one or more South Asian languages such as Urdu, Hindi, or Punjabi to enhance communication and support inclusive practice. Experience working in settings where cultural responsiveness is central to effective HR delivery.

Job Details

Job Type:

Full-time

Pay:

From 48,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Ilford, London

(with a proven ability to work on-site at the Ilford office and other locations as needed, at least

2 days per week

).

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Professional Development/Training Budget Hybrid/Remote Work flexibility
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 48,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person