Fostering and Adoption Panel Advisor

Job Introduction

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and motivated Fostering and Adoption Panel Advisor to play a key role in maintaining high-quality decision-making and safeguarding standards across our fostering and adoption services.

Make a Difference to Children and Families Across Lincolnshire

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside panel chairs, social workers, agency decision makers and other professionals to ensure that fostering and adoption panel processes are robust, child-focused and compliant with statutory requirements.

About the Role

As Panel Advisor, you will provide professional advice, guidance and quality assurance to fostering and adoption panels. You will support the effective operation of panels, ensuring that recommendations are based on thorough assessment, sound analysis and the best interests of children.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising fostering and adoption panels on legislation, regulations, policy and best practice.
• Quality assuring assessments and panel documentation to ensure high standards.
• Supporting and developing panel members through induction, training and ongoing development.
• Working closely with panel chairs to ensure effective and consistent decision-making.
• Contributing to service development, learning and continuous improvement.
• Monitoring panel performance and identifying themes, trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Supporting the implementation of regulatory and practice developments across fostering and adoption services.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a recognised social work qualification and current Social Work England registration (or equivalent relevant professional qualification).
• Has substantial experience within fostering, adoption or permanence services.
• Possesses an excellent understanding of fostering and adoption legislation, regulations and national minimum standards.
• Demonstrates strong analytical, quality assurance and report-writing skills.
• Has experience of panel processes and multi-agency working.
• Is confident in providing professional challenge and advice while maintaining constructive relationships.
• Is committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.

What We Offer

At Lincolnshire County Council, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues can thrive.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary and local government pension scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
• Access to a range of employee wellbeing benefits.
• The opportunity to influence practice and make a lasting difference to children and families across Lincolnshire.

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the quality and effectiveness of fostering and adoption services across Lincolnshire. You will play a vital role in ensuring that children are matched with safe, nurturing families while supporting excellence in panel governance and decision-making.

Join us and help shape brighter futures for Lincolnshire's children.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Fostering and Adoption Service.

Dawn Clark Cain: dawn.clarkcain@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Sharon Clarke:sharon.clarke@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Closing Date: 15th November 2026

Interview Date: 24th and 25th November, Lincoln County Offices

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position is subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.

Attached documents

• Employee Benefits Brochure Lincolnshire County Council.pdf
• 03132++Advisor+-+Adoption+Permanence++Fostering+Panels+190421+JD.pdf