Current vacancies with Orchard Care fostering
Whenever vacancies come up, we'll be posting them on this page, so please take a moment to read through the job description and apply by following the instructions provided. Prior experience and training are not always required (depending on the advertised role), as on-the-job training can often be provided. If you wish to enquire further about a job before you apply, please do get in touch with the team at Orchard Care Fostering, we'll endeavour to be prompt in our response, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Panel Member -
Part time Position
Pay:
£120 per panel
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Description of the role:
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To read the circulated papers carefully before the meeting, and to attend the meeting prepared to raise issues and to contribute to the panel discussion.
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To take responsibility for participating in the making of a recommendation, on each case, drawing on both personal and professional knowledge and experience.
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​To attend meetings of the panel as specified in your agreement with the agency.
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To be prepared to attend additional panels if possible, if requested.
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To participate with other members, in advising on policy and procedural matters as required.
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To address diversity issues and promote anti-discriminatory practice.
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To safeguard the confidentiality of all panel papers and panel discussions.
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To participate in induction and in training which will be at least one day per year.
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To participate constructively in the annual review of your central list panel membership.
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To adhere to the agency’s panel member code of conduct, if provided.
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Person Specification:
Knowledge:
Experience and Qualifications:
•Experience, either professionally or personally or both, of the placement of children in foster families or of children being cared for away from their birth family. •A social work qualification will be necessary for certain panel members.
•An appreciation of the effect of separation and loss on children. •Awareness of the richness of different kinds of families and their potential for meeting children’s needs. •Some understanding of the purpose and function of the panel and of the agency which the panel is serving, or a willingness to learn.
Abilities:
•Good listening and communication skills. •The ability to read, process and analyse large amounts of complex and sometimes distressing information. •The ability to make an assessment and to form a view, based on the written and verbal information presented to panel, and the confidence to articulate this at panel. •The ability to use personal and/or professional knowledge and experience to contribute to discussions, and decision-making in a balanced and informed manner. •The ability to work cooperatively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. •The ability to attend panel meetings, as required, arriving on time, and to attend at least one training day each year.
Attitudes:
•A commitment to keeping children within their own family or community where this is possible, and to maintaining contact between children living in foster families and their birth families where this appears to be in the child’s best interests. •A commitment to fostering as a way of meeting a child’s needs where this appears to be in the child’s best interests. •A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare in foster care. •A valuing of diversity in relation to issues of ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, and sexuality. •An understanding of, and a commitment to, the need for confidentiality. •A willingness to increase knowledge and understanding of issues through reading, discussion, and training. •A willingness to contribute constructively to the annual review of your central list panel membership and, as required, to that of other members and the Chair.
​About you
We are looking for a number of people to join the Fostering Panel, specifically:
with care experience, and/or experience in health, and/or someone currently fostering.
Please note:
The Panel's social work quota is full. The existing Panel is comprised of many female members, and we hope to re-balance this through the recruitment process to diversify the Panel. This does not exclude people of any gender from applying.
Supervising Social Worker
Full time Position
Job Summary
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: Up to £46,500 pa pro rata
Closing date:
24 July 2026
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Further Information
Join a passionate, child-centred Fostering Team!
At Orchard Care, we believe that outstanding outcomes for children come from supporting and valuing the people who care for them. Our service is built on strong relationships, small caseloads, and a genuinely supportive culture.
We are looking for a dedicated, compassionate and experienced Supervising Social Worker on a full or part time basis who shares our commitment to improving the lives of children and young people in foster care.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a not-for-profit fostering agency with a warm, highly supportive team of social workers, support workers and managers who are deeply committed to child-centred practice, high quality support for carers and strong systemic partnership working.
Why work with us?
• Small caseloads to ensure meaningful support for carers and children
• Visible and supportive leadership from experienced managers
• A collaborative, values-driven team culture
• Commitment to on-going training, professional development and reflective supervision
• Flexible working to support work–life balance
• Quiet office environment
• No Hot Desking
• Robust Admin support
The Role
As a Supervising Social Worker, you will play a key role in supporting foster carers and ensuring children receive the highest quality care.
You will work closely and systemically with carers, children, local authorities and colleagues to provide high-quality supervision, guidance and support, ensuring that the needs and outcomes of children remain central to all practice.
You will also contribute to the development of carers, recruitment processes and service improvement.
Key Responsibilities
• Supporting Foster Carers and Young People
• Provide structured supervision and ongoing support to foster carers
• Help develop individualised support packages for carers and young people
• Ensure children’s needs, safety and outcomes remain central to all decision making.
• Complete unannounced visits in line with regulatory requirements
• Prepare reports and attend childrens reviews and other professional meetings.
Assessments and Reviews
• Complete Form F assessments and present to the fostering panel.
• Contribute to carer reviews and on-going assessments.
• Participate in matching processes and write matching reports.
• Support monitoring of placement plans, care plans, health and education outcomes.
Recruitment and Training
• Contribute to the recruitment of high-quality foster carers.
• Support the training and development of carers and their families and support networks.
Team Working
• Actively participate in team meetings and service development.
• Promote a culture of systemic communication, collaboration and mutual support.
On-Call
• Participate in the 24-hour on-call rota to support foster carers.
Recording and Compliance
• Maintain accurate, timely case records and reports.
• Ensure compliance with Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
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Passionate about improving outcomes for children in care
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Caring, committed and child-centred
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Able to build strong relationships with carers, children and professionals
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A supportive and encouraging supervisor
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Organised, reflective and able to manage competing priorities
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A positive team player with integrity, humour and dedication
Essential Requirements
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Qualified Social Worker (CQSW, CSS, DipSW or equivalent)
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Registered with Social Work England
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At least 2 years post-qualifying experience
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Experience in assessment, report writing and supporting carers or families
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Knowledge of Children Act 1989, Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards
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Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance
Desirable
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Experience in fostering or family placement work
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Practice educator
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Experience delivering training or group work
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Experience contributing to placement matching and support planning
What We Offer
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Negotiable salary depending on experience
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30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
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Mileage allowance
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Regular supervision and professional development
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Supportive management and a positive team culture
Additional Information
The role requires participation in evening, weekend and on-call duties, with flexible working arrangements available.
If you are a compassionate and motivated social worker who wants to be part of a small, supportive and passionate fostering team, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits:
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Company pension
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Flexible benefits package
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On-site free parking
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Sick pay
Education: Bachelor's (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Durham DH7 8XL
How to apply:
To apply for this role please email your CV and a Covering Letter to info@orchardcare.org.uk
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Do you have the right qualities to work with Orchard Care?
Please contact us, if you would like further information about a job role or the application process
0191 378 4444
Lines are open on weekdays only -
Mon to Thurs 8.30am-5pm,
Fri 8.30am-4.30pm
You can also get in touch with us by emailing info@orchardcare.org.uk