We are seeking an outstanding Group Manager to join our senior leadership team and help shape the future of children’s social care in Lewisham.

Lewisham is proud to be the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary and a wave 2 Pathfinder authority, leading on national reforms through the Families First for Children programme. Our borough is vibrant, diverse, and ambitious for every child.

The role

In this vital leadership role, you will ensure children and young people are cared for by skilled, supported, and committed carers. You’ll drive improvements across Lewisham’s fostering, kinship, and Special Guardianship services to ensure children grow up in safe, stable, and loving homes.
You will:

• Lead the recruitment, assessment, and retention of foster carers and kinship carers.
• Oversee support and supervision for carers, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• Strengthen placement stability through targeted support and trauma-informed approaches.
• Work closely with carers and families to co-produce services that meet their needs.
• Lead on service development, quality assurance, and engagement with national and regional networks.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate, values-driven leader to shape the future of alternative family care in a borough committed to relational, inclusive, and child-centred practice.

Enhanced DBS check required.

About You

We’re looking for confident, experienced leaders with:

• Proven operational management beyond team manager level.
• Strong strategic planning and service development expertise.
• Knowledge of current social work legislation, including Working Together 2023.
• A child-focused, relational approach rooted in Signs of Safety.
• A Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.

You’ll be managing 3 – 5 teams and a small budget, with 3 – 5 direct reports. These roles require a commitment to continuous practice improvement.