Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do. 

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

The Fostering Service is committed to a strengths‑based, relational and family‑valued approach, with a clear focus on recruiting, developing and retaining foster carers who can meet a wide range of children’s needs. The service is ambitious and forward‑looking, with an emphasis on quality, reflective practice, learning and continuous improvement across all areas of fostering work. 

The team works closely with applicants and approved carers, Children’s Services colleagues, and partner agencies to ensure high standards of care, strong relationships, and positive outcomes for children placed in mainstream fostering households.

At Coventry City Council, we are embarking on an incredible journey to create a brighter future for Coventry's children. As a 'Good' Local Authority, we believe in pushing boundaries and delivering excellence for children and families. Our vision is clear, and our social workers are unwavering in their commitment to putting children and families at the centre of their practice. 

Be part of our inspiring team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Coventry's children. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where every child's potential can flourish.

What is the job role?

This is a unique 6-month fixed-term contract opportunity to support the recruitment and assessment of mainstream foster carers within the Fostering Services.   

As Team Manager, you will:

• Provide strong leadership within the Fostering Service
• Work confidently with Fostering Regulations (2011) and National Minimum Standards, particularly around recruitment and assessment
• Ensure the service is compliant and inspection‑ready (including Ofsted)
• Supervise and support social workers and recruitment workers, helping them grow and develop
• Drive recruitment and marketing activity to attract a diverse range of foster carers
• Support and develop different care arrangements
• Work closely with regional colleagues to share and embed good practice
• Build positive relationships with internal teams and external partners
• Monitor recruitment data and adapt approaches to meet service demand

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in applications from candidates who have experience of working within Fostering and in accordance with Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.

We are keen to hear from someone who is:

• A supportive and motivated manager
• A strong communicator who enjoys working collaboratively
• Experienced in leading or supervising staff
• Confident in leadership and performance management
• Ability to effectively manage change and efficiently adapt to the demands and responsibilities of the role 
• You must hold a Social Work qualification and be currently registered – this is an essential requirement.

Our workforce data shows that men and people from global majority backgrounds are under-represented within the Fostering team, and we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply.  This does not prevent individuals with other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.  

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Zelma van Rhyn – Zelma.vanrhyn@coventry.gov.uk.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.

Interview date: 29th May 2026 for shortlisted applicants.

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies

Coventry City Council