Regional Fostering Practice Development Lead | 10712 | Secondment Opportunity / Temporary Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2028 | 37 hours per week | £51,821 to £56,068 per annum | Grade L | County Hall (travel will be required within the Eastern Region and you will be required to work occasional evenings and weekends with time back in lieu) We are seeking an experienced and driven professional to take on the role of Regional Fostering Practice Development Lead. This is a unique opportunity to drive practice improvement at scale, working across the Eastern Region to transform fostering services and improve outcomes for children and young people. This role is hosted by Norfolk County Council but works on behalf of the Eastern Region as part of Foster East, and so would be suitable for candidates from across the region on a secondment basis. This forward-thinking alliance brings together Local Authorities from the East to drive practice improvement across fostering services to strengthen foster carer recruitment and retention. About the role As Regional Fostering Practice Development Lead, you will play a key role in driving innovation and consistency across the region, including: * developing and implementing a regional practice development strategy, aligned to the objectives of the Regional Fostering Hub * working collaboratively with local authorities, senior leaders, and those with lived experience to co-design and embed best practice * using regional data and insight to improve practice and standardise approaches across the region * providing strategic challenge and support, ensuring continuous improvement in fostering services * engaging directly with Directors of Children’s Services and senior leaders, reporting on progress and impact You will act as a trusted expert, influencing practice at both operational and strategic levels. Your work will directly contribute to increasing the number of foster carers and improving retention, ensuring more children can grow up in safe, stable family environments. About you We are looking for a confident and credible professional who can work across organisational boundaries and influence at the highest levels. You will bring: * strong experience of working within local authority children’s services, particularly fostering * in-depth knowledge of fostering regulations and national standards * a proven track record of driving service improvement and challenging practice constructively * experience working with senior leaders, partners, and stakeholders * the ability to translate strategic priorities into practical improvements * a strong commitment to understanding and reflecting the voice of children and young people About Foster East The Regional Fostering Hub was established through Department for Education funding to strengthen fostering recruitment and retention across the Eastern Region. Its work focuses on: * improving the end-to-end foster carer journey * increasing the number of high-quality enquiries * developing a pan-local authority approach * using data to drive continuous practice improvement This role is central to achieving those ambitions and embedding lasting change. Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job Description and Person Specification [https://nccjoblibrary-buhfawbxbvb6brdj.a03.azurefd.net/10712_Regional%20Fostering%20Practice%20Development%20Lead_CHS_Updated%2028082026.docx] to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria. For an informal chat about this role please contact Gaynor Murphy (Service Manager- Regional Fostering Hub) on Gaynor.Murphy@norfolk.gov.uk [Gaynor.Murphy@norfolk.gov.uk] These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council: • Competitive salary • Generous holiday entitlement • Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service • Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependant on your job role and business need. • Financial benefits such as: * ‘Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out. [https://norfolk.rewardgateway.co.uk/Authentication/Start] • A Blue Light card [https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/] for Fire Service and Social Care Workers • Relocation expenses (where applicable) • An advance of your expenses if you travel for work • Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions. • Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes • Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility) • A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job You can also find information on our Terms and Conditions [https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/jobs-training-and-volunteering/work-at-norfolk-county-council/vacancies/recruitment-information-for-candidates] here. Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for internal and external vacancies in myOracle [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffa-eqie-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com%2FhcmUI%2Ffaces%2FFndOverview%3FmacKey%3DACA1GN%252FcSRKlOeLU%26_afrLoop%3D8587015335213240%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_afrWindowId%3Dmx7eds1sa%26_adf.ctrl-state%3Dqofe3tmob_108%26_afrFS%3D16%26_afrMT%3Dscreen%26_afrMFW%3D1163%26_afrMFH%3D525%26_afrMFDW%3D1280%26_afrMFDH%3D720%26_afrMFC%3D8%26_afrMFCI%3D0%26_afrMFM%3D0%26_afrMFR%3D158%26_afrMFG%3D0%26_afrMFS%3D0%26_afrMFO%3D0&data=05%7C01%7Cemma.croll%40norfolk.gov.uk%7C711048ee91fb439ca0df08dab8f3665c%7C1419177e57e04f0faff0fd61b549d10e%7C0%7C0%7C638025652768647030%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZyIhjqXgq6%2BG%2FTmYvqyLbRm%2FZ%2FVHZfFXi4%2FYMeOq%2Bp8%3D&reserved=0] using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email. We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position. Redeployment closing date: 9 September 2026 at 23:55 All other applicants closing date: 17 September 2026 at 23:55