Job Introduction
Learning and Development Officer Fostering
Salary: PO3 - £42,839 - £46,142, Permanent, 37 hours per week, Based in Bradford
Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.
We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
About the Role
Strategic Impact on Fostering Services
Directly contributes to improving outcomes for children by enhancing foster carer and staff capabilities through tailored training aligned with statutory requirements.
Professional Development Leadership
Leads the design and delivery of high-quality training including induction, mandatory safeguarding, and specialist courses, supporting continuous professional development.
Practice Improvement Focus
Plays a pivotal role in embedding evidence-based frameworks like Signs of Safety, supporting carers and staff to adopt best practices.
Expertise and Influence
Offers expert opinion within service planning groups and contributes to shaping local and national agendas around fostering and social care.
Collaborative and Multi-Agency Working
Operates across professional boundaries, influencing organisational development and fostering strong partnerships.
Flexibility and Autonomy
The role allows for creative input in training design, evaluation, and delivery, with opportunities to innovate and respond to evolving service needs.
Career Progression and Recognition
Positioned at PO3 grade, the role is ideal for experienced Social Workers seeking to move into strategic learning and development leadership.
- Enhanced Training Evaluation: Introduction of more robust feedback mechanisms and observation-based assessments to ensure training effectiveness.
- Digital Learning Expansion: Increased use of e-learning platforms to make training more accessible and flexible for foster carers.
- Integration of Practice Frameworks: Successful rollout of Signs of Safety and other models, improving consistency and quality of care.
- Improved Collaboration: Stronger links between learning and development and frontline teams, ensuring training is responsive to real-world challenges.
- Supportive Supervision Culture: Regular supervision and appraisal aligned with Social Work England standards, fostering reflective practice and growth.
- The role sits within the Fostering Supervisory & Support Team, reporting to the Team Manager.
- Works closely with Service Managers, Head of Service Provider Services, and other Learning & Development Officers.
- Collaborates with foster carers, social workers, and external training providers to deliver impactful learning experiences.
- Expected to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, to meet service needs.
Our strategic vision and https://www.bradfordcft.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-values are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care.
Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.
You’ll also:
Design and Deliver Training
- Develop and maintain an annual calendar of high-quality training for foster carers.
- Deliver induction, mandatory (e.g. safeguarding, record keeping), and specialist training.
Support Service Improvement
- Align training with the Fostering Service Improvement Plan and statutory standards (National Minimum Standards and Fostering Regulations 2011).
Evaluate and Adapt Training
- Continuously review and update course content using feedback, observations, and research.
- Monitor effectiveness and ensure training meets evolving service needs.
Promote Practice Frameworks
- Support foster carers and staff in embedding models like Signs of Safety and other frameworks.
Collaborate Across Teams
- Build strong working relationships with colleagues and foster carers.
- Work closely with other team members to drive local and national practice improvement agendas.
Maintain Professional Standards
- Stay up to date with legislation, policies, and codes of conduct.
- Identify and pursue own professional development needs.
Provide Expert Input
- Offer expert opinion within the organisation and contribute to service planning groups.
Participate in Supervision and Appraisal
- Engage in regular supervision and appraisal in line with Social Work England standards.
Promote Equality and Anti-Oppressive Practice
- Actively support council policies on equality and diversity.
To be successful in this role you will need:
Qualifications
- Recognised professional Social Work qualification (e.g. Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
- Post-qualifying award in Social Work or demonstrable evidence of continuous professional development at a similar level.
- Registration with Social Work England (SWE) and responsibility for maintaining it.
- Valid full driving licence (unless prevented by disability).
Essential Knowledge & Skills
- Fluent and spontaneous spoken English (Advanced threshold level).
- Strong understanding of social sciences, law, and social work theory, especially in Children’s Services.
- Ability to apply critical reflection and evidence-informed decision-making in complex situations.
- Skilled in multi-agency and inter-professional working, with knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Commitment to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to assess and manage risk effectively, including positive risk-taking.
Experience
- Substantial social work experience, with post-qualification experience.
- Experience in supporting the learning and development of others (e.g. students, newly qualified social workers, practitioners).
- Experience in designing and delivering training that improves practice and outcomes.
Core Behaviours & Competencies
- Performance Management – Manages workload and delivers tasks to a high standard.
- Effective Communication – Skilled in spoken and written communication, including handling sensitive information.
- Decision Making – Demonstrates initiative, planning, and quality assurance.
- Problem Solving – Uses analytical thinking and develops practical solutions.
- Dignity and Respect – Treats everyone fairly and respectfully, aware of barriers people face.
Management Competencies
- Strategic Awareness – Works with corporate priorities and policies transparently.
- Leadership – Motivates staff and promotes team/service goals.
- Performance Delivery – Monitors and celebrates team and service achievements.
- Project Management – Achieves objectives within timescales and resources.
- Team Development – Coaches individuals and teams for continuous improvement.
You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 31 days rising to 34 with service (plus bank holidays)
- Excellent local Government pension
- Competitive salary and pay progression structure
- Supportive carer and parental policies
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Access to Occupational Health and confidential counselling services
- Supportive staff networks
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts, including cost of living support
- Professional development/support and opportunities career progression
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
Closing Date: 14.11.2025
Interviews: 21.11.2025
