About

About the roleHertfordshire County Council has a proud reputation for high-quality services and a bold, forward-looking approach. As we navigate sector reforms and prepare for future challenges and opportunities, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Fostering and Adoption to lead our adoption, fostering and kinship services and champion outstanding outcomes for children, young people, and families. A collaborative, child-centred leader, you will bring strong professional credibility and the confidence to make statutory decisions in high-risk environments. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across fostering, adoption and regulated services, ensuring excellent practice, continuous improvement, and readiness for inspection. Managing over 100 staff and significant budgets, you will ensure robust planning, performance oversight, financial governance and value for money across all areas. Working across health, education, voluntary and community sectors, you will build inclusive partnerships that reduce barriers, improve access to support, and deliver responsive, high-quality services shaped by the voices of children, young people, and their families. You will drive service innovation, strengthen organisational resilience, maintain rigorous compliance with legislation and policy, and ensure workforce capability through effective development, planning and leadership.This is a role for a values-led leader who models integrity, inclusivity and purpose—someone who can balance strategic vision with operational delivery, empower multidisciplinary teams, and influence senior leaders and members with clear professional advice. If you are committed to delivering exceptional services and improving life chances for Hertfordshire’s children, we would welcome your application.What we’re looking for you to bring (Person Specification)Knowledge & Qualifications: