Agency Decision Maker (Adopt South)

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624610

Salary Range: £65,895 - £73,902 per annum (actual salary for part-time hours £32,947 - £36,951 per annum)

Work Location: Glen House, Swanwick

Hours per week: 18.5 or 37 (part-time hours will be considered)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 13 August 2026

This role is with Adopt South, the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities, with the lead authority Hampshire County Council as the employer. 

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced adoption professional with an excellent understanding of adoption regulations and policies to act as Agency Decision Maker for the delegated functions within Adopt South. This includes adopter approvals, children’s plans for adoption, and matches for partnership local authorities where this work is in scope. This will involve reviewing adoption panel recommendations and making final decisions on behalf of Adopt South. 

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative team and make a real difference to children and families across the South of the country. This could include participation in our away day events and family event with our adopters and their children. 

What you’ll do:

You will have significant Local Authority children’s management experience, and have worked at either Head of Service, Area Director or Service Manager level, in addition to experience within the adoption field. You will be confident in your ability to make informed decisions and will use your excellent communication skills to do so. You will have a strong track record of excellent safeguarding practice. 

The role covers the whole of the Adopt South region (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities) and may include some face-to-face meetings.

What we’re looking for:

You will have a strong track record of excellent safeguarding practice. You will have the capacity to be flexible and respond to decision-making requirements within timescales, whilst ensuring all decisions provide good outcomes for children. Currently registered with Social Work England and holding a Social Work degree (or equivalent), you will not only have a strong knowledge and understanding of adoption regulations, but also of relevant legislation and practice. Most importantly, however, you will have a passion for supporting children and families to ensure that they can thrive and flourish.

Why join us?

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. 

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package. 

Additional Information:

Agency Decision Maker (Adopt South) Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Rachel Reynolds, Head of Adopt South RAA on rachel.reynolds@hants.gov.uk