Adoption Quality and Development Lead

Lead quality and innovation in adoption – and make a lasting impact.

Contract:

Permanent role.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in a newly created position which is a reflection of our dedication to ensure the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement across our adoption services. The Adoption Quality and Development Lead plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high‑quality adoption and adoption support services. The post holder will lead on quality assurance activities, policy development, complaints investigations, and specific projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to continuous improvement.

They will be one of PACT’s agency decision makers. They will also manage projects such as the birth relatives project and support digital and training initiatives. The role requires collaboration across teams, liaison with external agencies, and occasional cover for Team Managers.

We are looking for a qualified and registered social worker with substantial post‑qualification experience in adoption and children’s services, including quality assurance and inspection preparation. You will have excellent knowledge of adoption legislation and standards, strong analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to influence and advise at all levels.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about driving quality and innovation in adoption services. You will have access to learning and professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

• Team Manager
• Adoption Team Manager
• Adoption Practice Manager
• Practice Manager
• Adoption Service Manager
• Service Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Social Work Team Lead
• Social Work Team Manager

PACT is a long‑standing, established charity and has been building and strengthening families since 1911. We have a long history of providing adoption services and specialist adoption support for life. As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been rated outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023. PACT has a stable and committed workforce, with a passion to support families and a desire to deliver the highest quality services.

Last year, PACT found loving and permanent homes for 84 children.

For an informal conversation or if you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Mandy Davies, Assistant Service Director (mandy.davies).

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit our website – https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Closing date:
Friday 23rd January 2026 (midday)

Interviews are planned for:
Monday 9th February 2026

We look forward to hearing from you. Early application is encouraged. We will review applications received throughout the advertising period and may close the vacancy or interview earlier than stated.

Please do not submit your CV; only completed application forms will be accepted. No agencies please.

PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under‑represented groups are particularly welcomed.

PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s Safer Recruitment pre‑appointment enquiries. These include the provision of documentation of the right to work in the UK, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check where applicable and references covering a minimum 5‑year period. All opportunities are based in the UK.

Starting Salary Range from £49,934 to £58,256

Full time (37 hours per week) or part‑time (4 days per week may be considered).

Based in Reading with hybrid working arrangements