Hours: 22.2 Hours per week

Location: Cumberland Wide – Base to be discussed and agreed at interview

Contract: Permanent

#INDCSC

About this opportunity

Adoption Cumbria has a statutory responsibility to recruit and assess adopters to ensure that children who are Cared For by the two Local Authorities (Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness) can be offered an adoptive family within Adoption Cumbria’s resources.

Adoption Cumbria’s Recruitment and Assessment team covers the geographical county of Cumbria. 

We are a friendly, experienced, and supportive team, with a strong emphasis on training and service development. 

The role primarily involves responding to adoption enquiries, the completion of Initial visits to prospective adoptive applicants, presenting at recruitment events, presenting Adopter training as well as the completion of both stage 1 and stage 2 adoption assessments and presenting cases to the Adoption Panel.  

The successful candidate will have at least 3 years post qualifying experience with strong knowledge of Adoption work. You will work as part of a countywide Team, and this post principally covers the whole of Cumbria. You will work closely with the other Teams in the Regional Adoption Agency.

This role is available on a permanent.

Why join us?

• A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.
• Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Zoe Chambers by email at [email protected]

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:

Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s/Adults Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and Children.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing [email protected]. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 06/08/2026
• Interview date: 14/08/2026 at Kendal Town Hall

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at [email protected].

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council

Salary: £65,873 to £68,775

Location: Penrith (including agile working and working from home)Contract Type: Permanent

Shape the Future of Cumbria

Cumbria is entering a bold new chapter.

The creation of the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock the full potential of one of England’s most distinctive places. With devolution bringing new powers, new investment and a directly elected Mayor from May 2027, the Authority will play a central role in driving inclusive growth, improving public services and championing the needs of communities across Cumbria.

As we establish the organisation, we are seeking a Head of PMO (Programme Management Office) to join us on our journey.

About this opportunity

This role leads the Combined Authority’s Programme Management Office (PMO), providing strategic oversight and leadership across a portfolio of transformation and investment programmes. Responsible for developing the PMO as a centre of excellence, you will establish and embed governance frameworks, delivery standards, assurance processes and reporting arrangements that support successful programme and project delivery across the organisation.

You will oversee portfolio prioritisation, pipeline management, performance reporting, risk and dependency management, ensuring programmes are aligned to strategic priorities, funding requirements and intended outcomes. Working with services and partners across the Authority, you will support the development of robust business cases, drive consistent programme management approaches, and oversee the successful implementation of change and benefits realisation.

The role also provides independent assurance to senior leaders and Members on programme performance, delivery confidence and strategic alignment, helping to ensure the Authority delivers sustainable, effective and value-driven transformation.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for an experienced programme and portfolio management professional with a proven track record of leading PMO functions and delivering complex transformation and investment programmes. You will have strong knowledge of the local government environment, particularly the opportunities and challenges facing Combined Authorities, alongside expertise in portfolio, programme and project management.

You will bring experience of working in politically sensitive environments, building effective relationships with senior leaders, elected members and partners, and managing multiple priorities in a complex setting. With strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills, you will be able to provide constructive challenge, influence decision-making and drive successful programme delivery, ensuring outcomes are achieved on time, within budget and aligned to strategic priorities.

Why Join Cumbria Combined Authority?

• Be part of a brand-new organisation with real devolved powers
• Work with passionate partners across public, private and community sectors
• Make a tangible difference to places, people and opportunities across Cumbria
• Leave a lasting legacy by preparing the Authority for long-term success

If you are inspired by the opportunity to build something new, meaningful and impactful, and to help shape the future of Cumbria, we would love to hear from you.

Join us at the start of Cumbria’s journey – and help turn ambition into reality.

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the Role Profile.

If you have any queries or would like an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Jon Alsop via email - [email protected]

Location

This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which means an employee works part of their time in the office and part from home. This is a voluntary and non‑contractual arrangement between you and your manager, and your contractual place of work will remain your office location.

If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for both the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 40% of your working hours in the office. Our main office is at Redhills, near Penrith. We are also able to use offices of our partner authorities across the county to help fulfil this expectation.

Please discuss any caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet this minimum office attendance requirement with the recruiting manager.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 19/07/2026

Final interview date: 28/07/2026 & 29/07/2026

Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Please note that Westmorland and Furness Council is providing recruitment support on behalf of the Cumbria Combined Authority. As part of this process, applicants will complete a Westmorland and Furness Council application form.