We are seeking an experienced, dedicated, and child-focused Responsible Individual to provide strategic oversight and governance for our children's residential care services. The Responsible Individual will play a key role in ensuring the home operates in compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements, while promoting the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and outcomes for children and young people.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Registered Manager, senior leadership team, and external professionals to ensure children receive safe, nurturing, and therapeutic care within a positive residential environment. This role requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in children's services.
Responsibilities
- Provide effective oversight of the children's home, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and quality standards.
- Support, challenge, and monitor the Registered Manager to ensure the home delivers high-quality, child-centred care and achieves positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Monitor safeguarding practices, ensuring robust systems are in place to protect children from harm and promote their welfare.
- Conduct regular quality assurance visits and produce reports identifying strengths, areas for development, and actions required to improve service delivery.
- Ensure the home operates in accordance with the Statement of Purpose and organisational policies and procedures.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and accountability throughout the service.
- Support recruitment, retention, and workforce development strategies to ensure suitably qualified and experienced staff are employed.
- Monitor staffing arrangements, training compliance, and professional development opportunities across the service.
- Oversee the management of complaints, incidents, safeguarding concerns, and serious events, ensuring appropriate actions are taken and lessons learned.
- Develop positive relationships with children, families, social workers, placing authorities, Ofsted, and partner agencies.
- Ensure effective governance arrangements are in place, including monitoring performance, quality indicators, and regulatory compliance.
- Participate in inspections, audits, and regulatory visits, supporting the Registered Manager to achieve and maintain high standards.
- Report to senior leaders and directors on service performance, risks, and areas requiring strategic intervention.
Qualifications and Experience
- Significant experience working within children's residential care, social care, safeguarding, or a related field.
- Thorough understanding of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted framework.
- Proven leadership and management experience within children's services.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience of quality assurance, service improvement, and governance within a regulated environment.
- Excellent communication, report-writing, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to provide effective support, challenge, and oversight to Registered Managers and operational teams.
- Relevant professional qualification in Health and Social Care, Social Work, Childcare, Leadership and Management, or a related discipline.
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is desirable.
- Enhanced DBS clearance and suitability to work with children and young people.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a compassionate and experienced professional who is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people. The successful candidate will be committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and governance while supporting services to achieve outstanding outcomes and provide children with the stability, security, and opportunities they deserve.
Pay: From £300.00 per day
Work Location: In person
