Overview
Home Orchard is looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and efficient Staff Development Lead (Head of Development) to join the team. You will be working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.
Working in close partnership with the Head of Care and our Senior Team, you will turn high-level care standards into practical, everyday actions—ensuring our team remains compliant, competent, and confident in delivering outstanding care to our residents.
Home Orchard provides care and support for adults with a learning disability and this is truly a rewarding role where you can really make a difference as part of a dedicated and caring team.
This role is office-based, in our main office at Home Orchard, Chudleigh.
How to apply
To apply for this role, submit your CV, along with a supporting covering letter outlining why you think you would be a great fit for this role.
What you will be doing
You will lead on all staff learning, performance support, supervision frameworks, and recruitment initiatives. Serving as a role model for Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, ensuring that every member of the team is supported from their very first day of induction through to advanced specialist training.
- Learning & Development Lifecycle: Identify, design, and deliver high-quality in-house and external training programs. Maintain up to date staff training logs and oversee all mandatory training compliance (e.g., Social Care TV).
- Supervision & Performance Framework: Oversee the staff supervision framework, ensuring every team member receives quality supervisions every 6–8 weeks. Provide direct supervision and ongoing development to the Senior Team.
- Induction, Probation & Recruitment: Drive effective induction and probation pathways for new starters. Lead on recruitment activities as directed by the Operations Manager to bring top talent to Home Orchard.
- Quality Assurance & Spot Checks: Conduct weekly spot checks on cleanliness, Health & Safety, care delivery, and staff performance. Uphold CQC Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) across all departments.
- Staff Observations & PDPs: Lead staff observation reviews alongside the Head of Care, manage Personal Development Plans (PDPs), and implement informal Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) with appropriate support.
- Collaborative Leadership: Partner with the Head of Care and Operations Manager on HR matters, co-chair staff forums, and drive continuous workforce improvement
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a blend of technical competence, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the compassionate values required for our care environment.
Experience & Knowledge
- A proven track record of Learning & Development, staff supervision and training delivery within the care sector.
- A good understanding of CQC regulations and social care compliance.
- IT literate: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with digital care or record-keeping systems.
- Experience of conducting constructive supervisions / performance improvement plans sympathetically, yet effectively.
Skills & Abilities
- Organisation & Coordination: Ability to conflicting priorities, meeting set deadlines and maintaining records/logs.
- Communication & Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to tasks
- Ability to motivate and inspire others
Personal Attributes
- Confidentiality & Integrity: Absolute discretion when handling sensitive personal data.
- Commitment to Welfare: A value-driven approach to safeguarding vulnerable adults, and doing the right thing.
- A collaborative team player
Pay: £16.00-£18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
- Must have a level 4 NVQ in Health and Social Care or be willing to work towards it.
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
