Registered Manager – Children’s Residential Services
Location: Service-Based-Leatherhead
Hours: 40 hours per week (flexibility required)
Salary: £50-£65k DOE
Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Registered Manager to lead their EBD children’s residential service in Leatherhead. The home is a beautiful large property with space for up to 5 children and is set amongst 2.5 acres of land. The company is continuing to grow, investing heavily in quality, this position is well supported by a full back-office team along with having access to a therapeutic farm, support from therapists and a clinical psychologist. This is a fantastic opportunity for a proven leader to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people, providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they can thrive.
Main Purpose of the Role
- To provide strong, effective, and values-led leadership across children’s residential services, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and the Care Act 2014.
- To be the Ofsted Registered Manager and lead the operational, professional, and strategic direction of the service, ensuring compliance, quality assurance, safeguarding, and continuous improvement.
- To create a culture of safety, empowerment, and therapeutic care, where children and young people are supported to thrive, develop independence, and experience positive outcomes.
Line Management Responsibilities
- Direct line management of:
o Deputy Managers / Team Leaders
o Residential Support Workers
o Administrative and Domestic Staff
- Responsible for ensuring:
o Quality care delivery across assigned homes
o Compliance with regulatory frameworks
o Multi-site operational oversight (where assigned)
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Service Management
- Deliver effective operational leadership to ensure the service runs efficiently, safely, and in line with legislation and organisational policies
- Provide strategic direction, promote continuous service development, and maintain a clear focus on positive outcomes for children
- Make sound professional decisions in the best interest of the children, including in emergencies and safeguarding matters
2. Regulatory and Quality Compliance
- Maintain registration with Ofsted and ensure full compliance with inspection criteria, regulations, and the Children’s Quality Standards
- Ensure all statutory responsibilities are fulfilled, including safeguarding, reporting, and health and safety
- Maintain up-to-date, accurate records in accordance with regulatory and internal standards
3. Staff Management and Development
- Supervise, appraise, and develop all staff within the home(s), supporting high standards of practice and promoting a positive working culture
- Lead on recruitment, retention, disciplinary procedures, and performance management processes in line with HR policies
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and delegation to build an effective and motivated team
4. Children’s Well-being and Care Planning
- Oversee care planning, risk assessments, placement matching, and review systems for all children
- Ensure person-centred planning supports the emotional, social, and educational development of each child
- Promote therapeutic approaches and work in partnership with multi-agency professionals to meet children’s holistic needs
5. Partnership Working and External Relationships
- Work closely with the Director and Responsible Individual to maintain high occupancy levels and ensure placement matching and referrals are handled effectively
- Liaise with professionals, funders, families, and external agencies to ensure coordinated support for each child
- Represent the company at external meetings, panels, and forums as required
6. Financial and Resource Management
- Manage allocated budgets efficiently, ensuring staffing, maintenance, and resources are controlled and reported on
- Contribute to financial planning and forecasting in conjunction with the Director
- Approve payroll statements, financial reports, and other administrative documents as required
7. Safeguarding and Risk Management
- Ensure the service upholds a proactive safeguarding culture and fully complies with the company’s Safeguarding Children Policy and LADO procedures
- Implement robust risk assessment and management practices to protect children, staff, and the organisation
- Promote health, safety, fire, and food hygiene standards in line with all relevant regulations
8. Continuous Improvement and Change Management
- Lead on the implementation of service developments, projects, and organisational changes as directed
- Drive quality improvement through audits, feedback, and action planning following inspections or internal reviews
- Support innovation and service delivery models that enhance outcomes and efficiency
Special Requirements
- This post is service-based but may require regular travel across sites and boroughs for operational support or child placement assessments
- On-call duties may be required
Person Specification
A. Education, Training & Qualifications
- Degree-level education (relevant subject area – e.g. Social Work, Health or Social Care)
- NVQ Level 5 (Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare) or equivalent
- Registered Manager status with Ofsted (or eligible to register)
B. Experience
- Minimum 2 years of recent experience managing children’s residential services or regulated care
- Proven track record of working with children with complex needs, including emotional and behavioural difficulties
- Experience of managing large, diverse teams and working within a multi-agency setting
- Demonstrated ability to maintain compliance and quality in line with Ofsted and other regulatory frameworks
C. Skills and Abilities
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Budget management and resource allocation skills
- Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication skills
- Ability to manage risk, respond to crisis situations, and make informed decisions
- Skilled in developing care plans and managing safeguarding concerns
D. Knowledge and Understanding
- Comprehensive knowledge of:
o Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
o Safeguarding children policies and LADO procedures
o Health and Safety, HR procedures, and data protection legislation
o Trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches
- Understanding of the wider health and social care agenda impacting looked[1]after children
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
INDZI
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Experience:
- management: 2 years (preferred)
- residential childcare: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
- NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management (preferred)
- NVQ Level 3 in Children's and Young People's workforce (required)
Work Location: In person
