Responsible Individual (RI) – Children’s Residential Home
Sheffield | Hybrid | Part-time£250–£500 per day
Job Overview
Alderwing Care is seeking an experienced and credible Responsible Individual (RI) to provide senior oversight of a children’s residential home in Sheffield.
You will work closely with the Registered Manager and provider to ensure the home is well-led, safeguarding is strong and the service operates in line with its Statement of Purpose, the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and Ofsted expectations.
This is an opportunity to become involved during the development of a new service and help establish strong leadership, governance and quality from the outset.
The RI is not the day-to-day manager of the home. The role is to supervise and oversee the management of the home, provide professional challenge and represent the organisation in its dealings with Ofsted. This reflects Ofsted’s current description of the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective oversight, support and professional challenge to the Registered Manager.
- Ensure the home operates in accordance with its Statement of Purpose, Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
- Maintain senior oversight of safeguarding, significant incidents, complaints, allegations and regulatory concerns.
- Review quality, safeguarding and performance information and ensure areas of concern result in appropriate action.
- Maintain oversight of Regulation 44 reports, Regulation 45 reviews and continuous service improvement.
- Monitor leadership, staffing, safer recruitment, supervision, training and workforce development.
- Ensure placement decisions and risk-management arrangements remain consistent with the home’s Statement of Purpose and the needs of children.
- Support preparation for Ofsted registration, regulatory visits and inspections.
- Communicate confidently and professionally with Ofsted and other external professionals.
- Advise the provider on regulatory, safeguarding and quality risks.
- Challenge poor practice and support a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
About You
We are looking for someone with strong children’s residential care leadership experience and sound professional judgement.
You should have:
- Significant experience within children’s residential care.
- Previous experience as a Responsible Individual, Registered Manager or senior operational leader within children’s residential services.
- Strong knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
- Strong understanding of Ofsted expectations and inspection.
- Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
- Experience overseeing or supporting Registered Managers and residential teams.
- Experience of quality assurance, auditing and service improvement.
- Strong understanding of safer recruitment, supervision and workforce development.
- Confidence communicating with Ofsted, local authorities, social workers and other professionals.
- The capacity and availability to provide meaningful oversight of the service.
Highly Desirable
We would particularly welcome candidates with:
- Previous experience as an RI for an Ofsted-registered children’s home.
- Experience supporting the registration and opening of new children’s homes.
- Direct experience of Ofsted registration interviews or inspections.
- Experience overseeing homes achieving Good or Outstanding outcomes.
- Experience improving services following inspection findings or regulatory concerns.
- Knowledge of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire children’s residential care sector.
Ofsted expects an RI to demonstrate an understanding of the role, safeguarding and child protection, relevant law and guidance, and the ability to promote good practice and continuous improvement.
Working Arrangement
This is a part-time, flexible hybrid role, combining onsite presence in Sheffield with remote governance and oversight where appropriate.
The level of input will vary according to the development and operational needs of the service.
Pay
£250–£500 per day, depending on experience.
The level offered will reflect the candidate’s experience, Ofsted track record, previous RI responsibilities and experience of developing or registering children’s homes.
Safer Recruitment
Alderwing Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
The successful applicant will be subject to a robust safer recruitment process, including verification of identity, full employment history, satisfactory references, relevant qualification and experience checks, and an appropriate enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Applicants will be required to explain any gaps in their employment history and provide sufficient information for Alderwing Care to assess their suitability for the role.
As part of a new children’s home registration, the proposed Responsible Individual must also complete the relevant Ofsted association process. Ofsted will assess their suitability and will usually interview the appointed RI.
Why Alderwing Care?
Alderwing Care is developing a children’s residential service built around safe care, strong relationships, consistent leadership and positive outcomes for children.
Joining at this stage gives the RI an opportunity to help shape the standards, culture and governance of the service from the beginning.
We are looking for someone who is visible, credible and prepared to challenge—not an RI in name only.
To apply, please submit your CV through Indeed or contact:
Pay: £250.00-£500.00 per day
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sheffield
