Job Description
Ofsted Registered Service Manager
Supported Living Service – Young People Aged 16–25
Ofsted Registered Provider (New Start‑Up Application)
Location: Swindon
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, with occasional out‑of‑hours availability for on‑call duties and stakeholder meetings
Responsible to: General Manager
Regulatory Status: This is a statutory Registered Service Manager role with Ofsted.
About Our Service
We are a new, values‑led supported living provider applying for Ofsted registration. We will deliver person‑centred support and accommodation for young people aged 16–25. Our aim is to create a safe, homely environment where young people can build independence, confidence, and the skills needed for adulthood and beyond.
We are building our service from the ground up, with compliance, quality, and positive outcomes as our foundation. This role is central to achieving that vision.
Role Purpose
As the Registered Service Manager, you will be the nominated Registered Service Manager with Ofsted for Nova Reach Supported Living Services. You will support the General Manager in the successful set‑up, launch, and ongoing management of the service, ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulations and helping to build a culture of excellence that enables us to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating at our first inspection.
You will work closely with the General Manager to develop policies, recruit and train staff, implement operational systems, and ensure that every young person receives high‑quality support tailored to their individual needs.
Key Responsibilities
Set‑Up and Registration (Critical for Ofsted)
- Assist with the preparation and submission of our Ofsted registration application, ensuring all evidence, policies, and procedures meet the requirements of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Social Care Common Inspection Framework, and relevant statutory guidance.
- Assist in designing and implementing all required policies, risk assessments, safeguarding procedures, and quality assurance systems before the service opens.
- Ensure that premises, staffing structures, and operational plans fully meet regulatory requirements prior to registration.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality
- Maintain full compliance with Ofsted regulations, the Care Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice, and all other relevant legislation and guidance.
- Assist in establishing robust systems for monitoring, auditing, and reviewing practice, and act as the lead for safeguarding, reporting, and escalation processes.
- Assist in preparation for any pre‑registration visits and future inspections, demonstrating a clear understanding of inspection expectations and evidence requirements.
Care Delivery and Outcomes
- Lead the development of person‑centred support plans that place young people’s voices, choices, and aspirations at the centre of service delivery.
- Oversee all day‑to‑day support activities, ensuring they promote independence, dignity, safety, and positive outcomes in education, employment, health, and wellbeing.
- Develop strong working relationships with social workers, healthcare professionals, education providers, families, and commissioning authorities.
Team Leadership and Development
- Recruit, vet, induct, and train all staff in line with Ofsted requirements, ensuring mandatory training, qualifications (including the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare), and supervision arrangements are in place from launch.
- Create a positive and reflective culture in which staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to deliver outstanding care and support.
Operations and Governance
- Manage service budgets, staff rotas, health and safety requirements, property maintenance, and administrative records accurately and securely.
- Provide regular reports to the General Manager on performance, compliance, risk management, and quality improvement activities.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) or an equivalent qualification.
- Proven experience managing children’s homes, supported living services, or residential services for young people aged 16–25.
- In‑depth knowledge of Ofsted regulations, inspection processes, and relevant legislation.
- Experience of writing policies, preparing regulatory evidence, and managing compliance systems.
- Ability to demonstrate that you meet the fit and proper person requirements.
- Strong leadership, decision‑making, and risk‑management skills.
- Impeccable references and the ability to pass an enhanced DBS check and all required vetting processes.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience leading a new service through the Ofsted registration process.
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Experience supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities, or mental health needs.
- Experience working within Swindon, Wiltshire, or surrounding local authority areas.
- Experience establishing systems and operational processes from the ground up.
- Qualification in Safeguarding Leadership.
What We Offer
- A key leadership role in shaping a new service using your expertise and vision.
- Full support throughout the Ofsted registration process.
- Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement.
- Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
- Pension scheme.
- Enhanced DBS and registration‑related costs covered.
- A genuine opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in the local community.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and why you are the right person to lead our new service to:
[email protected]
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and Ofsted’s fit and proper person assessment requirements.
Pay: £55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
