A family owned care group in the West Midlands is looking for an experienced Responsible Individual to lead a new children's residential service. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high quality provision from the ground up and grow with it as further homes open.
We provide care for children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and associated mental health needs, delivered through a small scale, multi-building model with strong therapeutic and behaviour support practice.
About the role
The Responsible Individual is the statutory role under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. Nominated by the organisation to supervise the management of the home on its behalf, you are our senior point of accountability to Ofsted for the quality and safety of care. You will hold the Registered Manager to account, assure quality, and ensure the home operates lawfully, safely and in line with its statement of purpose.
Key responsibilities
- Act as the statutory Responsible Individual, supervising the management of the home and ensuring full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the quality standards.
- Lead our relationship with Ofsted through registration, inspection and ongoing regulation.
- Oversee quality assurance, including the independent visits and reviews under Regulations 44 and 45, and act on their findings.
- Champion safeguarding and child protection as our highest priority.
- Ensure robust admissions governance, so children are admitted only where their needs fall within the statement of purpose.
- Provide effective oversight across a multi-building home under a single registration, including monitoring, deputising and emergency response across buildings.
- Supervise, support and develop the Registered Manager.
- Contribute to the financial viability and continuous improvement of the service.
About you
Essential:
- Integrity and good character, with full and satisfactory Schedule 2 information and an enhanced DBS check.
- The capacity, experience and skills to supervise the management of a children's home, with senior experience in children's residential care (for example as a Registered Manager, Responsible Individual, service manager or in a regulatory/inspection role).
- Thorough knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the quality standards, the Ofsted framework and statutory safeguarding.
- A relevant qualification at Level 5 (Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare) or above, or equivalent, with willingness to complete further leadership qualifications.
Desirable:
- Experience of children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or associated mental health needs.
- Experience of multi-building children's home provision and/or short-break services.
- Experience of taking a new service through Ofsted registration.
- We welcome applications from former Ofsted inspectors (subject to any applicable Business Appointment Rules).
What we offer
- Salary of £80,000 per annum
- Conditional share equity, giving a genuine stake in a growing company upon 12 months of service and successful outcomes.
- A statutory officer appointment and a senior role shaping a new service.
Pay: £80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have senior experience in a children's residential home (for example as Registered Manager, Responsible Individual or Service Manager)?
- Do you hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or an equivalent qualification?
- How many years' experience do you have in children's residential care?
- Do you have experience of Ofsted registration and/or inspection?
- Do you have experience supporting children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or associated mental health needs?
- This role requires an enhanced DBS check and Schedule 2 pre-employment checks. Are you willing to undergo these?
- Do you hold a full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
