Deputy Children's Home Manager - Whitchurch (SY13) in Basingstoke

Job Role: Deputy Manager - Children's Residential

Location: Whitchurch, Shropshire (SY13)

Salary: £15.45 - £16.05 per hour - L5 Qualified Salary: £15.95 - £16.55 per hour

Hours: 39 hours per week, working long days & sleep-ins.

Requirements: Full UK Manual Driving Licence with access to a vehicle - essential.

About Keys Group

Keys Group provide innovative care and education services to children and young people who have complex needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties. We try and make every day extraordinary for the children we care for and support, because we believe in every single one of them.

Keys Group supports over 2,500 individuals across its three divisions:

• Accomplish, providing specialist residential, supported living and accommodation for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and brain injuries;
• Keys, offering education and care for children and families through schools, children’s homes, supported accommodation and family assessment centres;
• Peak, delivering indoor and outdoor adventure activities across four UK centres, including bespoke education programs and confidence‑building activities such as bushcraft, climbing and canoeing.

Keys Group are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to welcoming service personnel, veterans and military families. We offer veteran‑friendly policies, a Veterans Peer Support Network and Military Awareness support for our colleagues.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Registered Manager, you play an integral part of our warm and knowledgeable team. You will be actively involved in creating a welcoming, structured and safe home for our children. You will lead by example to set clear expectations across the team, embed solid practices and interact with the team in our everyday activities.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Registered Manager in overall facility management, including staff management, care and administrative tasks.
• Contribute to and implement care plans, participate in reviews and meetings as required, ensuring documentation is up to date and changed when appropriate.
• Ensure day‑to‑day management, monitoring and supervision of staff is facilitated.
• Assist in recruitment, training and supervision of care staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
• Oversee assessment, care planning and implementation of care plans for residents, ensuring their individual needs and preferences are met.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records, including resident files, staff rosters and financial documents.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and company policies, promoting a safe and supportive environment for residents and staff.
• Participate in regular meetings and training sessions, contributing to continuous professional development of the team.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a similar role within the healthcare or social care sector.
• A relevant qualification (NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Children and Young People).
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• A compassionate and caring attitude towards residents, families and colleagues.
• IT proficiency, including experience with care management systems.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave - 5.6 weeks of annual leave inclusive of 8 public holidays.
• DBS Check Paid - Enhanced DBS check fully covered by Keys Group, including renewals.
• Qualifications & Career Development - Variety of QCF qualifications to support professional growth.
• Fair & Competitive Pay - Real Living Wage Employer with enhanced pay scales that recognise qualifications and experience.
• Blue Light Card – access to discounts at high‑street retailers, day‑out experiences, gifts, holidays and even car purchases.
• Referral Bonus – £500 bonus split when a referred individual successfully joins and completes probation.
• Care First – Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.
• Circle – Hub for wellbeing, engagement and discounts for healthy living and savings.
• NEST Pension Scheme – matched contributions up to 3% from Keys Group.
• Long Service Awards – recognises ongoing contribution.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – up to 42% savings on a brand‑new bike and accessories.
• Full Induction & Introductory Programme – paid comprehensive onboarding.

Additional Information:

As part of our commitment, we will offer a guaranteed interview to current and former service personnel who meet the role criteria. If you meet these criteria, please ensure your military experience is detailed on your CV for our resourcing team to contact you.

Please note that due to the vulnerable nature of the people we support, all applicants must be over the age of 18.