CQC Deputy Manager in Colchester

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of our client for a committed and experienced Deputy Manager to support the Registered Manager in the leadership and development of a CQC-regulated domiciliary care service in Colchester. The successful candidate will support the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care, while helping to maintain strong standards of safeguarding, compliance, quality assurance and staff performance. This is a hands-on management position with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility as the service develops.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day management and operation of the service.
• Help ensure compliance with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and relevant legislation, policies and best practice.
• Monitor the quality and safety of care delivered to service users in their own homes.
• Oversee and review care plans, risk assessments and service-user reviews, ensuring these reflect changing needs.
• Support effective safeguarding, including identifying, recording, reporting and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Assist with the management of medication incidents, accidents, complaints and other incidents.
• Support Mental Capacity Act requirements and ensure people's rights, choices and independence are respected.
• Carry out or support audits, quality checks and continuous improvement across the service.
• Support the recruitment, induction, supervision, training and performance management of care staff.
• Monitor staff competency, mandatory training and compliance with company procedures.
• Develop effective relationships with service users, families, social workers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.
• Support the Registered Manager with CQC preparation, inspections and regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership and management support in the Registered Manager's absence.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous senior-level experience within adult social care, domiciliary care or another CQC-regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, person-centred care and CQC requirements.
• Experience of care planning, risk assessments and quality monitoring.
• Experience supervising, supporting and developing care staff.
• An understanding of Mental Capacity Act principles, medication management and incident reporting.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational and decision-making skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider management team.
• A genuine commitment to promoting dignity, independence, choice and wellbeing.
• A Level 3 qualification in Adult Care is desirable. A Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, or willingness to work towards one, would be advantageous.

Career Progression

For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to progress towards a future CQC Registered Manager position. You will have the opportunity to develop experience across regulatory compliance, quality assurance, safeguarding, staff management, care planning and operational leadership, providing a strong foundation for future Registered Manager responsibility. Any future Registered Manager appointment would be subject to the appropriate CQC suitability requirements, qualifications, competence, skills and experience.