Registered Manager Ilford

REGISTERED MANAGER – CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL HOME

Home: Brand-new children's home – opening and set-up role

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Ashford Recruitment are proud to bring to the market a live vacancy for a Registered Manager, located in Ilford, East London.

This is an exciting opportunity to take the lead in the opening and development of a brand-new children's residential home.

We are looking for an experienced children’s residential professional who can provide strong leadership, build an effective team and ensure the home is fully prepared to provide high-quality care and support to children and young people.

Previous experience of opening a new children's home, Ofsted registration or service mobilisation would be highly advantageous.

All employees of Ashford Recruitment are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our vision, aims and core values.

THE ROLE

As Registered Manager, you will take responsibility for the successful set-up, opening and ongoing management of the home.

You will work closely with the wider management team to ensure the home is prepared for operation and meets all regulatory, safeguarding and quality requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Registered Manager or a strong Deputy Manager who is ready to take the next step into Registered Manager responsibility.

The successful candidate will play a key role in building the team, establishing systems and procedures, preparing for registration and creating a positive culture from day one.

PRIORITY EXPERIENCE

Particular priority will be given to candidates who have experience of:

• Successfully opening a new children's residential home.
• Supporting or completing an Ofsted registration.
• Mobilising a new children's residential service.
• Establishing policies, procedures and systems for a new home.
• Recruiting and developing a new staff team.
• Preparing a home for its first inspection.
• Managing an Ofsted-regulated children's residential home.
• Taking responsibility for compliance, safeguarding and quality assurance.

Candidates who have previously taken a children's home from set-up and registration through to opening and successful operation will be particularly encouraged to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the children's home.
• Lead the preparation and mobilisation of the new service.
• Support the registration process and ensure the home is ready to open.
• Recruit, lead, support and develop the staff team.
• Establish a positive, child-centred culture within the home.
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding and child protection.
• Ensure compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations and Ofsted requirements.
• Maintain compliance with the Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF).
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and operational systems.
• Oversee care planning and risk management.
• Lead staff supervision, training and development.
• Monitor quality and ensure continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Maintain accurate and compliant records.
• Work closely with social workers, placing authorities, families and other professionals.
• Ensure the home provides a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for children and young people.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Minimum 2 years' experience within children’s residential care.
• At least 1 year in a management or senior role.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare or currently working towards Level 5.
• Strong knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations.
• Understanding of Ofsted and SCCIF requirements.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience of risk management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to recruit, motivate and develop a team.
• Good understanding of care planning and quality assurance.
• Full UK driving licence.

EXPERIENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of:

Safeguarding & Child Protection
Ensuring children are protected and that safeguarding procedures are consistently followed.

Risk Management
Developing, monitoring and reviewing appropriate risk assessments and management strategies.

Staff Leadership
Recruiting, supervising, mentoring and developing a strong residential care team.

Compliance
Working confidently with Ofsted, Children's Homes Regulations, SCCIF and internal policies and procedures.

Care Planning
Ensuring children's individual needs, care plans and outcomes are properly managed and reviewed.

Quality Assurance
Monitoring standards, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring the home operates to a consistently high standard.

Budgets & Resources
Managing resources effectively and ensuring the home operates efficiently.

DEPUTY MANAGERS – NEXT STEP OPPORTUNITY

We are also keen to hear from strong, experienced Deputy Managers who are genuinely ready to progress into a Registered Manager position.

Previous Registered Manager experience is not essential, provided candidates can demonstrate:

• At least 2 years' children’s residential experience.
• At least 1 year in a senior or management position.
• Level 5 qualification or currently working towards Level 5.
• Strong safeguarding and compliance knowledge.
• Leadership and staff management experience.
• The ability and confidence to take responsibility for a new service.

This could be an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Deputy Manager looking to take the next step in their career.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced and motivated children's residential professional who is ready to take ownership of a brand-new service.

You will need to be confident, organised and passionate about providing high-quality care, while having the leadership skills to build a strong team and establish the right culture from the outset.

If you have experience opening children’s homes, Ofsted registration, service mobilisation or managing an established children's residential service, we would particularly like to hear from you.