At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a valued Shared Lives service, ensuring high-quality care and support for adults.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a forward-thinking workplace dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £48,226, clear career progression, and enhanced benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for all candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in social care.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Starting salary for this role will be £48,226 (pro rata for part time colleagues). This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation.
We are looking for an experienced, values-led and motivated Registered Manager to lead our "Good" Shared Lives service within Adult Social Care. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background in regulated adult social care, community-based support, provider services or service improvement to take responsibility for the safe, effective and person-centred delivery of a valued Shared Lives service across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Shared Lives offers adults the opportunity to receive care and support in a welcoming family, promoting independence, choice, dignity and inclusion. As Registered Manager, you will hold responsibility for the regulated service and will ensure that people who draw on care and support experience safe, high-quality arrangements that reflect their strengths, wishes, rights and outcomes.
A key part of this role will be to provide strong leadership, governance and quality assurance across the Shared Lives service. You will oversee carer recruitment, assessment, approval, training, supervision and review; ensure robust referral, matching and placement processes; lead safeguarding practice; maintain effective systems for risk management, complaints, incidents, records and performance monitoring; and ensure the service remains inspection-ready and compliant with CQC requirements.
The successful candidate will bring excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to support staff and carers, work confidently with partners, manage competing priorities and use evidence, feedback and performance information to drive continuous improvement. You will be compassionate, resilient and improvement-focused, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, person-centred practice and helping people live ordinary lives within their communities.
Applicants must be able to meet CQC requirements for registration as a Registered Manager and should hold, or be willing to work towards, the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care or an equivalent relevant management qualification within an agreed timeframe.
Interview dates: 21 and 22 September 2026.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise - it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services.
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
Shared Lives Manager employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a clear pay band structure and opportunities for career progression. With a commitment to inclusivity and support, BCP fosters a forward-thinking work culture where you can make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying enhanced benefits and a beautiful coastal location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Manager
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BCP Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BCP Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BCP Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BCP Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BCP Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BCP Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
