At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist neurological service and support individuals in regaining independence.
- Company: Join Brainkind, the UK's leading charity in neurological care and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Registered or Service Manager in adult social care required.
Interim Service Manager (3–6 Month Fixed Term Contract) | Full-Time or Part-Time (3–5 Days)
Location: Milton Keynes
Salary: Up to £40,170 - £43,000* per annum (pro rata)
Hours: Flexible – 3, 4 or 5 days per week (21–35 hours)
Lead a specialist neurological service and make a genuine difference.
Are you an experienced Registered Manager or Service Manager looking for your next interim opportunity? At Brainkind, we're passionate about helping people rebuild their lives following acquired brain injury and complex neurological conditions. As the UK's leading charity specialising in neurological care, rehabilitation and brain injury services, we support people to regain independence, achieve personal goals and live fulfilling lives within their communities.
We're looking for an experienced Interim Service Manager to lead Brownswood, our specialist residential service in Milton Keynes, on a 3–6 month fixed-term contract, or ideally a full-time position. Whether you're looking for a full-time position or greater flexibility, we're happy to consider applications from candidates looking to work 3, 4 or 5 days per week.
About Brownswood
Brownswood is a well-established, specialist residential service supporting adults living with acquired brain injuries and complex neurological conditions. Home to 8 people we support (within a 9-bed service), Brownswood has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, person-centred care in a welcoming and community-focused environment. The service benefits from an experienced and committed staff team, including a long-standing Team Leader who has been part of Brownswood for around 15 years, providing excellent continuity and support for both colleagues and the people we support. The individuals living at Brownswood have made it their home for many years, with the shortest placement being approximately four years. They lead active lives within their local community, regularly accessing appointments, activities, hobbies and social opportunities with the support of the team.
This is an opportunity to lead a stable, well-established service where you'll be supported by an experienced team while continuing to drive high standards, quality improvement and positive outcomes for the people we support.
The Role
As Interim Service Manager, you'll provide operational leadership across the service, ensuring safe, effective and person-centred care while maintaining the highest standards of governance, quality and regulatory compliance. You'll be an approachable and visible leader, working alongside your team to create a positive culture that supports both colleagues and the people who call Brownswood home.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and supporting an experienced multidisciplinary team.
- Ensuring the service continues to deliver exceptional, person-centred care.
- Maintaining CQC compliance and driving continuous quality improvement.
- Managing recruitment, staffing, supervision and team development.
- Overseeing service budgets and operational performance.
- Building positive relationships with families, commissioners and healthcare professionals.
- Supporting people to remain active and engaged within their local community.
- Creating an environment where people are empowered to achieve the greatest possible independence and quality of life.
About You
We're looking for an experienced Registered Manager or Service Manager with a proven track record of leading CQC-registered adult social care services. You'll ideally have:
- QCF (NVQ) Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
- Previous experience managing a registered adult social care service.
- Strong understanding of CQC regulations and quality standards.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing care teams.
- Good operational, financial and workforce management skills.
- A passion for delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
- A full UK driving licence.
We're particularly interested in hearing from managers who enjoy building strong relationships, supporting established teams and leading services that place quality of life, independence and community participation at the heart of everything they do.
Why Join Brainkind?
Brainkind is the UK's leading charity specialising in brain injury rehabilitation and neurological care. Every member of our team plays a vital role in helping people rebuild confidence, regain independence and achieve outcomes that genuinely change lives. Joining Brainkind means becoming part of an organisation that values collaboration, compassion and innovation. We invest in our people, support career development and empower our teams to deliver exceptional specialist care every day.
What We Offer
- Negotiable salary starting from £40,000 (pro rata).
- Flexible working options – choose to work 3, 4 or 5 days per week.
- 38 days annual leave (pro rata), inclusive of Bank Holidays.
- Buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
- Simplyhealth healthcare plan.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company pension.
- Group life assurance.
- Eye care voucher scheme.
- Free parking.
- Long Service and Staff Awards.
- Excellent training, development and career progression opportunities.
At Brainkind, we believe our people are our greatest strength. That's why we place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, learning and creating an environment where everyone feels supported to succeed.
Apply Today
If you're an experienced Registered Manager looking for an opportunity to lead a well-established specialist neurological service with an experienced team and make a lasting difference to people's lives, we'd love to hear from you. Please note we will be reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications. All successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory DBS, right to work and employment reference checks. Brainkind is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.
Home Manager employer: Brainkind
Brainkind is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff, offering a clear pathway to leadership roles within the neurorehabilitation field. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and generous perks, including 38 days of annual leave, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in clinical psychology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Home Manager
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Brainkind and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Home Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Brainkind. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Brainkind, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Brainkind uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Brainkind.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Brainkind.
