At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist neurological service and ensure high-quality, person-centred care.
- Company: Join Brainkind, the UK's leading charity in neurological care and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with strong emphasis on wellbeing and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Registered Manager or Service Manager in adult social care.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44500 £ per year.
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 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. 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.
Interim 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 Interim Home Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Brainkind!
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If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Brainkind.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Home Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Brainkind. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Brainkind and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Brainkind. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Brainkind's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Brainkind.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Brainkind will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Brainkind and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
