At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist neurological service and make a genuine difference in people's lives.
- Company: Join Brainkind, the UK's leading charity in neurological care and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, generous annual leave, healthcare plan, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while supporting individuals to regain independence and live fulfilling lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Registered Manager or Service Manager with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Interim Service Manager (3–6 Month Fixed Term Contract) | Full-Time or Part-Time (3–5 Days)
Location: Milton Keynes
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.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
We're looking for an experienced Registered Manager or Service Manager with a proven track record of leading CQC-registered adult social care services.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
That's why we place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, learning and creating an environment where everyone feels supported to succeed.
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.
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.
Care Home Manager (Contract) in Milton Keynes 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 Care Home Manager (Contract) in Milton Keynes
✨Get In Touch with Local Health Services
Start by reaching out to local hospitals, clinics, and care homes directly. They often have temporary nursing roles that may not be advertised online. Don’t hesitate to pop by for a quick chat or to ask about current openings!
✨Join Nursing Community Groups
Look for local nursing community groups or online forums where temp roles are frequently shared. Whether it’s Facebook groups or platforms like Nursing Times, these can be great places to connect with fellow nurses and discover temp roles through word of mouth.
✨Reach Out to Recruitment Agencies
Get in touch with recruitment agencies specialising in nursing. They often have a list of temporary positions that need filling quickly, and many health services prefer to hire through agencies for short-term roles. Make sure your availability is clear!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the nursing field, flexibility is key, especially for temporary roles. Highlight your willingness to work different shifts and locations when applying through our website. This will make you more attractive to employers looking for quick cover!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Home Manager (Contract) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Skills in Patient Care:When applying for a temporary nursing role, make sure to spotlight your specific skills in patient care. This includes any training or certifications you've received, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or specific nursing specialisations. We want to see how you've applied these skills in real-world situations, so share relevant experiences in your CV.
Reflect Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require you to hit the ground running, so it’s essential to convey your adaptability. In your cover letter, mention examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted to new environments or challenges in patient care settings. This shows that you're ready to step in and provide support from day one!
Emphasise Availability and Flexibility:For temporary positions, your availability is key! Make sure to state your flexible working hours in your CV and cover letter so Brainkind knows when you're ready to jump in. This helps them see that you’re committed and prepared to meet their immediate needs.
Personalise Your Application for Brainkind:Finally, take the time to tailor your application for Brainkind specifically. Research their values and any recent initiatives they may have. Mention these in your cover letter to show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in working with them in patient care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Show Your Passion for Patient Care
As a temporary nursing role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine passion for patient care. Talk to the interviewer about experiences where you went above and beyond for patients and how you handle emotional situations – this shows your soft skills are as strong as your technical knowledge.
✨Be Ready for Clinical Scenarios
Expect to face some clinical scenario questions during your interview. You might be asked how you would handle specific patient situations or emergencies. Brush up on your clinical skills and think through a few scenarios so you can talk through your thought process confidently.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Temporary roles often mean you're filling in where needed, so emphasise your adaptability during the interview. Share examples of times you’ve quickly adjusted to new teams or practices, which shows you can hit the ground running at Brainkind.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
In nursing, being a great team player is essential. Don't just talk about your individual achievements; share instances where you effectively collaborated with other healthcare professionals. This will show how you’ll fit into the team at Brainkind and contribute positively to patient care.
