At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and ensure compliance in children's residential care services across Derbyshire and West Midlands.
- Company: Join a growing, ambitious children's residential care provider.
- Benefits: Earn £350-£500 per day with flexible part-time hours.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working with the opportunity for impactful on-site involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping high-quality care services.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in children's residential care and strong leadership skills required.
Location: Derbyshire & West Midlands
Salary: £350 - £500 per day (DOE)
Hours: Part-time (up to 16 hours per week)
Contract: Consultancy / Self-Employed preferred (flexible for the right candidate)
About the Opportunity
Diamond Search Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a well-established and expanding children’s residential care provider to recruit an experienced Responsible Individual (RI). This is a senior, strategic role offering the opportunity to work across two services:
- A well-established home in Derby
- A developing service in Sutton Coldfield progressing through registration
The position is ideally suited to a highly experienced care professional seeking a flexible, high-impact consultancy role where you can drive compliance, quality, and outcomes for children.
The Role
As the Responsible Individual, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that services operate to the highest standards, in full compliance with:
- Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
- Quality Standards
- Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF)
You will provide strategic oversight, leadership support, and governance ensuring that children receive safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed care. You will also act as the key liaison between the organisation, Registered Managers, and Ofsted.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with children’s home regulations and quality standards
- Oversee adherence to the Social Care Common Inspection Framework
- Monitor and ensure timely statutory notifications
- Support homes through Ofsted inspections and post-inspection action plans
- Maintain compliant Statements of Purpose and policies
- Leadership & Management Support
- Provide mentoring, challenge, and professional guidance to Registered Managers
- Support leadership development and strong team culture
- Contribute to performance management and service improvement
- Offer supervision where required
- Safeguarding & Quality Assurance
- Maintain strong oversight of safeguarding practice across all homes
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation and local procedures
- Monitor incidents, complaints, and allegations, ensuring learning is embedded
- Review Regulation 44 reports and Regulation 45 reviews
- Conduct quality assurance visits and implement improvement plans
- Operational Oversight
- Support occupancy planning and placement decisions
- Monitor budget use and resource allocation
- Promote child-centred and trauma-informed care
- Ensure children's voices influence service development
- Drive continuous improvement through learning and feedback
About You
Essential Experience
- Significant experience within children’s residential care
- In-depth knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
- Strong understanding of the SCCIF framework
- Proven safeguarding expertise
- Experience in quality assurance and service improvement
- Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Responsible Individual or Registered Manager
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (or equivalent)
- Experience overseeing multiple homes
- DSL Level 3 safeguarding qualification
- Experience supporting or supervising Registered Managers
What’s On Offer
- Competitive day rate (£350 - £500 depending on experience)
- Flexible, part-time working (approx. 2 days per week)
- Opportunity to shape and influence high-quality care services
- Work with an ambitious and growth-focused organisation
- Hybrid autonomy with meaningful on-site impact
If you are an experienced senior leader in children’s residential care looking for a flexible, strategic role where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Diamond Search Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Responsible Individual for Children's Residential Care Services employer: Broughton Group
Diamond Search Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for experienced professionals in children's residential care to make a significant impact across two services in Derbyshire and West Midlands. With competitive pay rates, flexible part-time hours, and a supportive work culture that prioritises compliance and quality, employees can thrive in a role that fosters leadership development and continuous improvement while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Responsible Individual for Children's Residential Care Services
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
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Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
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We think you need these skills to ace Responsible Individual for Children's Residential Care Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at Broughton Group, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like Broughton Group, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help Broughton Group understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with Broughton Group from the get-go!
