At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and ensure compliance in children's residential care services across Derbyshire and West Midlands.
- Company: Join a growing children's care provider focused on high-quality, trauma-informed care.
- Benefits: Earn £350-£500 per day with flexible part-time hours and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive, ambitious environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on 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 and 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, and 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 (Children's Residential Care) employer: Diamond Search Recruitment Ltd
Diamond Search Recruitment offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals in children's residential care to join a well-established and expanding provider in Derbyshire and the West Midlands. With competitive pay rates, flexible part-time hours, and a strong focus on quality and compliance, this role allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development.
Contact Detail:
Diamond Search Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Responsible Individual (Children's Residential Care)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's residential care sector. Attend local events or online webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest regulations and quality standards. Be ready to discuss how you can drive compliance and improve outcomes for children, as this will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; follow up! After submitting your application through our website, drop a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've mentored others or improved service quality in previous roles. This will highlight your capability as a Responsible Individual.
We think you need these skills to ace Responsible Individual (Children's Residential Care)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in children's residential care. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Responsible Individual, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge:Since this role is all about ensuring compliance with regulations, be sure to mention your understanding of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the SCCIF framework. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so let that shine through!
Highlight Leadership Experience:This position requires strong leadership skills, so share examples of how you’ve mentored or supported teams in the past. We want to know how you’ve driven quality and outcomes in your previous roles—make it clear why you’re the right fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Search Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Social Care Common Inspection Framework. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them effectively in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored others in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your guidance has improved compliance or quality outcomes, as this is crucial for the Responsible Individual position.
✨Demonstrate Your Safeguarding Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience with safeguarding practices and legislation. Share any relevant incidents you've managed and how you ensured the safety and well-being of children in your care.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to care and compliance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and vision for children's care.
