We are seeking a Responsible Individual to lead and oversee our registered managers, responsible for our residential children’s homes supporting young people aged 14 – 16 years old across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Buckinghamshire. This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week that will require travel to our Head Office in Bury St Edmunds as well as our Children's Homes located across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bukinghamshire.
As the Responsible Individual, you will be responsible for the oversight of all our children's homes including the management team, appropriate staffing and that the home is working in line with OFSTED regulations and other relevant legislative framework such as working together to safeguard children, The Children’s Act 2004, Children and Young Persons Act 2008 and Childrens and Families Act 2014. You will be the key contact for OFSTED and other external agencies that work with our homes.
You will be ensuring compliance with relevant regulation and legislation, being part of the Operational team that drives a proactive, responsive and truly exceptional service to children and young people. You will lead and inspire a performance related and person-centred focused culture. As stated you`ll be managing your own team with the support of directors and other members of the senior team including our multi disciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities
Staffing Management: Provide strategic leadership and support to ensure the homes operate effectively, safely and in line with organisational standards. This includes overseeing recruitment, staff management, safeguarding, disciplinary matters and staff development, while supporting and motivating Registered Managers. Ensure operational performance, staffing levels, training, meetings and reporting requirements are maintained, promote strong relationships with stakeholders, contribute to organisational training and participate in the on-call service.
Practice and Legislation: Ensure the homes operate in line with FEVACA’s policies, values and ethos, maintaining a safe, welcoming and high-quality environment for children and staff. Oversee regulatory compliance with Ofsted requirements, ensuring management teams understand their responsibilities and all reports are completed accurately and on time. Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including Ofsted and local authorities, while providing strong leadership to ensure the homes meet the outcomes outlined in their Statement of Purpose.
Young people, Family and the Community: Oversee and promote high-quality, child-centred care that enhances young people’s lives and supports their development. Ensure positive relationships with families, carers and the wider community, while overseeing referrals, admissions, discharges and the implementation of effective support plans. Lead and chair key meetings, regularly review progress and stability, and ensure young people are protected from harm. Promote a therapeutic, nurturing environment that reflects FEVACA’s model and meets each young person’s individual needs.
Strategic Development and Reporting: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation and Ofsted guidance to support continuous service improvement and regulatory compliance. Promote a positive working environment that attracts and retains skilled staff, while ensuring accurate and timely reporting to Ofsted, local authorities and directors. Build effective partnerships with external professionals and agencies, support inspection processes, and maintain clear communication with internal departments to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the homes.
- Extensive experience and knowledge of working with Children and Young People (5 years or more)
- At least 2 years’ experience as a registered person or registered manager in a residential children’s home or similar setting.
- Confident in acting as the main point of contact for the Children Home Service for OFSTED, external bodies and members of the community.
- Experience of managing and leading a team including supporting with recruitment, development, supervision and disciplinaries.
- Knowledge of Children's legislation, children’s home regulations and relevant related legislation and guidance.
- Excellent networking, maintaining and expanding relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Share good practice and continual professional development and improvements across the entire company network.
- Evidence of continuous and relevant professional development
- Experience managing budgets
- Full UK Driving License and access to a car (Driving to various projects across counties will be a requirement)
- Willingness to complete direct work and shifts to support the team when necessary.
- Flexible in time and areas of work, when necessary
- Positive, non-Judgemental value base and ability to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice
