Head of Care, Education & Integrated Services

The Head of Care is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational management of care services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and person-centred care. The post holder will provide direction, leadership, and oversight to care teams, driving continuous improvement and ensuring services meet regulatory standards, organisational values, and the needs of service users. The position requires regular travel across six specialist college sites: Lancaster, Blackpool, South Lake, Carlisle, Billingshurst, and Cardiff.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, the Head of Care will lead on service development, quality assurance, workforce planning, and performance management. The role requires a strong focus on governance, compliance, and innovation to enhance outcomes and maintain excellence across all areas of care provision. Key priorities include fostering a positive, inclusive culture; ensuring effective safeguarding practices; managing resources efficiently; and delivering sustainable, high-performing services aligned with organisational objectives.

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Service Development: Develop and implement a care strategy aligned with organisational and educational priorities. Lead the integration of care and education to ensure cohesive learner pathways. Promote innovation in care delivery, including person-centred approaches and assistive technologies.
• Quality, Compliance & Clinical Governance: Ensure all services meet CQC, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards. Establish robust quality assurance frameworks, including audits and service reviews. Oversee the development and audit of person-centred care plans and clinical protocols.
• Safeguarding & Risk Management: Provide executive oversight of safeguarding across the organisation. Ensure robust systems for risk assessment and safe care practices are implemented and monitored.
• Operational Leadership: Provide oversight and direction to service leads across the portfolio. Ensure effective delivery of care services that meet individual learner needs.
• Workforce Leadership & Culture: Lead the recruitment, development, and retention of a skilled multidisciplinary workforce. Drive a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous professional development.
• Integration with Education: Ensure care provision actively supports learning and communication outcomes. Work collaboratively with education leaders to align care strategies with EHCP outcomes.
• Multi-Disciplinary & Stakeholder Engagement: Lead effective collaboration with therapy teams, healthcare professionals, commissioners, and families. Represent the organisation in external forums and inspections.
• Performance, Reporting & Governance: Monitor and report on service performance, quality metrics, and learner outcomes. Use insight and data to drive service improvement and innovation.

This job description should not be seen as all encompassing, and the post holder will be expected to undertake any other responsibilities appropriate to the post as identified by the company.

Knowledge, Skills and Competency:

• Senior leadership experience in education, residential care, or integrated services.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality, compliant services in complex care environments.
• Strong understanding of CQC and Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding, and health & social care regulation.
• Expertise in person-centred care planning, clinical governance, and quality assurance.

Qualifications:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.
• Social care degree including adults, young people, and children.

Salary: £65,000 plus performance bonus.