Position: Deputy Manager

Key responsibilities:

• Support the RM in delivering a safe, effective day-to-day running of the service and ensure it meets all regulatory requirements (CQC and Ofsted regulations for care leavers & adult service users).
• The role combines governance, leadership, quality assurance, and direct accountability for safeguarding and outcomes for the people being supported.

Regulatory and governance duties:

• Ensure the service complies with relevant regulations and quality standards (e.g. Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, Ofsted conditions of registration, CQC fundamental standards where applicable).
• Maintain an up-to-date Statement of Purpose, policies, procedures, and documentation that reflect current law, guidance, and best practice.
• Hold the registered manager status personally and be able to demonstrate “fitness” for the role (qualifications, experience, good character).

Service leadership and operations:

• Lead and manage the supported accommodation service so that day-to-day operations run safely and smoothly, in line with the statement of purpose.
• Oversee rota planning, staffing levels, on-call arrangements, and continuity of support, ensuring the service can respond to emergencies and changing needs.
• Manage properties and environment so that buildings are safe, well-maintained, and meet health and safety requirements, including regular checks and prompt repairs.

Safeguarding, quality and risk:

• Act as the lead for safeguarding, ensuring concerns are recognised, reported, investigated, and escalated appropriately, and that learning informs practice.
• Implement and maintain quality assurance systems, including audits, incident reviews, complaints handling, and regular service evaluations with young people/tenants and professionals.
• Ensure robust risk assessments and risk management plans are in place for individuals, premises, activities, and staffing, and that these are regularly reviewed.

People we support outcomes and rights:

• Ensure each person has a person-centred support or placement plan that promotes independence, wellbeing, education/employment and community participation.
• Promote rights, dignity, choice, and involvement of residents/tenants in decision-making, including participation in reviews and feedback about the service.
• Monitor outcomes for individuals (e.g. progress against goals, safeguarding protection, emotional wellbeing) and use this to improve the service.

Staff management and culture:

• Recruit, induct, supervise, and develop staff, ensuring safe recruitment, regular supervision, appraisals, performance management, and access to mandatory and specialist training.
• Provide leadership that models professional values, fosters an open and learning culture, supports whistleblowing, and encourages reflective practice.
• Ensure staff understand and work to policies, care/support plans, risk management strategies, and regulatory expectations at all times.

Partnership working and resources:

• Act as main point of contact for external agencies: local authorities, commissioners, social workers, ICB/NHS teams, housing providers, and regulators (Ofsted/CQC).
• Work with housing providers/landlords to maintain accommodation standards and manage tenancy/license issues appropriately.
• Manage budgets and resources so the service is financially viable while still meeting quality and safety standards.

Minimum qualifications:

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care as a minimum, with Level 5 (or working towards it) preferred.
• Minimum of two years’ working experience in support/care plus line-management or senior support worker experience.

Annual Salary £32,000–£38,000 per year, depending on previous experience.