At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee children's residential services, ensuring high-quality care and compliance.
- Company: Dynamic organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people in a safe environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, career progression, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work culture with strong values and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in children's residential care and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are recruiting an experienced and strategic Responsible Individual / Head of Operations to provide senior leadership across a group of children’s residential services in Derbyshire. This key leadership position is responsible for ensuring high-quality, safe, and compliant care across multiple homes supporting children and young people. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Directors and Registered Managers, providing governance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure services achieve and maintain strong regulatory standards and positive outcomes for young people.
Responsibilities
- Provide senior operational leadership and oversight across multiple children’s residential homes.
- Act as the nominated Responsible Individual with Ofsted, ensuring regulatory compliance and organisational assurance.
- Support, supervise, and hold Registered Managers accountable for the safe and effective delivery of care.
- Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards 2015, safeguarding frameworks, and relevant legislation.
- Maintain inspection readiness and support services through Ofsted inspections.
- Oversee quality assurance systems, audits, and organisational performance frameworks.
- Review Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 reports and ensure recommendations are implemented.
- Lead safeguarding governance and liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) when required.
- Build strong relationships with commissioners, regulators, and partner agencies.
- Support workforce development, recruitment oversight, leadership mentoring and succession planning.
- Provide strategic reporting and assurance information to Directors.
- Participate in senior on‑call and provide leadership during critical incidents when required.
About You
- Significant senior leadership experience within children’s residential care.
- Experience working as a Responsible Individual, Operations Manager, Head of Operations or equivalent senior role.
- Proven experience supporting and managing Registered Managers across multiple services.
- Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards 2015, safeguarding legislation, and compliance frameworks.
- Experience working with commissioners, Ofsted and external agencies.
- A track record of supporting services to achieve and maintain Ofsted Good or Outstanding ratings.
- Strong leadership, governance and organisational skills.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Qualifications Required
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services. Enhanced DBS preferred.
- Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
What’s on Offer
- Salary £70,000 – £80,000 per annum depending on experience.
- Performance‑related bonus linked to senior leadership objectives.
- Senior strategic leadership role with strong autonomy.
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
- Company laptop and mobile phone.
- Mileage allowance for business travel.
- Employer pension contributions.
- Free parking and on‑site facilities.
- Cycle to work scheme and company events.
- Supportive, values‑led senior leadership environment.
Contact: Phone 02038540307.
Head of Care employer: Health Recruit Network
As a leading provider of children's residential services in Derbyshire, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values strategic leadership and professional growth. Our supportive, values-led work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering comprehensive induction and ongoing development opportunities, alongside competitive salaries and performance-related bonuses. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying a range of benefits including a cycle to work scheme, free parking, and a strong commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent achievements, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Head of Care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We want you to shine when discussing your leadership experience and knowledge of regulations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email reiterating your interest can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and engaged, which is exactly what we look for in a Head of Operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in children's residential care. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Operations, your leadership experience is crucial. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed teams and ensured compliance in previous roles. We love seeing real-life impacts!
Highlight Regulatory Knowledge:Familiarity with Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards is key for this role. Be sure to mention any direct experience you have with Ofsted or similar regulatory bodies, as it shows you're ready for the challenge.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Health Recruit Network
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards 2015. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can also ensure compliance across multiple homes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in children's residential care. Highlight your experience with Registered Managers and how you've supported them to achieve positive outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability for the senior leadership role.
✨Understand the Role of Ofsted
Familiarise yourself with Ofsted's inspection process and what they look for in a successful service. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained inspection readiness in the past and any strategies you've implemented to achieve Good or Outstanding ratings.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you’ve built strong relationships with commissioners, regulators, and partner agencies. Be prepared to share examples of how these relationships have positively impacted service delivery and compliance, as this is crucial for the role.
