Responsible Individual (Children’s Residential Services) South West England
Location:South West (Axminster, Exeter, Taunton, Bridgwater & Topsham)
Job Type:Full Time | Permanent
Responsible Individual Jobs | Children’s Residential Care | South West
Idem Living has an ambitious, values-led, Children’s residential care service, looking to recruit an experiencedResponsible Individual (RI)for its growing portfolio of homes across the South-West.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation that genuinely puts children and young people first. With four established Ofsted-registered homes in the South-West, and a fifth home opening in Topsham later this year, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
You’ll work alongside an experienced senior leadership team and Registered Managers who are passionate about creating safe, nurturing and therapeutic homes where children can thrive.
About the Organisation
We currently operates Children’s homes in:
- Exeter
- Bridgwater
with an additional home opening inTopshamlater this year.
Every home has an experienced Registered Manager in place and provides high-quality care for children and young people up to the age of 18.
The homes support children and young people with a range of needs including:
- Learning Disabilities
- Autism
- Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
- Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
- Complex Childhood Experiences
We are incredibly proud of the culture we have created and the exceptional commitment shown by every member of our teams.
The Role
As Responsible Individual, you’ll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the South-West region, ensuring every home consistently delivers safe, high-quality care while maintaining full compliance with Ofsted regulations.
You’ll support, coach and challenge Registered Managers whilst driving continuous improvement across the organisation.
This is a highly influential role where your leadership will directly improve outcomes for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
As Responsible Individual, you will:
- Provide strategic oversight across multiple children’s homes.
- Complete monthly Regulation 44 quality assurance visits.
- Monitor safeguarding practices and governance arrangements.
- Support and mentor Registered Managers to achieve excellent outcomes.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with Ofsted regulations and Quality Standards.
- Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement programmes.
- Prepare homes for Ofsted inspections and support inspection activity.
- Monitor performance through KPIs, audits and compliance reporting.
- Oversee policies, procedures and regulatory frameworks.
- Ensure safer recruitment processes remain robust.
- Manage significant incidents and provide senior leadership support.
- Promote a positive culture centred around children, families and staff.
Supporting Growth
As we continue to expand, you’ll play a key role in:
- Embedding organisational values and culture.
- Maintaining consistency across all homes.
- Driving safeguarding excellence.
- Reducing operational risk.
- Supporting new home openings.
- Improving Ofsted outcomes.
- Building strong relationships with Local Authorities.
- Increasing occupancy through quality and reputation.
- Supporting staff wellbeing and retention.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced Children’s residential care leader who is passionate about improving the lives of young people.
You’ll ideally have:
- Experience as aResponsible Individual,Operations Manager,Regional Manageror senior leader within Children’s Residential Care.
- Extensive knowledge of Ofsted regulations and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
- A proven track record of supporting Registered Managers.
- Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
- Experience managing multiple services.
- Outstanding leadership and coaching skills.
- Strong quality assurance and compliance experience.
- The ability to influence, support and challenge positively.
- A genuine passion for achieving exceptional outcomes for children and young people.
- Significant experience within Children’s Residential Care.
- Strong understanding of Ofsted inspection frameworks.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Willingness to travel across the South West.
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).
What You’ll Receive
- Salary of£65,000 – £70,000+ Benefits
- Company pension.
- Annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Opportunity to shape a growing organisation.
- Supportive and experienced senior leadership team.
- The chance to genuinely improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
Why Apply?
This is much more than a compliance role.
You’ll be joining an organisation that believes every child deserves stability, opportunity and outstanding care. You’ll have the autonomy to influence standards, develop people, strengthen services and help shape the future of a growing provider with an excellent reputation.
If you’re an experienced Responsible Individual looking for your next challenge and want to work somewhere that truly values children, quality and people, we’d love to hear from you.
IND1
Pay: £65,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Experience:
- Registered Manager: 2 years (required)
- Ofsted: 5 years (required)
- Responsible Individual: 1 year (preferred)
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Responsible Individual employer: IDEM Living
Idem Living is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with autism. Located in Taunton, our supportive work culture fosters resilience and reflection, offering ongoing training and professional development opportunities to help you thrive in your role. Join us for a rewarding career where your contributions truly matter and where you can make a difference every day.