Temporary Deputy Head in Reading

Cedar Hope Care Services Ltd is a Reading-based organisation regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Manager to support the Registered Manager in the effective day-to-day operational management of services.

The Deputy Manager will play a key leadership role in ensuring high-quality, safe, and person-centred care is delivered in line with regulatory standards, organisational policies, and best practice guidance. The role involves leading staff teams, driving service improvements, ensuring compliance, and promoting positive outcomes for service users.

You will be expected to deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager and contribute to maintaining a culture of continuous improvement, safeguarding, and accountability.

• Operational Management & Compliance
  • Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the service in line with CQC and Ofsted regulations.
  • Ensure compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
  • Monitor and maintain high standards of care, ensuring services are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led.
  • Assist with audits, inspections, and quality assurance processes, implementing action plans where required.
  • Ensure accurate and up-to-date record keeping, including care plans, risk assessments, incident reports, and staff records.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice.
  • You will be expected to undertake some of your management tasks while covering funded shifts this will apply for minimum 50% of the time.
  • Note that this is not a 9 to 5 Job you will be expected to undertake on call support and out of hours and completing some of your shifts will during nights, weekends and evenings as part of supporting the staff team.
  • There will not be paid overtime any extra time worked will be taken back as time off as toil.
• Safeguarding & Risk Management
  • Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.
  • Report and respond promptly to any safeguarding concerns, incidents, or allegations in line with local authority and organisational protocols.
  • Support the Registered Manager in managing incidents, investigations, and notifications to CQC/Ofsted where required.
  • Ensure risk assessments are robust, regularly reviewed, and implemented effectively.
• Leadership & Staff Management
  • Provide strong leadership, guidance, and support to senior staff and care teams.
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop staff to ensure high performance and professional development.
  • Participate in recruitment, induction, supervision, and appraisal processes.
  • Ensure staff training compliance and competency, including mandatory and role-specific training.
  • Foster a positive team culture that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Lead shifts and deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• Care Delivery & Service User Support
  • Ensure all service users receive person-centred care in line with their support plans.
  • Promote independence, dignity, choice, and respect for all service users.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of each service user's needs, preferences, and outcomes.
  • Ensure care plans and risk assessments are regularly reviewed and reflect current needs.
  • Support effective communication with service users, families, and external professionals.
• Staff Coordination & Workforce Planning
  • Oversee rota planning to ensure adequate staffing levels, completed at least 4 weeks in advance.
  • Allocate staff appropriately based on service user needs and competencies.
  • Ensure appropriate shift planning and delegation of duties.
  • Monitor staff attendance, timekeeping, and adherence to absence management procedures.
  • Ensure return-to-work interviews are completed following sickness or absence.
• Communication & Professional Conduct
  • Maintain professional and effective communication at all times.
  • Liaise with families, social workers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
  • Ensure confidentiality is upheld in line with GDPR and organisational policies.
  • Provide clear and consistent instructions to staff and ensure understanding.
• General Responsibilities
  • Follow all instructions from the Registered Manager or Nominated Individual.
  • Report any criminal convictions or professional concerns in line with policy.
  • Attend and actively participate in training, supervision, and appraisal processes.
  • Undertake any additional duties as reasonably required by the management team.
  • Demonstrate excellent timekeeping, reliability, and professionalism at all times.

• Essential Requirements
  • Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
  • Experience working in a supervisory or senior role within a CQC/Ofsted regulated service.
  • Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and person-centred care.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff teams.
  • Enhanced DBS clearance.
  • Right to work in the UK.
  • Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.
• Desirable
  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (or willingness to work towards it).
  • Experience supporting inspections and audits (CQC/Ofsted).
  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to review in line with organisational needs. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the level of the role.