Responsible Individual in Ascot

Post Title: Responsible Individual Reports to: Managing Director Location: Multi-Site Hours of Work: 40 hours per week (flexibility required in accordance with organisational needs) Main Purpose of the Role ❖ To act as the Ofsted-registered Responsible Individual for the Children’s Homes, ensuring all children’s homes under the organisation’s registration operate in full compliance with The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards. ❖ To provide strong, strategic, and values-driven leadership across the service, promoting excellence in safeguarding, care delivery, and regulatory compliance. ❖ To ensure that Registered Managers and operational teams are well-supported, monitored, and challenged to achieve and sustain high standards, ensuring outstanding outcomes for children and young people. Line Management Responsibilities • Direct line management of: o Registered Managers • Responsible for ensuring: o Regulatory compliance and Ofsted inspection readiness o Leadership supervision and development of home managers o Oversight of safeguarding and quality assurance across services o High standards of care, safety, and governance across all children’s homes Key Responsibilities 1. Organisational Leadership and Strategic Oversight • Provide clear and effective leadership to ensure the organisation’s children’s homes operate safely and in accordance with legislation, regulation, and company policy. • Embed the values, mission, and strategic priorities of the Children’s Homes across all operational areas. • Promote a culture of transparency, learning, and continuous improvement. 2. Ofsted Registration and Regulatory Compliance • Maintain registration with Ofsted as the Responsible Individual and ensure all homes consistently meet or exceed Quality Standards. • Oversee and guide Registered Managers through Ofsted inspections, audits, and regulatory visits. • Monitor organisational compliance with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and relevant national guidance. 3. Safeguarding and Risk Management • Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the organisation, ensuring robust safeguarding systems are in place and adhered to. • Lead or oversee serious safeguarding investigations, allegations, and referrals in line with LADO protocols. • Promote a culture of safety, protection, and accountability across all services. 4. Management Supervision and Development • Supervise, appraise, and mentor Registered Managers, ensuring high levels of leadership competence and regulatory knowledge. • Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes for senior staff. • Foster leadership development and succession planning across the organisation. 5. Quality Assurance and Service Improvement • Lead on internal audits, quality assurance reviews, and performance monitoring across all homes. • Analyse inspection outcomes, incident reports, and feedback to identify patterns and areas for development. • Drive implementation of service improvements and innovation in care delivery. 6. Partnership Working and External Relations • Act as the key point of contact for Ofsted, local authorities, commissioning teams, and safeguarding partnerships. • Represent the organisation at strategic and operational forums, panels, and inspections. • Support effective referral and placement management processes across services. 7. Governance and Organisational Support • Provide accurate and timely reports to the Board and Senior Leadership Team regarding service performance, risk, and regulatory compliance. • Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and growth of the organisation. • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes to legislation, policy, and best practice affecting looked-after children. Special Requirements • This is a multi-site leadership role and will require frequent travel between children’s homes and external meetings. • Participation in the senior leadership on-call rota is required. Person Specification A. Education, Training & Qualifications • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) • QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification) • Registered Manager experience and eligibility for Responsible Individual registration with Ofsted • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (or willingness to complete) B. Experience • Minimum 2 years of senior management experience within Ofsted-regulated children’s residential care • Proven track record of managing or supporting Good or Outstanding rated homes • Experience of working with children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs • Familiarity with conducting audits, investigations, and dealing with safeguarding allegations • Demonstrated leadership and development of high-performing teams C. Skills and Abilities • High-level communication, influencing, and conflict-resolution skills • Strategic decision-making and crisis management capability • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and write reports • Ability to coach, mentor, and inspire leadership in others • Competence in multi-agency working, including with Ofsted, LAs, and safeguarding professionals D. Knowledge and Understanding • In-depth understanding of: o Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards o Safeguarding and child protection legislation and procedures o Ofsted frameworks, inspection process, and reporting expectations o Therapeutic care models and trauma-informed practice o Equal opportunities, data protection, and employment legislation • Strong commitment to the companies vision, values, and standards of care