Head Of Children\'s Services

Location: Remote, with regular travel to children’s homes.

As Head of Children’s Services, you will hold ultimate accountability for the quality, safety, and effectiveness of all children’s homes within the organisation. You will work closely with Operations Managers, Registered Managers, and central support functions to ensure services are compliant, trauma‑informed, financially sustainable, and focused on achieving positive, lasting outcomes.

You will play a critical role in:

• Ensuring compliance with Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, SCCIF, and CIW frameworks
• Driving continuous improvement and strong inspection outcomes
• Supporting placement stability, growth, and service development
• Leading and developing senior operational leaders
• Acting as a visible, credible leader with regulators, commissioners, and partner agencies

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight across all children’s homes
• Lead and inspire Operations Managers and Registered Managers, fostering a high‑performance, values‑led culture
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and trauma‑informed practice
• Ensure at least 75% of homes achieve ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ inspection outcomes
• Lead on service development, new provision openings, and divisional growth
• Act as Responsible Individual where required

Quality, Compliance & Safeguarding

• Maintain full regulatory compliance with Ofsted and CIW requirements
• Lead safeguarding strategy and act as escalation point for serious incidents and LADO matters
• Oversee audits, monitoring inspections, quality improvement plans, and data reporting
• Ensure robust incident management, missing‑from‑care responses, and safeguarding oversight
• Ensure children receive high‑quality education support, targeting 95% school attendance

People Leadership & Workforce Development

• Line manage Operations Managers and support Registered Managers
• Ensure recruitment, retention, supervision, appraisal, and training standards are consistently met
• Champion safer recruitment and values‑based leadership
• Ensure compliance with qualification, registration (including Social Care Wales), and training requirements
• Promote staff wellbeing, resilience, and reflective practice

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Oversee staffing models, care hours, rotas, and delegated budgets
• Ensure financial controls and reporting processes are followed
• Work collaboratively with finance, HR, and other support functions
• Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and data protection requirements

Partnership & External Engagement

• Build strong, professional relationships with commissioners, social workers, families, inspectors, and partner agencies
• Represent the organisation at regional and national forums
• Support homes to develop positive community links and multi‑agency working

About You

You are an experienced senior leader in children’s residential care who combines strong regulatory knowledge with warmth, integrity, and emotional intelligence. You are confident leading through complexity, holding others to account, and remaining child‑focused under pressure.

Essential

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (Children & Young People)
• Significant experience managing multiple children’s homes or complex services
• In‑depth knowledge of Ofsted and CIW inspection frameworks
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma‑informed care, and attachment
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop senior managers
• Experience driving quality improvement and positive inspection outcomes
• Full UK driving license and flexibility to travel

Desirable

• Degree (Level 6) in Social Work, Psychology, or Health & Social Care
• Experience as a Responsible Individual
• Budget management and financial oversight experience
• Training in trauma‑informed practice, PBS, or de‑scalation
• Experience across both public and private sector provision

Why Join Us?

• The opportunity to shape and influence services at a senior level
• A values‑driven organization committed to trauma‑informed care
• A role with real impact on children’s lives and futures
• Collaborative leadership culture with strong support functions
• Ongoing professional development and career growth

Our Values

• Supportive
• Ambitious
• Loyal
• Unique
• Transparent
• Engaging
• Meaningful

If you share our belief that children deserve stability, respect, and opportunity — and you have the leadership experience to deliver it — we would love to hear from you.

Why Choose Us?

• Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.
• Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
• Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.
• Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.

SalutemCare and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well‑being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.