Deputy Service Manager in Southampton

The Deputy Manager is responsible for supporting the Service Manager in the overall leadership, management, and quality of the service, ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted regulations and delivering high-quality, person-centred care. The role holder will promote a culture of dignity, respect, safeguarding, and continuous improvement while ensuring positive outcomes for people using the service.

Duties

• Regulatory and Compliance: Maintain compliance with all CQC / Ofsted standards, policies, procedures, and best practice guidance. Ensure full compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations as well as demonstrating compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Support the Service Manager in preparation for, managing, and responding effectively to CQC / Ofsted inspections. Ensure accurate record keeping and timely submission of statutory notifications to CQC / Ofsted and other relevant bodies. Act in capacity of deputy lead on safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management. Deputising as lead in the absence of the Service Manager.
• Leadership and Management: Provide strong, visible leadership to staff teams, fostering a positive, inclusive, and professional working culture. Working alongside HR, recruit, train, supervise, and appraise staff in line with regulatory requirements and company policies. Ensure staff are competent, supported, and appropriately trained, including mandatory and specialist training. Manage staff performance, absence, disciplinary and capability processes as required in line with company policies. Deputise as Service manager in their absence due to annual leave or sickness.
• Quality and Service Delivery: Ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care that promotes independence, choice, dignity, and respect. Oversee care planning, risk assessments, and reviews to ensure individual needs are met and outcomes achieved. Monitor and improve service quality through audits, feedback, and quality assurance processes. Actively involve people using the service and their families in service development and care planning.
• Safeguarding and Risk: Act as the Service’s Deputy Lead for safeguarding adults, ensuring concerns are identified, reported, and managed appropriately. Deputising as lead in the absence of the Service Manager. Ensure robust systems are in place for managing incidents, complaints, and accidents. Promote a culture of openness, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Financial and Operational Management: Supporting the Service Manager with service budgets and using resources effectively to ensure financial sustainability. Ensure staffing levels meet service needs and regulatory requirements. Monitor occupancy, referrals, and service capacity (where applicable). Work collaboratively with commissioners, health professionals, local authorities, and other stakeholders. Identify continuous opportunities for expansion, keeping up with trends and changes amongst CQC / Ofsted regulations and relevant external partners.

Candidate Attributes and Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience managing in a supported living or social care service for people aged 16+ with ability to demonstrate previous managerial experience (and a potential willingness to register in the future).
• Good verbal and written English.
• NVQ/QCF Level 5 in Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards).
• Have an enhanced Child and Adult workforce DBS, or willing to obtain one at the company’s expense.
• Must have right to work in the UK.
• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and experience of implementing safeguarding procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of CQC / Ofsted regulations, safeguarding legislation, CQC Fundamental Standards and Key Lines of Enquiry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Ability to manage own diary and time.
• Understanding of the principles of GDPR and confidentiality.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Experience achieving and maintaining Good or Outstanding CQC / Ofsted ratings.
• Budget management and commissioning experience.
• Knowledge of quality improvement frameworks.

You Will Embody Our Values – PRAISE: Passion Respect Advocacy Innovation Sense of Fun Empowerment

In Return You Will Receive: 30 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) with additional days rewarded with long service. Regular supervision, support, and ongoing training opportunities. Sponsorship available for relevant health and social care qualifications. Gym membership. Health and wellbeing programme. Blue Light Discount card. Day off for your birthday (after successful completion of probation). Buy/Bank Holiday Scheme (after successful completion of probation). Company sick pay.