At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead care and compliance for a dynamic organisation supporting autistic individuals.
- Company: Kent Autistic Trust, known for outstanding specialist services and a positive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on achieving Outstanding through values-led leadership.
- Why this job: Champion the rights of autistic adults and drive quality in care services.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in CQC-regulated adult social care and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Kent (Hybrid) based in Medway Kent Autistic Trust supports over 110 autistic people with complex needs in Kent and Medway and delivers good and outstanding specialist services. We have an award‑winning PBS team and an Operational Manager and team overseeing registered managers.
We are now seeking a senior operational leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Care and Compliance. This is a leadership role rooted in positive management and culture. We are looking for someone who can lead through others, champion the rights, dignity and voice of autistic adults, and create the conditions for services to be Well‑Led, rights‑based and ambitious for ‘Outstanding’.
As the Trust’s Nominated Individual, you will hold statutory accountability for quality, safeguarding, compliance and care governance across a complex, multisite organisation. Day‑to‑day service delivery is led by operational and Registered Manager teams; your role is to set standards, support and challenge leaders, exercise professional judgement and provide organisational assurance.
You will work closely with managers to build confidence and capability, embed learning from risk and safeguarding, and ensure that quality is driven by good leadership and strong management, not compliance alone. Inspection readiness is achieved through consistently good practice, not inspection‑led behaviour.
We are seeking a values‑led, credible senior leader with substantial experience in CQC‑regulated adult social care, who believes that achieving Outstanding is about people, rights, leadership and culture, and who can operate calmly and authoritatively at organisational level.
For a confidential discussion in respect of this role please contact Donna Newell, Head of HR on 01634 477171 to arrange a call back. To apply, please visit our Careers Page https://www.kentautistictrust.org/careers
Closing Date: 30 May 2026
Head of Care and Compliance in Chatham employer: The Kent Autistic Trust
Contact Detail:
The Kent Autistic Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Care and Compliance in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, especially those already working at Kent Autistic Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the values and culture of the Trust. Show us how your leadership style aligns with our mission to champion the rights and dignity of autistic adults.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your experience; share stories that highlight your ability to lead through others and create a positive management culture. We love hearing about real-life examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Care and Compliance in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Care and Compliance role. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've championed the rights and dignity of autistic individuals in previous positions.
Showcase Your Values: We want to see your passion for creating a positive culture and management style. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve led teams towards achieving outstanding care and compliance, and how you’ve embedded values into your work.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your thoughts and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our Careers Page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Kent Autistic Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kent Autistic Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of CQC regulations and the principles of positive behaviour support. Brush up on the latest trends in adult social care, especially regarding rights-based approaches. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Think of examples where you’ve championed the rights and dignity of individuals, and how you’ve fostered a culture of excellence. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can lead through others effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to compliance and safeguarding. Prepare some scenarios from your past experience where you’ve had to exercise professional judgement or challenge leaders. This will help illustrate your problem-solving skills and your commitment to quality care.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Kent Autistic Trust’s mission and values thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around achieving outstanding care and creating a positive culture. This alignment will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you’re a good fit for their team.