At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver outstanding care for autistic individuals.
- Company: Kent Autistic Trust, dedicated to supporting autistic people with complex needs.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, sick pay, discounts, and superb training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a focus on quality and compliance across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic adults while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: KENT (HYBRID) BASED IN MEDWAY
About the Trust: Kent Autistic Trust supports over 110 autistic people with complex needs in Kent and Medway and delivers good and outstanding specialist services.
Position Overview: We are now seeking a senior operational leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Care and Compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead through others and create conditions for services to be Well Led and rights‑based, aiming for outstanding service quality.
- Champion the rights, dignity and voice of autistic adults.
- Hold statutory accountability for quality, safeguarding, compliance and care governance across a complex, multisite organisation.
- Set standards, support and challenge leaders, exercise professional judgement and provide organisational assurance.
- Work closely with managers to build confidence and capability, embed learning from risk and safeguarding, and ensure quality is driven by good leadership and strong management.
- Ensure inspection readiness through consistently good practice, not inspection‑led behaviour.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Substantial experience in CQC regulated adult social care.
- Credible senior leadership experience in a culturally focused environment.
- Ability to operate calmly and authoritatively at an organisational level.
- Driving licence and access to own vehicle.
- Subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Benefits:
- 33 days holiday, including bank holidays.
- Company Sick Pay after 12 months service.
- Death in Service Benefits.
- Long Service and Contribution Recognition Awards.
- Pension (after 3 months).
- Employee Assistance Programme with counselling services.
- Significant Retail and Leisure Discount Scheme (average savings £1,000 p.a.).
- Blue Light Card.
- Discounted Gym Membership.
- Financial Well‑being Scheme (loans and savings).
- Superb paid training.
- Refer a Friend scheme.
- Paid DBS Check.
Our Values:
- Autistic people are at the heart of all we do.
- We are honest, proactive, independent, adaptable and innovative.
- We take pride in delivering a high‑quality service.
- We are ambitious and work with individuals to help them achieve their potential.
- We respect and recognise the importance of family and friends and their involvement.
Recruitment Process / Closing Date:
Closing date: 30 May 2026. Early application is encouraged as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis.
Head of Care and Compliance in Gillingham 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 Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, especially those connected to Kent Autistic Trust. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the Trust's values and services. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to support autistic individuals. We love it when candidates are genuinely passionate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence. Remember, we want to see your leadership skills shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at Kent Autistic Trust. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Care and Compliance in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in CQC regulated adult social care. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Kent Autistic Trust!
Showcase Leadership Skills: As we're looking for a senior operational leader, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've created conditions for services to be Well Led and rights-based.
Be Authentic: We value honesty and proactivity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for supporting autistic individuals and how you embody our values.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kent Autistic Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Kent Autistic Trust thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Head of Care and Compliance, you'll need to showcase your senior leadership experience. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, improved service quality, or navigated compliance challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Rights and Dignity
Since the role focuses on championing the rights and dignity of autistic adults, be ready to discuss how you've advocated for individuals in previous positions. Share specific instances where you've made a positive impact on service users' lives and how you plan to continue this in your new role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident during the interview.