Responsible Individual – Children’s Residential Care
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000
Location: Multi-site
Hours: 40 hours per week Contract: Full-time, Permanent Travel: Regular travel between children’s homes required
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Responsible Individual to provide strategic leadership and regulatory oversight across multiple children’s residential homes.
You will support and manage Registered Managers, oversee safeguarding and quality assurance, and ensure all services comply with Ofsted regulations and Children’s Homes Quality Standards. You will promote high-quality, trauma-informed care and drive positive outcomes for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
• Oversee the safe and effective operation of multiple children’s homes.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted and Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
• Support Registered Managers with inspections, audits and regulatory compliance.
• Act as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Oversee safeguarding investigations, allegations and referrals, including LADO procedures.
• Supervise, mentor and develop Registered Managers and senior staff.
• Lead quality assurance audits, performance monitoring and improvement plans.
• Review incidents, inspection outcomes and feedback to maintain high standards of care.
• Build relationships with Ofsted, local authorities and safeguarding partnerships.
• Provide reports to senior leadership on compliance, risks and service performance.
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development and service growth.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and child-centred care.
About You
You will ideally have:
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Registered Manager experience and eligibility for Ofsted Responsible Individual registration.
• At least 2 years’ senior management experience in Ofsted-regulated children’s residential care.
• Experience supporting homes rated Good or Outstanding.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and Ofsted inspection frameworks.
• Experience conducting audits, managing safeguarding concerns and improving service quality.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop high-performing management teams.
• Experience working with children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
• Excellent communication, analytical, reporting and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of therapeutic care, trauma-informed practice and relevant legislation.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training, or willingness to complete it.
Additional Requirements
This multi-site leadership role requires regular travel between children’s homes and external meetings, alongside participation in the senior leadership on-call rota.
Important Information
Apply: Please submit an up-to-date CV. Successful applicants will complete all required safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS where applicable.
Right to Work: Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available.
Safeguarding: YourRecruit is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Checks may include DBS, references, employment history, qualifications, identity, Right to Work and employment gaps.
Know someone suitable? We offer a paid referral scheme – get in touch if you know someone who may be interested.
Due to application volumes, we may not respond individually to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within 7 days, you have not been shortlisted for this vacancy.
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Responsible Individual - Children's Residential Home in Leatherhead employer: YourRecruit Careers
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