Quality and Operational Lead at our Respite Unit for adults with learning disabilities - Kentish Road
Southampton City Council – Kentish Road Respite Service
Based in Southampton | Full-time Role | Grade 9
Are you an experienced leader in adult social care, passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)? Do you have a proven track record in the day-to-day management of social care services, quality monitoring, and driving positive change? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Quality and Operational Lead (Grade 9).
About the Role
The Quality and Operational Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the respite care home, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and driving quality assurance across all aspects of care. You will work closely with and deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager, and wider team to maintain a safe, responsive, and person-centred environment.
Key responsibilities include:
* Lead and support the delivery of respite care/support at Kentish, ensuring quality standards in line with CQC and council requirements.
* Conduct and oversee strengths-based assessments, outcome-focused plans, and risk management processes (DoLS, MCA, BI assessments).
* Promote independence, health, and wellbeing by connecting people to resources, networks, and opportunities that matter most to them.
* Champion safeguarding by embedding the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal and promoting positive risk taking.
* Supervise and guide operational staff, ensuring compliance with health and safety, and role model best practice in service delivery.
* Manage staff rotas, deployment, and contribute to the selection, recruitment, and induction of new staff.
* Monitor and improve service quality and operational effectiveness through auditing, feedback, and compliance with policies and procedures.
* Ensure robust recording and reporting practices in line with GDPR and council policies.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, carers, and families to achieve the best outcomes for service users.
* Drive continuous service improvement, innovation, and change readiness within the team.
About You
* Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4 or willingness to work towards Leadership and Management for Adult Care Level 5 qualification (support provided).
* Significant experience of managing and leading day-to-day operations in adult social care services, particularly supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, and PMLD.
* Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, quality monitoring, and service improvement.
* Strong knowledge of relevant statutory frameworks, policies, and best practice in adult social care.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to develop positive, professional relationships and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
* Ability to conduct risk assessments and manage safeguarding responsibilities.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with a reflective approach to personal and professional development.
Why Work With Us?
* Lead service improvements that directly enhance outcomes for individuals and their families.
* Influence how care is delivered through quality assurance, staff development, and operational planning.
* Contribute to a wider transformation agenda across Directly Delivered Services, helping to build a sustainable and future-ready adult social care model.
This role offers a unique chance to combine leadership, strategic thinking, and hands‑on service delivery—making a tangible impact on the lives of people who access support.
If you are ready to take on a leadership role that makes a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note, we may choose to interview and appoint before the application deadline if we receive a high volume of applications and consider it appropriate to do so.
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