Reading Borough Council is launching three new children’s homes in early 2026, designed to provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic environments for children and young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. We are looking to recruit a Compliance and Regulation Assistant Home Manager to help shape the future of residential care in Reading.
Our New Homes
* Home 1 – A bespoke 2‑bed home offering full‑time care to children with complex social, emotional and mental health needs.
* Home 2 – A 4‑bed longer‑term stable loving home for children and young people.
* Home 3 – A 4‑bed assessment home supporting short‑term placements and transitions to stepping down to foster care or safely returning home, working closely with our excellent edge of care service.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people. Diversity and inclusion is key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
As Compliance and Regulation Assistant Home Manager, you will:
* Lead on quality assurance, standards development and regulatory compliance across Reading’s residential children’s homes.
* Conduct internal inspections and produce bi‑annual reports with action plans to improve service delivery.
* Support Ofsted readiness through robust frameworks, policy reviews and performance monitoring.
* Oversee Regulation 44 provider contracts and advocacy services for registered homes.
* Assist in the set‑up and registration of new homes, including documentation and staff induction.
* Provide informal support and guidance to Registered Managers to maintain high standards.
* Lead on business continuity planning and facilities management oversight.
* Develop and deliver workforce development initiatives, including training and induction programmes.
* Represent the service at contract meetings and contribute to data analysis and feedback.
* Undertake internal investigations and maintain oversight of safeguarding and health & safety trends.
* Deputise for the Registered Home Manager and take on delegated responsibilities as required.
Qualifications and experience
* Level 4 Diploma in childcare or equivalent (Level 5 in Leadership & Management desirable).
* Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
* Experience managing residential children’s homes and leading quality assurance initiatives.
* Skilled in producing analytical reports and using KPIs to evidence outcomes.
* Confident in policy development, Ofsted preparation and compliance monitoring.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
* Ability to manage budgets, facilities and contracts effectively.
* Strong IT skills and ability to work across multi‑agency partnerships.
* Resilient, proactive and committed to continuous improvement.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to drive home vehicles.
A disability confident employer
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and commits to recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 after 10 years, with option to buy additional leave
* Flexible working opportunities
* Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in Reading
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Life Assurance – three times your annual salary for LGPS members
* On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
* Season ticket loan for travel
* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme
Our culture and values
We work together as one team, drive efficiency, aspire to be ambitious, and make a difference to Reading. We provide a supportive environment, encourage career progression, and commit to staff wellbeing.
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