Responsible Individual – Children’s Residential Home Location: Hybrid – regular on-site visits in West Sussex with flexible remote working Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: Full-time (up to 37.5 hours per week) Salary: £48,000 – £60,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time), depending on experience and qualifications Our client operates a registered children’s home in West Sussex, providing 24/7 therapeutic, trauma-informed care for up to four children aged 10–17 with complex needs. These may include experiences of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or emotional and behavioural challenges. The home offers a nurturing, safe, and developmentally supportive environment tailored to each child’s individual journey. As the Responsible Individual, you will provide strategic oversight to ensure the home complies with all regulatory, legal, and ethical standards. Working closely with the Registered Manager, you will lead on safeguarding, drive quality improvement, and support the delivery of excellent outcomes for children. This is a key governance role requiring strong leadership and significant experience in residential childcare. Key Responsibilities * Leadership & Governance: Provide values-led leadership, support the Registered Manager, and contribute to strategic planning. * Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with Ofsted standards and relevant legislation; lead on inspections and regulatory readiness. * Safeguarding: Act as the strategic safeguarding lead, maintain robust safeguarding policies, and respond appropriately to concerns. * Quality Assurance: Oversee audits and service improvement, promoting child-centred, trauma-informed care. * Staff Oversight: Lead recruitment, supervision, and development of senior staff; foster a positive and reflective workplace culture. * External Relations & Crisis Management: Build effective partnerships with external agencies and provide strategic leadership during incidents or crises. Qualifications * Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) * Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) * Safeguarding training (to DSL level preferred) * Full UK Driving Licence Experience * Minimum 3 years’ leadership experience in a children’s residential setting * Proven success in regulatory inspections * Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and procedures * Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams Skills & Competencies * Strategic thinker with the ability to influence, guide, and hold others accountable * Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills * Strong data analysis and report-writing abilities * Deep commitment to therapeutic, child-centred care Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. They are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and value diversity and inclusion in the workplace