Job Description
Job Title: Head of Services and Responsible Individual
Location: Covering services across the West Midlands
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Our client is committed to providing safe, nurturing, and high-quality residential care for children and young people. They believe in delivering child-centered, therapeutic support that empowers every young person to thrive.
They currently operate Ofsted-registered children’s services across the West Midlands, supporting young people with a range of needs including Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, Learning Disabilities, and SOLO placements. With strong foundations already in place, our client is now looking to grow their provision year on year, with a focus on maintaining high standards of care, compliance, and staff development.
Due to this continued growth, they are seeking a passionate, experienced Head of Services and Responsible Individual to provide strategic oversight and ensure their services continue to meet and exceed regulatory expectations.
Role Overview:
As the Head of Services and Responsible Individual, you will be accountable for the oversight and quality of care across services in the West Midlands. You will work closely with Registered Managers, senior leadership, and external stakeholders—including Ofsted—to ensure all services operate in full compliance with the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
In addition to regulatory and safeguarding responsibilities, you will play a key role in providing leadership and working alongside HR processes, including staffing oversight, disciplinary procedures, performance management, and workforce planning. You will help ensure a high-performing, well-supported team across all services.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide strategic oversight and leadership across the residential services operated by our client.
* Ensure services meet all legislative and regulatory requirements while delivering strong outcomes.
* Support and develop Registered Managers to deliver high standards of care and leadership.
* Undertake the role of Responsible Individual under Ofsted registration, ensuring compliance and governance.
* Maintain effective working relationships with Ofsted, local authorities, and other key stakeholders.
* Lead audits, service development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Oversee and support central services activities, including performance management, investigations, grievances, and recruitment planning.
* Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and staff development.
* Support the expansion of services, contributing to strategic planning and operational delivery.
About You:
* Proven senior leadership experience within children’s residential care.
* Must meet Ofsted’s requirements for approval as a Responsible Individual.
* Strong knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
* Deep understanding of safeguarding, child development, and trauma-informed care.
* Experience with HR processes including performance management, disciplinary procedures, and staff development.
* Confident in handling complex staffing and regulatory matters.
* Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
* Relevant Level 5 qualification (e.g., Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare or equivalent).
* Full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel across services as required.
What Our Client Offers:
* A supportive, values-led working environment
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression
* The chance to play a key strategic role in improving outcomes for young people
* Involvement in service planning and future expansion
* Paid mileage and travel expenses
* Holiday allowance and pension contributions
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role through the application process provided.