Registered Manager / Deputy Manager (Step-Up) – Children’s Residential Care (Start-Up Home)
Location: (Bedfordshire)
Salary: Competitive £50,000 to £57.500 - dependent on experience + bonuses
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Overview
We are recruiting a Registered Manager or an experienced Deputy Manager ready to step up to lead the opening and registration of a new children’s residential care home in the Bedford area.
This opportunity is well suited to:
* Registered Managers with Ofsted children’s residential experience, or
* Experienced Deputy Managers with strong regulatory exposure who are ready to progress into a Registered Manager role, or
* Managers with CQC-registered children’s residential experience who are seeking to transition into an Ofsted-regulated service with appropriate support.
You will work closely with an established Responsible Individual to design, register, and launch a high-quality children’s home from inception.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead or support the registration of a new children’s residential home with Ofsted
* Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems aligned to Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards
* Prepare the service for pre-registration activity and initial inspection
* Recruit, induct, and develop a stable, high-performing staff team
* Establish a strong safeguarding culture and effective risk management processes
* Oversee care planning, behaviour support strategies, and quality assurance frameworks
* Build effective relationships with local authorities, commissioners, and external professionals
* Manage staffing, rotas, and operational readiness
* Step into full Registered Manager accountability post-registration (subject to Ofsted approval)
Essential Experience & Qualifications
* Experience as a Registered Manager or Deputy Manager within children’s residential care
* Strong safeguarding, leadership, and compliance background
* Involvement in inspections, audits, or regulatory improvement activity
* Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
(or actively working towards / willing to enrol immediately)
* Good working knowledge of regulated care frameworks
* Confident leadership style with strong organisational and communication skills
* Clear motivation to lead and develop a children’s residential service
Regulatory Experience
* Ofsted children’s residential experience – preferred
* CQC children’s residential experience – considered and supported, with a clear pathway to Ofsted alignment
(Support will be provided to bridge regulatory differences where required.)
Desirable Experience
* Experience supporting new home openings or pre-registration activity
* Trauma-informed or therapeutic care approaches
* Experience supporting children with EBD, SEMH, ASD, or complex needs
What’s on Offer
* Clear step-up pathway for experienced Deputy Managers
* Strong Responsible Individual support throughout registration
* Opportunity to build and shape a service from the ground up
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Long-term career progression within a growing provider
How to Apply
Applications are welcomed from Registered Managers, experienced Deputy Managers, and candidates with relevant CQC children’s residential experience seeking progression into an Ofsted-regulated service.
Please submit your CV for a confidential discussion