Responsible individual (children's residential home)

We are seeking an experienced Responsible Individual (RI) to join our organisation ahead of the opening of a new Children's Residential Home. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the registration process, shape the leadership team, and recruit a Registered Manager who shares our vision and commitment to delivering outstanding care.

We are open to applications from experienced Responsible Individuals, Registered Managers seeking progression, and senior leaders with extensive experience in Ofsted-regulated children's residential care.

Role Overview

The Responsible Individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring the home meets and exceeds Ofsted standards, providing strategic oversight of compliance, safeguarding, and quality of care. You will support the pre-opening phase, mentor the Registered Manager, and help establish a therapeutic, nurturing culture that promotes positive outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Provide strategic oversight to ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and statutory requirements.
• Ensure safeguarding practices and standards of care are consistently maintained at the highest level.
• Support the effective operation and governance of the home.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Pre-Opening Support

• Support the registration and opening of the Children's Home.
• Assist with the recruitment and selection of the Registered Manager.
• Help shape the leadership structure, values, and organisational culture.
• Contribute to the organisation's growth strategy and future service development.

Mentoring & Supervision

• Provide ongoing guidance, support, and mentorship to the Registered Manager.
• Conduct regular supervision and oversight of senior staff to support development and compliance.
• Offer leadership, constructive feedback, and professional support to the management team.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Conduct regular visits, audits, and quality assurance reviews.
• Monitor compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Review outcomes for children and young people, ensuring their welfare remains central to all decision-making.
• Hold regular meetings with Directors and the Registered Manager to review performance, compliance, and strategic objectives.

Essential Requirements

• Recent experience as a Responsible Individual or Registered Manager within an Ofsted-regulated Children's Residential Home.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations, Ofsted inspection frameworks, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding and quality assurance requirements.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
• A passion for creating safe, nurturing, and child-centred environments that enable children and young people to thrive.

Desirable

• Experience supporting the registration and opening of new children's homes.
• Experience overseeing multiple services or supporting organisational growth.
• Knowledge of therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches within residential childcare.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with flexibility for part-time or consultancy arrangements.
• Opportunity to help establish and develop a new children's residential service from the ground up.
• A strategic leadership role within a growing organisation with future expansion plans.
• A supportive, values-driven environment focused on achieving outstanding outcomes for children and young people.

If you are an experienced children's residential care leader looking to play a key role in shaping a new service and making a lasting difference to young lives, we would love to hear from you.