Head of Service Residential and Supported Accommodation Services
About us
A great opportunity has become available for a new role as Head of Service for Residential & Supported Accommodation at Warrington Borough Council.
Warrington Children's Services is rated as GOOD by Ofsted with an Outstanding Children in Care & Care Leavers Service. Over the past 5 years we have been increasing our internal residential and supported accommodation provision. Our strong ethos is that we want Warrington children to be cared for locally, in homes which offer love, care and stability. We are proud that all of our homes are rated as Good or Outstanding.
We are looking for an experienced, child focused leader who has a good understanding of the Ofsted Regulations to ensure the services we provide to our children remain outstanding.
We currently have 7 Ofsted registered homes, which include a complex needs hub (jointly funded with the ICB), an emergency / short term provision, 2 x short break homes, one for children with disabilities and one for children on the edge of care and 3 medium term children's homes. These are rated as either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. Furthermore, we are currently awaiting registration for a further 2 homes. We also offer supported accommodation to children transitioning to adulthood, which has been very successful.
As well as an ambitious Children in Care & Care Leavers service, we have recently been successful in a number of DFE Capital Bids. We plan to open a further 2 homes for children with complex needs in 2027.
A Message from the Director of Children’s Services:
“At Warrington, we are passionate about creating environments where every child feels safe, valued, and supported to thrive. Our residential and supported accommodation services play a vital role in achieving this. We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to relational practice, who believes in the potential of our children and young people, and who wants to shape a service that truly makes a difference. If you are ambitious, compassionate, and driven by improving outcomes, I would be delighted to welcome you to our leadership team.” — Sharon Cooper, Director of Children’s Services
Why Warrington?
Warrington is a forward-thinking, ambitious council that places children at the centre of its priorities. You’ll join a stable senior leadership team with strong political and corporate support, and a culture that values collaboration, creativity, and professional development.
The role
This is a pivotal position, responsible for shaping, strengthening, and delivering high-quality services that ensure our children and young people have safe, nurturing, and stable places to live.
You will lead a diverse portfolio that includes residential children’s homes, supported accommodation, and specialist provisions. Working as part of a committed and ambitious leadership team, you will drive service improvement, champion best practice, and ensure that the voices and needs of children are placed firmly at the heart of everything we do.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of all residential and supported accommodation services.
* Ensuring regulatory compliance, high‑quality practice, and excellence in safeguarding.
* Leading teams through continued development, improvement, and innovation.
* Managing budgets, resources, and performance with clarity and accountability.
* Working collaboratively across Children’s Services, partner agencies, and the wider council to deliver better outcomes for children in care and care leavers.
* Driving forward Warrington’s vision for a strong, stable, and nurturing local care offer.
What's needed?
* Proven track record of management of improvement and change in service delivery
* Evidence of significant experience of managing children’s residential homes and/or supported accommodation homes
* Experience of delivering positive inspection outcomes
* Senior level operational management skills
* Ability to cope with complex issues
* Qualification in Social Work or equivalent qualification to manage in residential care
As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:
* 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro‑rata)
* Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
* Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme
Key Dates & Further Information
For an informal chat please contact - Sharon Cooper - Director of Children’s Services (DCS)
Sharon.cooper@warrington.gov.uk
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of ? employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role; therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment.
DBS clearance is required.
Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer
Warrington Borough Council Offices, 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT
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