The Managing Director & Ofsted Responsible Individual holds overall strategic, operational and regulatory responsibility for Ofsted-registered services.
They are accountable to the Board for:
* The quality, safety and outcomes of care/education provided
* Compliance with all relevant legislation and Ofsted regulations
* Strong, values-led leadership of Registered Managers and senior staff
* Sustainable growth and financial performance of the service
This role combines commercial leadership with regulatory and safeguarding accountability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Direction
* Develop and deliver the organisation’s vision, strategy and business plan for Ofsted-registered services.
* Lead on service development, growth and improvement while maintaining compliance and quality.
* Ensure all services are aligned with the organisation’s values, ethos and therapeutic/educational model.
* Report regularly to the Board on performance, risk, quality, safeguarding and regulatory matters.
2. Ofsted “Responsible Individual” Duties
* Fulfil all statutory duties of the Responsible Individual under relevant Ofsted regulations and guidance.
* Provide effective oversight of each Ofsted-registered service, including regular visits, reviews and challenge.
* Ensure each home/service has a suitably qualified, experienced and effective Registered Manager in place.
* Review and sign off Regulation 45/46 reports (or equivalent) and ensure timely, robust action plans.
* Lead on responding to Ofsted inspections, requirements, compliance actions and enforcement activity.
* Maintain a constructive professional relationship with Ofsted, local authorities, commissioners and other regulators.
3. Quality, Safeguarding & Compliance
* Take overall accountability for safeguarding and protection of children/young people within the services, ensuring policies and practice are robust and consistently followed.
* Ensure services meet or exceed the relevant Quality Standards, Children’s Homes Regulations, KCSIE and all other statutory guidance (adapt if education/fostering/etc).
* Oversee implementation of effective quality assurance systems, audits and monitoring frameworks.
* Ensure learning from incidents, complaints, feedback and audits is embedded into practice.
* Chair or oversee safeguarding, risk and quality governance forums as required.
4. Leadership of Registered Managers & Senior Team
* Line-manage and develop Registered Managers / Heads of Service, providing clear direction, support and accountability.
* Model strong, ethical leadership and a culture of high expectations and psychological safety.
* Ensure managers are trained, supported and supervised to deliver high-quality, compliant services.
* Lead regular management meetings focused on performance, quality, risk, staffing and culture.
5. People, Culture & Workforce
* Oversee workforce planning to ensure services are safely staffed with skilled, values-driven people.
* Work closely with HR/People teams on recruitment, retention, induction, development and performance management.
* Champion a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice and learning.
* Ensure staff have access to appropriate training, supervision and wellbeing support.
6. Financial & Commercial Management
* Take P&L responsibility for Ofsted-regulated services, ensuring financial sustainability and value for money.
* Set and monitor budgets, ensuring resources are used effectively and ethically.
* Contribute to fee negotiations and commissioning discussions with local authorities and partners.
* Identify opportunities for growth, service development and new registrations, subject to safe capacity.
7. Stakeholder & External Relationships
* Build and maintain strong relationships with Ofsted, local authorities, commissioners, schools, health partners and other stakeholders.
* Represent the organisation professionally at external meetings, panels and inspections.
* Promote the organisation’s reputation for safe, high-quality care and positive outcomes.
* Ensure effective communication with families, advocates and other professionals around each child/young person.
8. Governance, Risk & Reporting
* Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and best practice.
* Ensure robust risk management and escalation processes are in place.
* Provide clear, honest and regular reports to the Board on performance, risk, incidents, safeguarding and inspection outcomes.
* Ensure all mandatory notifications are submitted accurately and on time.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
* Significant senior leadership experience in Ofsted-regulated children’s services (e.g. children’s homes, residential special schools, fostering, education).
* Direct experience of working with Ofsted inspections, compliance actions and improvement plans.
* Proven track record of leading teams, improving services and achieving good/outstanding inspection outcomes.
* Experience of managing budgets, financial performance and commercial decision-making.
Essential Knowledge & Skills
* In-depth knowledge of:
* Children’s Homes (England) Regulations and Quality Standards / relevant regulatory framework
* Ofsted inspection framework and Responsible Individual expectations
* Safeguarding, child protection and safer recruitment
* Strong strategic thinking and decision-making ability.
* Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills.
* Confident communicator – written and verbal – with professional presence at Board and regulator level.
* Able to balance quality, safety, regulatory compliance and commercial realities without compromising children’s welfare.
Qualifications (adapt to your setting)
* Relevant Level 5+ qualification in Leadership & Management, Social Care, Education or equivalent.
* Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding, leadership and regulatory practice.
* Enhanced DBS check (and update service where applicable).
Personal Attributes
* Uncompromising commitment to the safety, rights and wellbeing of children and young people.
* Calm, credible and decisive under pressure, especially during inspections, crises or serious incidents.
* High integrity; willing to challenge poor practice at any level, including Board.
* Values-driven leader who walks the talk, not just writes policies.
* Resilient, reflective and open to feedback and learning.