Overview
Reading Borough Council is launching three new children's homes in early 2026, designed to provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic environments for children and young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. We are looking to recruit a Compliance and Regulation Assistant Home Manager and help shape the future of residential care in Reading.
New Homes
Home 1 – A bespoke 2‑bed home offering full‑time care to children with complex social, emotional and mental health needs.
Home 2 – A 4‑bed longer‑term stable loving home for children and young people.
Home 3 – A 4‑bed assessment home supporting short‑term placements and transitions to stepping down to foster care or safely returning home, working closely with our excellent Edge of Care service.
Diversity and Inclusion
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
Role Summary
As an Assistant Home Manager, you will:
* Support the Registered Manager in leading the home and ensuring high‑quality, child‑centred care.
* Provide strong, informed leadership and supervision to residential staff.
* Deputise for the Registered Manager and take on delegated responsibilities.
* Promote trauma‑informed, therapeutic approaches to care.
* Ensure care plans and risk assessments are up‑to‑date and reflect the needs of each child.
* Lead on safeguarding, compliance, and performance monitoring.
* Build strong relationships with families, professionals, and partner agencies.
* Contribute to recruitment, staff development, and workforce planning.
* Participate in the duty rota, including sleep‑ins, waking nights, and weekend shifts.
Qualifications
* Level 4 Diploma in childcare or equivalent (with a commitment to complete Level 5).
* Experience working with children with SEMH and complex needs.
* Proven ability to supervise and manage staff teams.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and regulatory frameworks.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills.
* Commitment to equality, inclusion, and trauma‑informed practice.
* UK driving licence (manual) and willingness to drive the home’s vehicle.
* Enable disability confident interview and support.
Benefits
* Competitive salary package.
* Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days each year plus bank holidays, rising to 30 and 33 days after 5 and 10 years of service, with the option to buy additional leave.
* Wide range of flexible working opportunities.
* Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for LGPS members).
* On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
* Season Ticket Loan – to assist with your rail or bus journey to work.
* Lease car salary‑sacrifice scheme – a brand‑new, greener car for three years with insurance, servicing, and road tax included.
About Reading Borough Council
Be part of a pioneering service that puts children first. Work in a supportive, values‑driven environment. Access excellent training, supervision, and career development. Make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: Work Together as one team; Drive Efficiency; Be Ambitious; Make a Difference to Reading.
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
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