Job Description
Safe Haven Talent is recruiting on behalf of a London-based children’s home which is seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Manager to launch and lead two new therapeutic residential services. You will have overall accountability for the successful registration, launch, and ongoing operation of two 2-bed children’s homes, delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care for young people aged 11-17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Your role will include:
* Overseeing the full registration process with Ofsted and the set-up of both homes from day one.
* Leading a small, specialist team, setting the ethos and culture of the service: embedding therapeutic, child-centred practice and long-term outcome-focussed care.
* Ensuring compliance at all times with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and relevant statutory guidance and inspection frameworks.
* Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with local authorities, families, and external agencies to support each young person’s needs.
* Managing staffing, development, budgets, and day-to-day operations to create an environment where children feel safe, supported and empowered.
* Being proactive in continuous improvement, driving service excellence and ensuring the home is always inspection-ready.
If you are an ambitious leader who thrives on delivering exceptional outcomes for young people and enjoys the challenge of shaping a service from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
* Minimum 2 years’ experience (within the last 5 years) in a managerial role within a children’s residential care setting.
* Strong experience working with young people who present with complex behaviours and needs.
* Proven track-record of working successfully in an Ofsted-regulated environment, with thorough awareness of inspection criteria.
* Deep knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and frameworks (including safeguarding obligations).
* NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is required.
* The right to work in the UK, and a high standard of English for communication, record-keeping and safeguarding purposes.
* Enhanced DBS clearance (or ability to obtain) and satisfactory references required.
Additional Requirements:
* Resilient and compassionate leadership style, capable of establishing a positive team culture from the outset.
* A commitment to therapeutic, trauma-informed care and improving long-term outcomes for children.
Compliance Requirements:
As part of the application process candidates will be expected to:
1. Complete an online assessment (questions to be answered on the application page) — this assessment is mandatory for your application to be considered.
2. Sign and return a Safeguarding Declaration and Consent Form confirming that you have no outstanding safeguarding cases with Ofsted or LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer). This form will be emailed to you and must be completed, signed and returned before proceeding further in the recruitment process.
Requirements
Requirements We’re looking for a dynamic leader who blends empathy with excellence, and who thrives on building something meaningful from the ground up. Essential: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent). Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Registered Manager in an Ofsted-registered children’s home (EBD or similar). Proven track record of achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings. Strong understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards (2015). Robust safeguarding knowledge and ability to implement effective systems and processes. Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills. Desirable: Experience supporting children with EBD, trauma, or attachment difficulties. Previous involvement in registering or setting up a new children’s home.