Responsible Individual - 4 Children's Homes (South Patch)
Location: Bedford
Salary: Up to £100,000 depending upon experience
Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and child-centred Responsible Individual to oversee and drive excellence across our South Patch of four children's residential homes, supporting young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD), Learning Disabilities (LD), and complex needs.
This is a senior leadership opportunity to champion high-quality practice, ensure regulatory compliance, and inspire Registered Managers to deliver exceptional care. You will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, strengthening governance, and continuously improving outcomes across all settings. Our organisation prides itself on integrity, therapeutic practice, and putting the needs of children and young people at the heart of everything we do.
The Role
As the Responsible Individual, you will hold strategic and operational oversight of the four designated homes, ensuring they meet and exceed Ofsted standards and provide safe, nurturing, and aspirational environments. You will act as a key leader within the organisation, supporting Registered Managers, offering professional challenge, and embedding a culture of accountability, compassion, and excellence.
You will lead with purpose, ensuring each home remains compliant, well-staffed, financially efficient, and focused on delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership and governance across the 4 homes in the South Patch (Luton, Houghton Conquest, Kettering, Hitchin).
Ensure all homes remain compliant with Ofsted regulations, the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, and relevant safeguarding legislation.
Support, mentor, and supervise Registered Managers to ensure effective leadership, robust management oversight, and consistent high-quality practice.
Safeguard and promote the welfare, safety, and well-being of all children and young people across the region.
Lead on quality assurance, auditing, and performance monitoring to drive continuous improvement.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, external partners, and key stakeholders to uphold positive outcomes and organisational reputation.
Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, and staff development strategies across the homes.
Contribute to organisational strategy, growth plans, and service development initiatives.
Ensure all homes work towards and maintain "Good" or "Outstanding" Ofsted ratings.
Act as a key decision-maker in crisis management, risk oversight, and safeguarding escalation.
Monitor budgets, resource allocation, and financial performance across the patch.About You
Minimum 1 years' experience as a Responsible Individual or senior operational leader within children's residential care.
Proven experience managing multiple homes or supporting several services is highly desirable.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent senior leadership qualification).
In-depth knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding legislation, and best practice within residential childcare.
Demonstrable ability to mentor, coach, and empower other leaders to achieve high performance.
Strong analytical, organisational, and strategic-thinking skills.
Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
A resilient, inspiring, and child-focused leader with a genuine passion for improving the lives of young people