About the Role:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Responsible Individual (RI) to lead and oversee the operations of a 2 bedded therapeutic children’s home. This role requires an individual committed to ensuring that the highest standards of care, safety, and therapeutic support are provided to the young person in residence. The RI will work collaboratively with the Registered Manager and other care staff to maintain a nurturing, safe, and structured environment that promotes the young person’s emotional and behavioural development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Oversight and Compliance: Act as the designated RI for us in compliance with regulatory standards, overseeing operational performance and regulatory adherence in accordance with OFSTED and relevant children’s care standards. Regularly review and ensure that all practices, policies, and procedures align with the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards. Provide strategic input into policies, risk assessments, and care planning to support the young person’s individual needs and therapeutic progress.

Quality Assurance and Safeguarding: Monitor and evaluate the quality of care delivered within our home through regular audits, safeguarding assessments, and care plan reviews. Conduct regular visits and assessments to ensure a high-quality and safe living environment, addressing any safeguarding concerns promptly and effectively. Work in partnership with the Registered Manager to maintain up-to-date care plans, risk assessments, and incident logs, ensuring continuous improvement.
Leadership and Staff Development: Offer support, guidance, and training to the Registered Manager and care team, promoting a culture of professional development and reflective practice. Ensure that staff receive appropriate supervision, appraisal, and training in line with best practices for therapeutic care. Facilitate team meetings and encourage open communication to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
Young Person’s Welfare and Therapeutic Support: Support the delivery of individualised therapeutic care, focusing on attachment, trauma-informed practice, and emotional resilience. Collaborate with external professionals, including therapists, social workers, and educational providers, to ensure that the young person’s holistic needs are met. Provide strategic oversight for behaviour management strategies, ensuring they are consistent with the young person’s therapeutic goals and promote positive behavioural change.
Communication and Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders, including OFSTED inspectors, placing authorities, and other relevant agencies. Prepare and deliver reports for regulatory bodies, internal stakeholders, and placement authorities, as required. Represent the home and organisation professionally, maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 5 years residential experience 3 of which at Registered Managers level or above with evidence of “Good” or “Outstanding” Ofsted grades and improving quality of services.
• Excellent understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and OFSTED inspection processes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices, risk assessment, and the therapeutic needs of children with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in supporting, supervising, and training staff.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to engage with young people, families, and professional networks.
• The post holder is expected to continuously grow within their role. Given the dynamic nature of work, tasks and responsibilities may often be varied and unpredictable. Therefore, all staff are expected to maintain flexibility and may be asked to undertake duties beyond those outlined in their job description, provided these tasks fall within their level of responsibility. Such additional duties will typically arise to address unforeseen circumstances or shifts in work requirements and will generally align with the usual scope of work.
• Qualifications: QCF level 5 in Leadership and Management for Children’s Residential Services.
• Desirable - CIM level 7 diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management CIPD level 7 in Human Resource Management

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Additional training or certification in therapeutic practices, trauma-informed care, or attachment theory.
• Experience working with solo placements or specialised care for high-needs children.
  Why Join Us?
  This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to shape the culture and standards of a brand new therapeutic children’s home from the ground up. You will be pivotal in creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment that provides a young person with the stability and support they need to thrive. As an RI with us, you will be instrumental in fostering a supportive and growth-oriented setting, ensuring both compliance and the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. Join our dedicated team to influence positive outcomes and help establish an exemplary model of therapeutic care that prioritises the holistic well-being, resilience, and future success of the young person we serve.

• Strategic Oversight and Compliance: Act as the designated RI for us in compliance with regulatory standards, overseeing operational performance and regulatory adherence in accordance with OFSTED and relevant children’s care standards. Regularly review and ensure that all practices, policies, and procedures align with the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards. Provide strategic input into policies, risk assessments, and care planning to support the young person’s individual needs and therapeutic progress