Head of Care

• Provide leadership and oversight across currently 19 children’s homes ( expected to increase to 23 by March 2028)
• Line manage the Area Managers
• Support placement suitability decisions
• Monitor placement stability and risk
• Oversee Regulation 44 processes and review all reports
• Attend and support Ofsted inspections and feedback meetings
• Lead regulatory correspondence where required
• Lead communication with LADO, placement authorities with regard to progress and placement staffing and notice
• Review and develop care policies and procedures
• Act as organisational Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 5)
• Lead safeguarding culture and practice across services
• Direct safeguarding and staffing investigations, including liaison with LADO
• Attend strategy meetings and multi-agency forums as required
• Oversee safer recruitment compliance and staff file sign-off
• Conduct disciplinary processes where necessary
• Identify service-wide development needs
• Ensure homes meet Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
• Support managers in achieving positive inspection outcomes
• Work closely with therapy and education teams
• Attend education leadership meetings
• Participate in core team and senior operational meetings
• Maintain oversight of cross-service collaboration
• Participate in senior-level on-call arrangements, providing decision-making support outside of normal business hours

• Minimum of five years’ experience working with children in residential care
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., Regional Manager, Responsible Individual, or equivalent)
• Experience overseeing multiple homes or services
• Strong safeguarding expertise (DSL Level 5 or equivalent)
• Thorough knowledge of: Children’s Homes Regulations
• Quality Standards
• Ofsted inspection frameworks
• Multi-agency safeguarding processes
• Experience managing investigations and regulatory scrutiny
• Calm, ethical, and proportionate decision-making skills
• A child-centred, values-led leadership style
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management Qualification (required)
• Drivers Licence (required)
• Designated Safeguarding Lead Qualification (preferred)

Designated Safeguarding Lead Qualification (preferred)

• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Company car
• Structured succession and handover period
• Opportunity to influence and shape care quality across a growing organisation
• Company pension 3% Employer Pension Contribution
• 24 days Annual Leave
• DBS Check
• Referral programme up to £500
• Store discount
• Employee Wellbeing service
• Therapeutic training for all staff
• Quarterly Recognition Awards