Job Description

About us

At Nations Care Services, we provide more than just care -- we offer a compassionate, therapeutic community where children and young people can heal, grow, and thrive. We are seeking an experienced and passionate

Deputy Manager

to help lead our team and support the Registered Manager in delivering exceptional care that meets and exceeds OFSTED standards.

What you'll do:

As Deputy Manager, you'll play a key leadership role in ensuring the effective day-to-day operation of the home. You'll be responsible for supporting the Registered Manager in delivering high-quality, child-focused care, promoting a positive culture, and ensuring that every child feels valued, safe, and supported.

This is a pivotal position within the management team -- ideal for someone who is already experienced at Senior or Team Leader level and ready to step into a leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Support the Registered Manager in overseeing the daily running of the home, ensuring all aspects of care delivery comply with Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Children Act 1989, and OFSTED's Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF)*.
Act as the responsible person in the absence of the Registered Manager, maintaining compliance, quality, and leadership continuity. Manage rotas effectively to ensure sufficient staffing levels across shifts, including weekends, evenings, and emergencies. Contribute to the home's Statement of Purpose, ensuring it accurately reflects the care and services provided. Participate in on-call duties as part of the management rota to ensure consistent operational support.

Quality and Compliance

Monitor and evaluate the quality of care and support provided, ensuring continuous improvement. Participate in internal audits, Regulation 44 and 45 processes, and support action planning to address recommendations. Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring all documentation meets legal and organisational standards. Support OFSTED inspections, providing evidence and insight into best practices and outcomes for young people.

Safeguarding and Child-Centred Practice

Promote and maintain a safeguarding culture within the home, ensuring that all policies and procedures are rigorously applied. Ensure all children's care and placement plans are implemented, regularly reviewed, and responsive to their changing needs. Create and maintain a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where young people feel respected and empowered. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of care.

Team Leadership and Development

Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision to staff, including conducting regular supervisions, appraisals, and training. Lead by example, modelling professional conduct and therapeutic approaches in line with organisational values. Support recruitment, induction, and mentoring of new staff to ensure consistent care quality. Foster a supportive, learning-focused team culture that encourages development and accountability. Identify training needs and support continuous professional development for all staff.

Partnership and Multi-Agency Working

Build and maintain effective relationships with social workers, local authorities, schools, health services, and other agencies. Represent the organisation in meetings such as LAC (Looked After Child), PEP (Personal Education Plan), and review meetings. Ensure communication with families, carers, and other stakeholders is open, professional, and child-centred.

Financial and Resource Management

Support the Registered Manager in managing budgets and ensuring resources are used effectively. Oversee home maintenance, ensuring the environment remains safe, well-presented, and fit for purpose.

Main Responsibilities:

Ensure the home operates in full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and OFSTED's Quality Standards*.
Provide clear, consistent leadership to all staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and compassion. Oversee all aspects of day-to-day operations, including staffing levels, rotas, budgets, health and safety, and maintenance. Ensure care planning and practice are tailored to each young person's individual needs and aspirations. Build and maintain positive, effective relationships with children, families, social workers, local authorities, and partner agencies. Monitor and evaluate performance through audits, supervision, and team meetings to continuously improve practice. Lead and prepare for OFSTED inspections, ensuring readiness and evidence of continuous improvement. Manage recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development of staff. Maintain accurate, detailed, and compliant records in line with legislation and organisational policy. Take part in an on-call management rota to provide leadership support outside normal hours.

What we're looking for:

A compassionate, confident leader with a genuine passion for improving the lives of children in care. You're resilient, proactive, and able to balance care quality with operational management.

Essential Qualifications

NVQ Level 3/4 in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) or equivalent. Willingness to undertake the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare within 12 months (if not already held).

Essential Experience

Minimum of 3 years' experience in a residential children's home, with at least 1 year in a senior or supervisory position. Proven experience working with children and young people with SEMH, EBD, CSE, or Learning Difficulties. Demonstrated ability to contribute to, or maintain, a Good or OutstandingOFSTED rating.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Children Act 1989, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018*.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills. Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with children, staff, and professionals. Skilled in managing teams, supervising staff, and promoting professional development. High standard of written and verbal English with experience in report writing, case recording, and chairing meetings. Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.

Other Requirements

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance. Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and evenings, and participate in the on-call rota.

Why join us:

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives. Ongoing training, professional development, and funded qualifications (including Level 5). Genuine career progression pathways into Registered Manager roles. Supportive leadership team and positive organisational culture. Enhanced annual leave entitlement and pension scheme. Well-being and recognition programmes for staff.

Ready to lead with purpose?

This is more than just a management role -- it's an opportunity to be part of something meaningful. You'll lead a passionate, professional team and play a key role in shaping the lives of children who deserve stability, compassion, and opportunity. If you're an experienced care professional who leads with integrity, compassion, and ambition -- we'd love to hear from you.

Nations Care Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Job Type: Full-time

Education:

Certificate of Higher Education (required)
Experience:

managing GOOD or OUTSTANDING homes : 2 years (required) residential children's home : 3 years (required) supervisory level: 1 year (required) managing residential EBD, SEMH, or complex care homes: 1 year (required) CSE/CCE, Autism, and other mental health conditions: 1 year (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Full, clean driving licence (required)
Work Location: In person