Job Description

Responsible Individual (RI) - Children's Residential Services

Safe Steps Care Services Ltd

Location: Hybrid (South London / Surrey)
Job Type: Part-time / Consultancy
Pay: 300-600 per day (DOE)

About Us

Safe Steps Care Services is a developing children's residential provider offering high-quality, therapeutic care for children with complex needs, including neurodiverse profiles. We are preparing for Ofsted registration and seeking an experienced

Responsible Individual (RI)

to provide regulatory oversight, leadership and governance during our setup and early operational stages.

Role Overview

The Responsible Individual will provide

strategic oversight

, ensure regulatory compliance, and act as the organisation's key link with Ofsted. This is a

flexible, part-time consultancy role

ideally suited to an RI supporting multiple services.

Time Commitment

We offer a realistic and flexible structure subject to need but could be as shown below:

Pre-registration (initial phase):

1 day per week

to support application documents, governance, compliance, policies, and registration readiness.

After registration application is submitted:

1-2 days per month

to maintain oversight, QA and leadership input while Ofsted processes the application.

Once the home is registered:

1-2 days per month

, plus optional audit/QA days or additional support during inspections.

Daily Rate

300-600 per day

, depending on experience and level of involvement.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee all Ofsted-regulated activity and ensure the service is safe, well-run and compliant. Ensure full adherence to the

Children's Homes Regulations 2015

,

Quality Standards

, and

SCCIF/"SCIFF"

requirements. Provide leadership, supervision and professional support to the Registered Manager. Ensure the home is adequately resourced and effectively managed. Maintain strong safeguarding governance and effective risk management. Keep policies, procedures and operational documents updated and implemented. Act as the

legal representative to Ofsted

, including inspections, notifications and compliance matters. Lead on quality assurance, audits, monitoring systems and regulatory reporting. Build effective working relationships with commissioners, local authorities and external agencies. Promote a strong, child-centred culture focused on outcomes and progress.

Experience & Qualifications

Minimum

1 year's experience as a Responsible Individual

in an Ofsted-regulated children's home (required). Strong background in children's residential care. Thorough knowledge of: Quality Standards

SCCIF/SCIFF

Children's Homes Regulations Ofsted inspection processes Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (required)

.

Additional Information

Flexible working patterns welcomed.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short statement outlining:

Your RI experience Your availability Your expected daily rate
We welcome applications from experienced RIs.

Start Date: 5th January 2026 ( tbc)

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience working with Ofsted and in children's residential care.

Email: admin@safestepscare.co.uk or safestepscare@outlook.com

Application deadline: 14.12.25

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

For further information, contact Mrs R. Chaudhry via the emails above.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: 300.00-600.00 per day

Benefits:

Company events Flexitime On-site parking Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Coulsdon CR5 3BN