The Responsible Individual (RI) is the appointed person on behalf of the organisation who holds
strategic oversight and accountability
for the quality, compliance, and performance of the children's residential home(s). As required by
Regulation 26 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
, the RI must ensure that the home is effectively managed by the Registered Manager, and that high-quality, safe, and child-centred care is consistently delivered. The RI plays a key leadership role, ensuring regulatory compliance, promoting best practice, and supporting continuous improvement across the service.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
Provide strategic leadership to ensure the vision, values, and objectives of the organisation are embedded across the residential home(s).
Maintain a clear overview of the performance, quality, and compliance of the home(s), including regular visits, reviews, and engagement with the Registered Manager.
Act as the organisation's key link with
Ofsted
, ensuring readiness for inspection, managing communication, and responding to regulatory feedback and action plans.
Drive continuous improvement and innovation in care delivery, safeguarding, and outcomes for children.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
Ensure that the home(s) comply with the
Children's Homes Regulations 2015
, the
Quality Standards
, and all relevant safeguarding legislation.
Oversee compliance with internal policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
Support and challenge Registered Managers to maintain high standards of care and documentation and respond promptly to areas of underperformance.
Safeguarding and Risk Management
Champion a culture of safeguarding across all services, ensuring robust safeguarding policies and practices are embedded and reviewed regularly.
Monitor risk management processes, ensuring any incidents or complaints are investigated thoroughly and lessons learned are implemented.
Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at an organisational level or support the DSL function within each home.
Staffing, Leadership and Development
Support and supervise Registered Managers to ensure they are effective in their role.
Contribute to the recruitment, induction, and performance review of senior staff and Registered Managers.
Ensure training and development opportunities are in place to build staff capability, particularly in leadership and safeguarding.
Quality Assurance and Reporting
Conduct regular
audit
reports and review
Regulation 44
visitor reports to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Review performance data, audits, and outcomes to ensure the service remains high-quality and outcome focused.
Report to directors/owners/boards on performance, safeguarding concerns, and development plans.
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
(or equivalent), or ability and willingness to complete within a specified timeframe.
At least
5 years' experience
in children's social care, including
at least 2 years at management level
within a regulated residential setting.
In-depth knowledge of the
Children's Homes Regulations 2015
,
Quality Standards
,
Ofsted inspection framework
, and safeguarding legislation.
Experience in performance monitoring, quality assurance, and service improvement.
Supervisor experience
Ability to demonstrate financial balancing
Desirable:
Prior experience as a
Registered Manager
or
Responsible Individual
.
Social Work, Health, or Education qualification (e.g., Social Work Degree, NVQ Level 5, PGCert in Leadership).
Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel between services.
Personal Attributes:
Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
Resilient, reflective, and committed to ongoing learning and improvement.
Job Type: Part-time