Head of Care

Head of Care

Location: Carlisle

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Care to provide professional leadership and operational oversight across their children's residential services. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated leader who is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people. You will be responsible for ensuring high-quality care, safeguarding, regulatory compliance, and the effective management and development of residential services.

Working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders, you will also play an important role in supporting the continued growth, quality, and sustainability of the organisation.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across children's residential homes.
• Ensure children and young people are safeguarded and supported to achieve positive outcomes in all areas of their development.
• Foster strong, positive relationships with families, commissioners, local authorities and partner agencies.
• Promote an environment where children and young people are encouraged to reach their full potential through effective care planning and therapeutic support.
• Support the ongoing growth and sustainability of the residential services, ensuring resources and staffing remain effective.
• Lead, motivate, develop and supervise managers and care teams, creating a positive, supportive and high‑performing culture.
• Promote high standards of professional practice, accountability and continuous improvement across all services.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments to drive service development and operational excellence.
• Ensure services operate in line with Ofsted regulations, safeguarding legislation and organisational policies.
• Produce and oversee reports, action plans and other documentation, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Represent the organisation professionally with external agencies and within the local community.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A recognised qualification such as the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) together with a relevant Level 3 qualification in Children's Residential Care (or equivalent).
• A minimum of two years' experience within the last five years in children's residential care, including at least one year supervising and managing staff.
• Significant knowledge of Ofsted regulations, Children's Homes legislation, safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Experience of both strategic and operational leadership within children's residential care services in the UK.
• A person-centred approach to leadership and care.
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• The ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
• A full UK manual driving licence and access to your own vehicle with business insurance.

• 30 days annual leave
• Company pension scheme
• Employee discount scheme with a range of retail discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme providing wellbeing support
• Enhanced pay for Christmas Day and New Year's Day
• Overtime opportunities
• Clear career progression pathways
• Comprehensive annual training, including Child Development, Attachment Theory, PACE, Therapeutic Parenting and the Whole-Brain Child Model

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be required to undergo safer recruitment checks, including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.