Responsible Individual

Salary: £400-£600 per day, depending on experience

Contract:

Self-Employed / Consultancy

Commitment:
Approximately 1-2 days per week initially

Location:

[Location]

We are a new and ambitious children's residential care provider preparing to open our first children's home and are looking to appoint an experienced Responsible Individual (RI) to play a key role in the registration, development and ongoing governance of the service.

This is an opportunity to become involved at an early stage and work closely with the Directors and Registered Manager to establish a safe, well-led and high-quality home that delivers positive outcomes for children and young people.

As our Responsible Individual, you will provide senior-level oversight of the home, support the Ofsted registration process and help ensure the service operates in accordance with all relevant legislation, regulations and Quality Standards.

• Act as the Responsible Individual for the children's home in accordance with Ofsted requirements.
• Support the provider and Registered Manager throughout the Ofsted registration process.
• Provide effective strategic oversight, challenge and governance of the service.
• Ensure the home operates in accordance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, associated Quality Standards and relevant statutory guidance.
• Provide guidance and support to the Registered Manager while maintaining appropriate oversight and accountability.
• Monitor safeguarding arrangements and ensure the welfare of children and young people remains central to the service.
• Oversee quality assurance, compliance, policies and operational standards.
• Identify areas of risk or non-compliance and ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Support the development of the home's Statement of Purpose, policies, procedures and regulatory documentation where required.
• Help establish robust systems and processes ahead of opening.
• Support the service in preparing for Ofsted inspections and achieving strong regulatory outcomes.
• Promote a culture of safeguarding, continuous improvement and child-centred care.
• Provide advice to the Directors on regulatory requirements, service development and best practice.

We are looking for someone with significant experience within Ofsted-regulated children's residential care and a strong understanding of the responsibilities associated with operating a children's home.

• Previous experience as a Responsible Individual, Registered Manager, Operations Manager or senior leader within children's residential care.
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted requirements and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
• Detailed understanding of the Quality Standards applicable to children’s homes.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge and experience.
• Experience supporting children's homes through Ofsted registration and/or inspection.
• Strong leadership, governance and quality-assurance skills.
• The confidence to provide constructive challenge and professional guidance to both the Registered Manager and Directors.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or equivalent/relevant senior-level qualification, is desirable.
• A full UK driving licence is desirable.

Experience supporting the registration and opening of a new children's home would be particularly advantageous.

• £400-£600 per day, depending on experience and suitability.
• Flexible self-employed/consultancy arrangement.
• Approximately 1-2 days per week initially, with flexibility around the needs of the service and registration process.
• Opportunity to be involved from the early stages of a brand-new children’s…