Are you an experienced leader within children’s residential care looking to step into a strategic, multi-site role?
Do you thrive in a position where safeguarding, compliance, and quality care are at the heart of everything you do?
Looking for an opportunity to influence service standards, support high-performing teams, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people?
Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be partnering with a well-established and growing provider of children’s residential care as they look to appoint a Responsible Individual to oversee multiple homes across the region.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a passionate and experienced professional to ensure regulatory excellence, drive service improvement, and deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position where you will hold overall accountability for compliance, safeguarding, and quality across a portfolio of children’s residential homes.
You will work closely with Registered Managers, providing guidance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure homes operate to the highest possible standards.
Combining leadership, regulatory expertise, and operational oversight, this role is ideal for someone who is committed to delivering exceptional care and driving continuous improvement across services.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance, Safeguarding & Regulation
- Acting as the Responsible Individual in line with Ofsted requirements
- Ensuring full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
- Leading on safeguarding, quality assurance, and regulatory best practice
- Maintaining a strong culture of safety and child-centred care
Leadership & Operational Oversight
- Supporting and overseeing Registered Managers across multiple homes
- Providing leadership, coaching, and strategic direction
- Ensuring consistency in service delivery and care standards
- Promoting a positive, high-performing culture across all homes
Quality, Performance & Improvement
- Monitoring home performance and outcomes for children
- Conducting audits, inspections, and quality assurance reviews
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives across services
- Ensuring children receive safe, nurturing, and high-quality care
Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations
- Acting as the key liaison with Ofsted and external agencies
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders and partners
- Supporting inspections and ensuring positive regulatory outcomes
About You
We’re looking for a confident and experienced leader with a genuine passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
You will be commercially aware, highly organised, and able to lead multiple services while maintaining exceptional standards of care and compliance.
Skills & Experience Required
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Residential Childcare) or equivalent
- Extensive experience within children’s residential care
- Previous experience as a Registered Manager or senior leader
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted inspections and safeguarding frameworks
- Proven ability to manage, develop, and improve services
- Excellent leadership and team development skills
- Strong organisational and communication abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across several sites
You Will Be
- A values-driven and child-focused leader
- Resilient, proactive, and solutions-oriented
- Passionate about delivering outstanding care
- Confident influencing and supporting teams
- Committed to continuous improvement and high standards
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to shape and grow high-quality services
- Supportive and forward-thinking organisation
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
- Real opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives
Safeguarding
Gillespie Recruitment and our client are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Apply Now
If you’re looking for a rewarding Responsible Individual role where you can lead, influence, and make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Gillespie Recruitment to find out more about this Responsible Individual opportunity.
