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Job Title: Registered Manager

Department: Children's Services

Reports To: nominated Individual

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm

Job Summary

The Registered Manager (RM) will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance of an Ofsted-registered supported accommodation service for young people aged 16–17. The postholder will ensure the service delivers high-quality, safe, and outcome-focused support in line with the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations, Ofsted inspection frameworks, and local authority expectations.

The Registered Manager will provide strong operational leadership, oversee staff practice, ensure robust safeguarding arrangements, and maintain full regulatory compliance, while driving continuous service improvement.

Essential Candidate Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Proven experience with Ofsted, either:

Previously registered as an Ofsted Registered Manager, or

Currently or previously working in a senior leadership/management role within an Ofsted-regulated service

Direct experience working with 16–17-year-olds within the past two years

Strong working knowledge of:

Ofsted inspection frameworks

Supported Accommodation Regulations

Safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance

Ability to meet Ofsted’s fitness and suitability requirements for registration as a Registered Manager

Highly Desirable (Future-Focused Development)

Experience as a Registered Manager or senior leader delivering services to under-16s

Experience supporting young people with high or complex needs, including safeguarding, trauma, or behavioural risks

Background in service development, expansion, or new registrations with Ofsted

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory & Compliance Leadership

Act as the Ofsted Registered Manager, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements

Prepare for, manage, and respond to Ofsted inspections, including action plans and post-inspection improvements

Ensure policies, procedures, and operational practice align with statutory guidance and inspection standards

Maintain accurate records and evidence to demonstrate quality of care and leadership oversight

Safeguarding & Risk Management

Act as the service’s Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ensure robust safeguarding systems, risk assessments, and incident management processes are in place

Maintain strong links with Local Authority safeguarding teams, social workers, and partner agencies

Ensure all staff understand and follow safeguarding, whistleblowing, and escalation procedures

Leadership & Staff Management

Provide strong leadership to Team Leaders and Support Workers

Oversee recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal, and ongoing staff development

Ensure staffing levels, rotas, and on-call arrangements meet the needs of young people and regulatory expectations

Embed a culture of accountability, reflective practice, and continuous improvement

Quality Assurance & Service Delivery

Oversee the delivery of person-centred, outcome-focused support for young people

Ensure high-quality support planning, risk assessments, and key-work documentation

Conduct regular audits, file checks, and quality reviews to ensure standards are maintained

Monitor young people’s outcomes across education, independence skills, health, and wellbeing

Operational & Strategic Management

Manage day-to-day service operations, including property standards, health & safety, and environmental compliance

Work closely with the Responsible Individual to support service growth and development

Contribute to strategic planning, service improvement initiatives, and future Ofsted registrations where required

Represent the organisation professionally with commissioners, inspectors, and external stakeholders

Qualifications & Skills

Essential

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete if not already held)

Strong leadership, organisational, and decision-making skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage competing priorities in a regulated environment

Desirable

Additional safeguarding or management qualifications

Experience writing policies, inspection action plans, and service development plans

What We Offer

Full-time, stable leadership role within a growing organisation

Opportunity to shape and develop high-quality Ofsted-regulated services

Support from a Responsible Individual and senior leadership team

Professional development and career progression opportunities

Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and Ofsted suitability assessments