Registered Manager - Children's Residential Care (DOLS)
Role SummaryThe Registered Manager holds full operational, safeguarding, and regulatory responsibility for a children’s residential home supporting young people with high-risk and complex needs, including mental health challenges, behavioural risks, trauma histories, and involvement with the criminal justice system. The role ensures the delivery of trauma-informed, therapeutically led care while maintaining full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), overseeing safeguarding practice, incident management, and multi-agency referrals.Ensure lawful implementation and governance of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and restrictive practices.Maintain Ofsted registration and continuous regulatory compliance, leading inspection readiness and improvement planning.Provide leadership, supervision, and performance management for multidisciplinary care teams, ensuring safe staffing levels and training compliance.Oversee child-centred care planning, behaviour support strategies, and trauma-informed therapeutic practice in collaboration with clinical professionals.Build strong relationships with placing authorities, social workers, commissioners, and partner agencies.Manage operational budgets, property standards, health & safety compliance, and overall service quality assurance.Person Specification (Summary)Essential:Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).Minimum 2 years’ leadership experience within children’s residential care.Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and DoLS frameworks.Experience managing complex or high-risk placements and leading teams in high-pressure environments.Desirable:Experience managing single or low-placement homes.Track record of Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.Background in therapeutic, mental health, or psychological services.Additional InformationThe role includes responsibility for safeguarding outcomes, regulatory compliance, staff development, quality assurance, and operational performance. Appointment is subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and safer recruitment compliance.
read more