Responsible Individual – Residential Children's Home

Location: Southend-on-Sea

Salary: £350 per day, 1-2 days per week

Contract: Part Time | Permanent

Lead a Dedicated Team and Transform Young Lives

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Responsible Individual to join a growing and child-focused organisation in Southend-on-Sea. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader, supporting children and young people through a trauma-informed approach while driving positive outcomes and maintaining the highest standards of care. Someone who can provide strategic oversight and governance for our children's residential home. The Responsible Individual will play a crucial role in ensuring the home operates in compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and quality standards while promoting positive outcomes for children and young people in our care.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional with a strong background in children's residential care, safeguarding, and leadership to contribute to the delivery of outstanding care and support within a nurturing, safe, and child-centred environment.

Duties

• Provide effective oversight of the children's home, ensuring compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements.
• Work closely with the Registered Manager to monitor the quality of care, safeguarding practices, and operational performance of the home.
• Ensure that children and young people receive high-quality, individualised care and support that meets their assessed needs.
• Monitor safeguarding arrangements and ensure robust systems are in place to protect children from harm.
• Conduct regular visits to the home, reviewing records, policies, procedures, and practice to ensure continuous improvement.
• Liaise with Ofsted, local authorities, placing authorities, and other external professionals as required.
• Ensure effective governance, quality assurance, and risk management processes are implemented and maintained.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement throughout the service.
• Maintain accurate records and provide reports to directors and regulatory bodies as required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience working within children's residential care services.
• Thorough knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and safeguarding legislation.
• Experience in a senior leadership, management, or governance role within children's social care.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted requirements and inspection frameworks.
• Strong organisational and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Relevant professional qualification in Health and Social Care, Social Work, Residential Childcare, or a related field is desirable.
• Enhanced DBS clearance and suitability to work with children.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Compassionate, approachable, and professional.
• Resilient, proactive, and solution-focused.
• Dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care, compliance, and governance.

This role is ideal for an experienced and motivated professional who is committed to ensuring children and young people receive exceptional care and support within a safe, stable, and nurturing residential environment.

Safeguarding Commitment

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and recruit based on merit, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Sponsorship

Refresh Recruitment does not currently hold a Sponsorship Licence. Whilst this status is reviewed regularly, there are currently no plans to apply for one. Applicants must therefore have the right to work in the UK.

Application Process

Our aim is to contact all successful applicants within five working days of receiving an application. If you have not heard from us within this timeframe, please feel free to contact us to confirm that your application has been received.

If you are an experienced residential childcare leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while leading a dedicated team, we would love to hear from you.