Registered Manager

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