Job Title: Registered Manager

Service: Hope Alive (EBD, ages 9-14)

Location: Redhill, Surrey

Reports to: Responsible Individual / Directors

Responsible for: Deputy Manager, Residential Childcare Workers, and support staff

Purpose of Role

The Registered Manager will be the Ofsted-registered leader of Hope Alive, responsible for the day-to-day running, management, and development of the service. The role involves ensuring high standards of care and support are provided to children aged 9-15 with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), in line with the Children's Homes Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and relevant safeguarding legislation. The post-holder will create a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment that promotes positive outcomes, emotional stability, education, and life opportunities for children.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Management

Provide strong, visible leadership to staff, promoting a child-centred, therapeutic, and trauma-informed culture.

Be the Ofsted Registered Manager, ensuring compliance with all regulatory, legal, and contractual requirements.

Lead on inspections, audits, and reviews, maintaining at least a 'Good' or 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Responsible Individual, local authorities, social workers, schools, health professionals, and other partners.

2. Safeguarding & Welfare

Take overall responsibility for safeguarding, ensuring robust systems and practices to protect children from harm.

Ensure staff are trained, supervised, and confident in safeguarding responsibilities.

Manage allegations, incidents, and complaints in line with statutory guidance and organisational policy.

3. Care & Support of Children

Ensure each child has an individualised care plan that reflects their needs, wishes, aspirations, and cultural identity.

Promote education, health, independence, and positive behaviours, working closely with schools and professionals.

Foster an environment that promotes stability, boundaries, and emotional resilience.

Encourage participation, ensuring children's voices influence their care and the running of the home.

4. Staff Management

Recruit, develop, and retain a skilled and motivated team.

Provide regular supervision, appraisal, and professional development opportunities.

Ensure staffing levels meet the needs of children and comply with safer recruitment practices.

Develop a culture of reflective practice, resilience, and continuous improvement.

5. Quality Assurance & Administration

Maintain accurate records, care documentation, and reports in line with data protection requirements.

Monitor performance through audits, self-assessment, and improvement planning.

Manage budgets, resources, and occupancy effectively.

Report to the Responsible Individual and Directors on performance, incidents, and outcomes.

Person Specification - Registered Manager

Qualifications

Essential

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).

Evidence of continued professional development.

Desirable

Relevant degree (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Childcare).

Additional training in safeguarding, therapeutic approaches, or trauma-informed care.

Experience

Essential

Minimum 2 years' recent experience in a management/deputy management role within a children's residential home.

At least 3 years' experience working directly with children and young people with EBD and complex needs.

Demonstrated success in managing inspections and achieving positive Ofsted outcomes.

Desirable

Experience of setting up or developing a new home.

Experience in managing budgets and resources effectively.

Knowledge

In-depth understanding of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures, child protection, and safer recruitment.

Awareness of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and child development.

Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in residential childcare.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to inspire a positive team culture.

Excellent communication skills - written, verbal, and interpersonal.

Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children, staff, and professionals.

Effective decision-making and problem-solving under pressure.

Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.

Financial acumen and ability to manage budgets responsibly.

Personal Attributes

Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

Resilient, calm, and emotionally intelligent.

Committed to continuous improvement and reflective practice.

Flexible, adaptable, and able to work evenings, weekends, and on-call as required.

High standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Salary:

£45,000 - £60,000 depending on qualifications and experience