Registered Manager - Children's residential care (DoLS)

1 Days Old

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Registered Manager to lead a children’s residential home supporting young people with high-risk and complex needs under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). You will hold full responsibility for operations, safeguarding, quality, and regulatory compliance, ensuring a trauma-informed, therapeutically led service that delivers safety, stability, and positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding & DoLS

Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Ensure DoLS authorisations are lawfully implemented, reviewed, and evidenced.

Oversee restrictive practices (proportionate, time-limited, legally compliant).

Lead incident management, serious incident reviews, and referrals (LADO, social care, police).

Ensure staff are trained and confident in managing high-risk behaviours safely.

Regulatory & Ofsted Compliance

Hold Ofsted registration as the home’s Registered Manager.

Maintain continuous compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

Lead Ofsted inspection readiness at all times.

Ensure high-quality recording (daily logs, risk assessments, behaviour support plans, care plans, Reg 40/45 notifications).

Drive improvement plans following inspections/audits.

Leadership & People Management

Lead a multidisciplinary team working at enhanced ratios (2:1 / 3:1 / 4:1).

Oversee safer recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal, and performance management.

Build a values-led culture focused on consistency, boundaries, and therapeutic care.

Ensure mandatory and specialist training (DoLS, trauma, high-risk placements).

Manage rotas, on-call, and staffing budgets.

Care Planning & Therapeutic Practice

Deliver robust, child-centred care plans aligned to needs, risks, and aspirations.

Embed trauma-informed and psychologically informed practice.

Work with therapists, CAMHS, and clinical professionals.

Promote positive behaviour support, emotional regulation, and restorative approaches.

Multi-Agency Working

Act as primary contact for placing authorities, social workers, IROs, and commissioners.

Attend reviews and risk meetings; build strong local partnerships (LA, mental health, education, safeguarding).

Quality & Service Development

Monitor outcomes for children and young people.

Implement internal audits, QA systems, and reflective practice.

Contribute to the ongoing development of the therapeutic model and service evolution.

Operational & Financial

Manage the home’s budget within agreed parameters.

Maintain property standards, health & safety, and environmental safety.

Essential Requirements

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

Minimum 2 years in a leadership/management role within a children’s residential setting.

Significant experience with high-risk, complex, or DoLS placements.

Strong knowledge of:

Children’s Homes Regulations 2015

Quality Standards

Safeguarding legislation

DoLS and restrictive practice frameworks

Proven ability to lead in high-pressure environments.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work flexibly, including on-call.

Desirable

Experience managing solo or low-placement homes.

Track record of achieving Good/Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.

Background in mental health, psychology, or therapeutic services.

Experience supporting children under DoLS or equivalent legal frameworks.

What We Offer

Lead a highly specialised, values-driven service with real autonomy.

Strong support from experienced senior leadership.

Competitive salary with London weighting.

Ongoing professional development, training, and clear career progression:

Registered Manager → Dual Registered Manager → Mentor of (Deputy/Nominated) Managers → Responsible Individual / Operations pathway.

Safer Recruitment

All offers are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and compliance with safer recruitment practices
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Location:
Greenford
Salary:
£50,000 - £60,000 /annum
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Social Care

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