Registered Manager – Children’s Residential Care (DoLS)

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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