Responsible Individual

Job Title: Responsible Individual – Children’s Residential Services
Location: Havering & North East London
Salary: £70k-£80k

Job Description:
We are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Responsible Individual to oversee our client’s residential children’s homes in North East London. The Responsible Individual will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Children’s Homes Regulations (2015), and will support registered managers to deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes for children and young people. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with substantial management experience in children’s services to make a meaningful impact within a leading specialist provider. The Responsible Individual will be responsible for maintaining high standards of practice, safeguarding, and organisational compliance across multiple homes in North East London.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all policies and procedures are compliant, current, and followed across all homes in North East London.
• Conduct monthly audits and quality checks, monitoring performance against key indicators.
• Maintain and update action logs to ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Report operational updates and risk assessments to the board of directors monthly.
• Oversee safeguarding practices and ensure safeguarding is embedded in organisational culture.
• Support registered managers with service delivery, OFSTED inspections, and compliance.
• Lead on care planning and outcomes measurement using BERRI across all homes.
• Implement and oversee staff training pathways, including systemic qualifications and crisis prevention.
• Support children and young people with education plans and advocate on their behalf.
• Provide professional supervision and management support to registered managers.
• Manage organisational risks, policies, and procedures to ensure safety and compliance.
• Lead safeguarding initiatives and act as Data Protection Officer.
• Support recruitment, induction, and staff development processes.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and resource allocation effectively.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement and development plans.
• Act as a point of contact for external bodies such as Ofsted and other regulatory agencies.
• Provide out-of-hours “on call” support for safeguarding issues.
• Promote a culture of participation, communication, and high standards of practice.

Requirements:

• Educated to degree level with a professional social work qualification or equivalent (CSS/CQSW, DipSw, MA SW, BA Hons SW).
• Management qualification at Level 5 or above; a master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience in residential children’s home management.
• Strong knowledge of child care legislation, safeguarding procedures, and Ofsted standards.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing initiatives within children’s services.
• Demonstrable leadership skills, including staff supervision and performance management.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and IT skills.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Flexibility regarding working hours, including evenings and weekends.

We are looking for a committed professional to join our client’s team in North East London, ensuring the highest standards of care and compliance. If you meet the above criteria and are ready to lead a dedicated team in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

Vetro Recruitment acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Vetro is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merit alone.