Responsible Individual

Responsible Individual - Job Specification

Children's Residential Home (EBD)

? Role Purpose

The Responsible Individual (RI) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability for the effective operation of the children's home. They ensure the home meets all legal, regulatory, and quality standards, and that children receive safe, nurturing, and therapeutically informed care that promotes positive outcomes.

The RI acts as the link between the provider organisation and Ofsted, ensuring the home is well-led, compliant, and continuously improving.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

• Maintain oversight of the Registered Manager's performance and the home's operational effectiveness.

• Ensure all Ofsted requirements, recommendations, and actions are implemented promptly.

• Lead on regulatory notifications, inspections, and quality assurance processes.

• Ensure policies and procedures are current, effective, and aligned with best practice.

Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Registered Manager and senior team.

• Ensure the home has a clear vision, culture, and ethos that supports children with EBD.

• Oversee staffing structures, workforce planning, and succession planning.

• Promote a culture of safeguarding, reflective practice, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure staff receive high-quality supervision, training, and professional development.

Quality Assurance & Improvement

• Conduct regular monitoring visits (Regulation 44/45 oversight) and produce written reports.

• Analyse performance data, incidents, complaints, and outcomes to identify trends and improvements.

• Ensure the home delivers trauma-informed, child-centred, and evidence-based care.

• Drive service development, innovation, and best practice across the organisation.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

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

• Significant experience in children's residential care, including EBD settings.

• Proven track record in leadership and service improvement.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and regulatory frameworks.

• Experience working with Ofsted and external agencies.

Desirable Skills & Attributes

• Degree-level qualification in social care, psychology, or related field.

• Experience overseeing multiple homes or services.

• Therapeutic training (e.g., PACE, attachment-based practice, trauma-informed models).

• Ability to inspire, challenge, and support teams.

• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.