Job Title

The Managing Director & Ofsted Responsible Individual holds overall strategic, operational and regulatory responsibility for Ofsted-registered services.Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.They are accountable to the Board for:The quality, safety and outcomes of care/education providedCompliance with all relevant legislation and Ofsted regulationsStrong, values-led leadership of Registered Managers and senior staffSustainable growth and financial performance of the serviceThis role combines commercial leadership with regulatory and safeguarding accountability.Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Leadership & DirectionDevelop and deliver the organisations vision, strategy and business plan for Ofsted-registered services.Lead on service development, growth and improvement while maintaining compliance and quality.Ensure all services are aligned with the organisations values, ethos and therapeutic/educational model.Report regularly to the Board on performance, risk, quality, safeguarding and regulatory matters.2. Ofsted Responsible Individual DutiesFulfil all statutory duties of the Responsible Individual under relevant Ofsted regulations and guidance.Provide effective oversight of each Ofsted-registered service, including regular visits, reviews and challenge.Ensure each home/service has a suitably qualified, experienced and effective Registered Manager in place.Review and sign off Regulation 45/46 reports (or equivalent) and ensure timely, robust action plans.Lead on responding to Ofsted inspections, requirements, compliance actions and enforcement activity.Maintain a constructive professional relationship with Ofsted, local authorities, commissioners and other regulators.3. Quality, Safeguarding & ComplianceTake overall accountability for safeguarding and protection of children/young people within the services, ensuring policies and practice are robust and consistently followed.Ensure services meet or exceed the relevant Quality Standards, Childrens Homes Regulations, KCSIE and all other statutory guidance (adapt if education/fostering/etc).Oversee implementation of effective quality assurance systems, audits and monitoring frameworks.Ensure learning from incidents, complaints, feedback and audits is embedded into practice.Chair or oversee safeguarding, risk and quality governance forums as required.4. Leadership of Registered Managers & Senior TeamLine-manage and develop Registered Managers / Heads of Service, providing clear direction, support and accountability.Model strong, ethical leadership and a culture of high expectations and psychological safety.Ensure managers are trained, supported and supervised to deliver high-quality, compliant services.Lead regular management meetings focused on performance, quality, risk, staffing and culture.5. People, Culture & WorkforceOversee workforce planning to ensure services are safely staffed with skilled, values-driven people.Work closely with HR/People teams on recruitment, retention, induction, development and performance management.Champion a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice and learning.Ensure staff have access to appropriate training, supervision and wellbeing support.6. Financial & Commercial ManagementTake P&L responsibility for Ofsted-regulated services, ensuring financial sustainability and value for money.Set and monitor budgets, ensuring resources are used effectively and ethically.Contribute to fee negotiations and commissioning discussions with local authorities and partners.Identify opportunities for growth, service development and new registrations, subject to safe capacity.7. Stakeholder & External RelationshipsBuild and maintain strong relationships with Ofsted, local authorities, commissioners, schools, health partners and other stakeholders.Represent the organisation professionally at external meetings, panels and inspections.Promote the organisations reputation for safe, high-quality care and positive outcomes.Ensure effective communication with families, advocates and other professionals around each child/young person.8. Governance, Risk & ReportingMaintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and best practice.Ensure robust risk management and escalation processes are in place.Provide clear, honest and regular reports to the Board on performance, risk, incidents, safeguarding and inspection outcomes.Ensure all mandatory notifications are submitted accurately and on time.Person SpecificationEssential ExperienceSignificant senior leadership experience in Ofsted-regulated childrens services (e.g. childrens homes, residential special schools, fostering, education).Direct experience of working with Ofsted inspections, compliance actions and improvement plans.Proven track record of leading teams, improving services and achieving good/outstanding inspection outcomes.Experience of managing budgets, financial performance and commercial decision-making.Essential Knowledge & SkillsIn-depth knowledge of:Childrens Homes (England) Regulations and Quality Standards / relevant regulatory frameworkOfsted inspection framework and Responsible Individual expectationsSafeguarding, child protection and safer recruitmentStrong strategic thinking and decision-making ability.Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills.Confident communicator written and verbal with professional presence at Board and regulator level.Able to balance quality, safety, regulatory compliance and commercial realities without compromising childrens welfare.Qualifications (adapt to your setting)Relevant Level 5+ qualification in Leadership & Management, Social Care, Education or equivalent.Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding, leadership and regulatory practice.Enhanced DBS check (and update service where applicable).Personal AttributesUncompromising commitment to the safety, rights and wellbeing of children and young people.Calm, credible and decisive under pressure, especially during inspections, crises or serious incidents.High integrity; willing to challenge poor practice at any level, including Board.Values-driven leader who walks the talk, not just writes policies. xjdpvnf Resilient, reflective and open to feedback and learning.