Children's Responsible Individual

Sunderland | -55,000 - -70,000 DOE | Senior Leadership Opportunity

Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be partnering with a growing and respected care provider to recruit an experienced Responsible Individual to oversee multiple children''s residential services across the region.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior leader within children''s residential care to join an organisation committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support and achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping service delivery, supporting Registered Managers, maintaining regulatory excellence, and driving continuous improvement across the organisation.

About the Organisation

Our client is a well-established and expanding care provider with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, person-centred services that place the needs of individuals at the heart of everything they do. The organisation works closely with families, local authorities and external professionals to provide tailored support that promotes independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes.

With a strong focus on quality, safeguarding and continuous improvement, they are committed to developing outstanding services and investing in both the people they support and the teams who deliver those services.

The Role

As Responsible Individual, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight across a portfolio of children''s residential homes.

Working closely with Registered Managers and senior leadership colleagues, you will ensure services remain compliant, safe, effective and focused on delivering exceptional care.

This role would suit an experienced Responsible Individual, Operations Manager, Regional Manager or high-performing Registered Manager looking to take the next step in their career.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Responsible Individual in accordance with Ofsted requirements
• Ensure compliance with Children''s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
• Provide leadership and strategic oversight across multiple services
• Support, coach and develop Registered Managers
• Drive quality assurance, safeguarding and continuous improvement initiatives
• Monitor service performance and implement improvement plans where required
• Conduct audits and maintain inspection readiness across all homes
• Build strong relationships with Ofsted, local authorities and external stakeholders
• Promote a positive, child-centred culture across services
• Support organisational growth and future service development

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Significant experience within children''s residential care
• Experience as a Responsible Individual, Operations Manager, Regional Manager or Registered Manager
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding requirements
• Proven experience driving service improvements and achieving positive outcomes
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• The ability to effectively support and influence teams across multiple sites

What''s On Offer

• Salary of -55,000 - -70,000 DOE
• Senior leadership role within a growing organisation
• Opportunity to influence and shape service delivery
• Supportive and progressive working environment
• Ongoing professional development
• Genuine career progression opportunities
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people

Safeguarding

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Apply Now

If you''re an experienced Responsible Individual, Operations Manager, Regional Manager or Registered Manager looking for your next leadership challenge, we''d love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Gillespie Recruitment for a confidential discussion.