Responsible Individual
| Posting date: | 04 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £55,000 to £70,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 July 2026 |
| Location: | Sunderland, Tyne & Wear |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Gillespie Recruitment ltd |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Are you an experienced leader within children’s residential care looking to step into a strategic, multi-site role?
Do you thrive in a position where safeguarding, compliance, and quality care are at the heart of everything you do?
Looking for an opportunity to influence service standards, support high-performing teams, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people?
Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be partnering with a well-established and growing provider of children’s residential care as they look to appoint a Responsible Individual to oversee multiple homes across the region.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a passionate and experienced professional to ensure regulatory excellence, drive service improvement, and deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position where you will hold overall accountability for compliance, safeguarding, and quality across a portfolio of children’s residential homes.
You will work closely with Registered Managers, providing guidance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure homes operate to the highest possible standards.
Combining leadership, regulatory expertise, and operational oversight, this role is ideal for someone who is committed to delivering exceptional care and driving continuous improvement across services.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance, Safeguarding & Regulation
Acting as the Responsible Individual in line with Ofsted requirements
Ensuring full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
Leading on safeguarding, quality assurance, and regulatory best practice
Maintaining a strong culture of safety and child-centred care
Leadership & Operational Oversight
Supporting and overseeing Registered Managers across multiple homes
Providing leadership, coaching, and strategic direction
Ensuring consistency in service delivery and care standards
Promoting a positive, high-performing culture across all homes
Quality, Performance & Improvement
Monitoring home performance and outcomes for children
Conducting audits, inspections, and quality assurance reviews
Driving continuous improvement initiatives across services
Ensuring children receive safe, nurturing, and high-quality care
Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations
Acting as the key liaison with Ofsted and external agencies
Building strong relationships with stakeholders and partners
Supporting inspections and ensuring positive regulatory outcomes
About You
We’re looking for a confident and experienced leader with a genuine passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
You will be commercially aware, highly organised, and able to lead multiple services while maintaining exceptional standards of care and compliance.
Skills & Experience Required
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Residential Childcare) or equivalent
Extensive experience within children’s residential care
Previous experience as a Registered Manager or senior leader
Strong knowledge of Ofsted inspections and safeguarding frameworks
Proven ability to manage, develop, and improve services
Excellent leadership and team development skills
Strong organisational and communication abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities across several sites
You Will Be
A values-driven and child-focused leader
Resilient, proactive, and solutions-oriented
Passionate about delivering outstanding care
Confident influencing and supporting teams
Committed to continuous improvement and high standards
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity to shape and grow high-quality services
Supportive and forward-thinking organisation
Ongoing professional development and career progression
Real opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives
Safeguarding
Gillespie Recruitment and our client are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Apply Now
If you’re looking for a rewarding Responsible Individual role where you can lead, influence, and make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Gillespie Recruitment to find out more about this Responsible Individual opportunity.
Do you thrive in a position where safeguarding, compliance, and quality care are at the heart of everything you do?
Looking for an opportunity to influence service standards, support high-performing teams, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people?
Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be partnering with a well-established and growing provider of children’s residential care as they look to appoint a Responsible Individual to oversee multiple homes across the region.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a passionate and experienced professional to ensure regulatory excellence, drive service improvement, and deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position where you will hold overall accountability for compliance, safeguarding, and quality across a portfolio of children’s residential homes.
You will work closely with Registered Managers, providing guidance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure homes operate to the highest possible standards.
Combining leadership, regulatory expertise, and operational oversight, this role is ideal for someone who is committed to delivering exceptional care and driving continuous improvement across services.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance, Safeguarding & Regulation
Acting as the Responsible Individual in line with Ofsted requirements
Ensuring full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
Leading on safeguarding, quality assurance, and regulatory best practice
Maintaining a strong culture of safety and child-centred care
Leadership & Operational Oversight
Supporting and overseeing Registered Managers across multiple homes
Providing leadership, coaching, and strategic direction
Ensuring consistency in service delivery and care standards
Promoting a positive, high-performing culture across all homes
Quality, Performance & Improvement
Monitoring home performance and outcomes for children
Conducting audits, inspections, and quality assurance reviews
Driving continuous improvement initiatives across services
Ensuring children receive safe, nurturing, and high-quality care
Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations
Acting as the key liaison with Ofsted and external agencies
Building strong relationships with stakeholders and partners
Supporting inspections and ensuring positive regulatory outcomes
About You
We’re looking for a confident and experienced leader with a genuine passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
You will be commercially aware, highly organised, and able to lead multiple services while maintaining exceptional standards of care and compliance.
Skills & Experience Required
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Residential Childcare) or equivalent
Extensive experience within children’s residential care
Previous experience as a Registered Manager or senior leader
Strong knowledge of Ofsted inspections and safeguarding frameworks
Proven ability to manage, develop, and improve services
Excellent leadership and team development skills
Strong organisational and communication abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities across several sites
You Will Be
A values-driven and child-focused leader
Resilient, proactive, and solutions-oriented
Passionate about delivering outstanding care
Confident influencing and supporting teams
Committed to continuous improvement and high standards
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity to shape and grow high-quality services
Supportive and forward-thinking organisation
Ongoing professional development and career progression
Real opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives
Safeguarding
Gillespie Recruitment and our client are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Apply Now
If you’re looking for a rewarding Responsible Individual role where you can lead, influence, and make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Gillespie Recruitment to find out more about this Responsible Individual opportunity.