Children's Home Deputy Manager

Hampshire County Council; England; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in England is seeking a Children's Home Deputy Manager for Swanwick Lodge Secure Children's Home. This role requires a dedicated leader to ensure the home operates safely and effectively, overseeing care delivery and staff development. Candidates should have experience in children’s services and a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable youth. The position offers a competitive benefits package and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Continuous Professional Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in managing or supporting children's services.
• Ability to provide strategic oversight and continuous improvement.
• Understanding of safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Service Manager.
• Ensure effectiveness of care delivery and staff development.
• Lead by example to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Flexibility

Childcare experience

Job description

Children's Home Deputy Manager

Job Reference: HCC622288
Salary Range: £56,285 - £63,080 per annum
Work Location: Swanwick Lodge Secure Children's Home, Swanwick near Southampton
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 5 October 2025
Interview Date: 15 October 2025

The Role:

We are looking for a highly experienced, motivated, and professional individual to join the integrated management team at Swanwick Lodge Secure Children’s Home.

Swanwick Lodge provides support and care for up to ten children aged between 10 and 17. We specialise in looking after young people who have complex needs and present a significant risk of harm to themselves or to others. Children have access to the specialist services they need to help them recover from difficult life experiences. We support these children to develop positive stable relationships and resettle in their communities where they can make a contribution and improve their life chances and outcomes.

As a key senior leader, you will deputise for the Registered Service Manager and ensure the home operates safely, effectively, and in line with regulatory standards. This role provides strategic oversight of care delivery, staff development, and safeguarding, ensuring robust systems are in place to support high-quality practice. You will lead by example, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the excellent work of the team is consistently evidenced and recognised.

What we’re looking for:

You will need to be someone who can adapt and respond to a fast-paced environment while remaining flexible in your approach. A passion for improving outcomes for children with complex needs is essential. This is a unique opportunity to utilise your leadership skills and expertise in working with vulnerable children who require the highest standard of care.

We understand the demands and emotional challenges of the role and are committed to providing a safe and supportive working environment. We offer regular supervision, mentoring, and Continuous Professional Development opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive.