Deputy Manager

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND; Kennington, Abingdon; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal School for the Blind in Kennington, Oxfordshire, seeks a Deputy Manager for a 9-month maternity cover to support the Registered Manager in our Supported Living Homes in Kennington and Abingdon. You will lead a dedicated team, ensure safe, well-run services, and put individuals’ choices and goals at the centre of care.

The role requires leadership, safeguarding knowledge, and strong communication to promote independence and high-quality support.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, ABI, mental health needs or physical disabilities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and person-centred support.
• Understanding of CQC regulations and supported living standards.
• Strong communication, organisation and report-writing skills.
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A Level 5 qualification or willingness to work towards one.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Registered Manager with the day-to-day running of the service.
• Leading, motivating, and developing a team of Support Workers.
• Conducting supervisions and supporting staff performance and development.
• Ensuring support plans and risk assessments are accurate, person-centred, and regularly reviewed.
• Promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
• Responding appropriately to incidents, concerns, and safeguarding matters.
• Building strong partnerships with families, healthcare professionals, and external agencies.
• Helping to ensure the service remains compliant with CQC and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Coaching

Safeguarding knowledge

Risk assessment

Person-centred care

Communication skills

Report writing

Health & Safety awareness

Driving licence

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Level 5 qualification or willingness to work towards one

Job description

Join our Team as a Deputy Manager (9 months fixed term maternity cover) - Make Every Day Matter!

Location: Kennington and Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Salary: £18.68 per hour (£36,426 per annum) plus benefits

Hours: 37.5 per week

Contract: 9 months maternity cover contact, with expected start date end of November 2026

Driving Licence: Manual UK licence essential

Right to Work: Applicants must already be authorised to work in the United Kingdom; SeeAbility is not able to provide new work authorisation.

Make a Real Difference

Do you enjoy supporting both people and teams to achieve their best? Are you passionate about person-centred care and helping people live happy, independent lives?

If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for a Deputy Manager to support the Registered Manager in our Supported Living Homes in Kennington, Oxford and Shippon, Abingdon. You'll play a key role in leading a dedicated team and making a real difference to the lives of the people we support.

This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. You'll help ensure our services are safe, well‑run, and centred around the needs, choices, and goals of each individual.

Could this be you?

• Do you stay calm and positive when challenges arise?
• Do you enjoy coaching and developing others?
• Are you confident promoting person-centred care, dignity, and independence?
• Do you have a good understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and CQC standards?
• Can you balance compliance with delivering great outcomes for the people you support?
• Do you enjoy building positive relationships with families, colleagues, and professionals?

What You’ll bring

• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries (ABI), mental health needs, or physical disabilities.
• Experience in a Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, Deputy Manager, or similar role.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and person-centred support.
• Understanding of CQC regulations and supported living standards.
• Strong communication, organisation, and report‑writing skills.
• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A Level 5 qualification, or willingness to work towards one, would be beneficial.
• Experience of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is desirable.
• Experience assisting with assessments and supporting new people moving into services would be an advantage.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of health and safety practices.
• A full UK manual driving licence.

What You’ll be doing

• Supporting the Registered Manager with the day-to-day running of the service.
• Leading, motivating, and developing a team of Support Workers.
• Conducting supervisions and supporting staff performance and development.
• Ensuring support plans and risk assessments are accurate, person-centred, and regularly reviewed.
• Promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
• Responding appropriately to incidents, concerns, and safeguarding matters.
• Building strong partnerships with families, healthcare professionals, and external agencies.
• Helping to ensure the service remains compliant with CQC and regulatory requirements.

Who you will be Supporting

You’ll be based within our welcoming Bicester homes, supporting 6 amazing individuals to live their lives their way.

The people we support may have:

• Autism
• Learning disabilities
• Behaviours of concern
• Visual impairments
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Restraint Reduction (Not essential but desirable)

You’ll be supported by an experienced Registered Manager and a dedicated team who are committed to delivering outstanding care every day.