Registered Manager

Action-For-Children; Stornoway; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days annual leave plus bank/bankhol

Excellent training and development

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Relocation allowance up to £8,000

Blue Light Card and staff discount

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Action for Children in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, is seeking a Registered Manager to lead Hillcrest House, a residential children's home, ensuring high‑quality, trauma‑informed care and regulatory compliance.

You will manage a team, oversee care planning and partnerships with education, health and social services, and drive service improvement while navigating budget and performance targets across the Outer Hebrides.

Qualifications

• A relevant professional qualification and management experience within residential childcare, social care or related setting.
• SVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management, or commitment to achieve within an agreed timeframe.
• Experience leading and developing teams to achieve positive outcomes.
• Knowledge of Care Inspectorate requirements and regulatory frameworks in Scotland.
• Ability to satisfy Care Inspectorate fit person requirements and registration criteria.
• Experience of supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Strong leadership, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of delivering high-quality services within agreed standards, targets and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a dedicated team, including Team Leaders and residential care staff.
• Ensure children and young people receive safe, nurturing and high-quality care.
• Create an environment where children can develop, achieve and thrive.
• Work in partnership with Children's Services, Education, Health and third-sector agencies to achieve the best outcomes for children.
• Ensure care planning, safeguarding and risk management arrangements are robust and effective.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain compliance with Care Inspectorate standards and requirements.
• Manage service performance, quality assurance processes, staffing and budgets.
• Support the ongoing development, supervision and wellbeing of your team.

Skills

Collaborative leadership

Strategic planning

Team development

Budget management

Partnership building

Education

SVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management

Job description

Registered Manager

Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum plus [CC1] £1,758 Island Allowance
Location: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 available for the right candidate)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week

Benefits

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days related to length of service and the option to buy or sell leave.
• Excellent training and development opportunities, including support to gain professional qualifications.
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity packages.
• Pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution and life assurance cover.
• Blue Light Card and staff discount portal, offering savings with over 15,000 retailers.
• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 available for the right candidate, subject to organisational policy and eligibility requirements.
• The opportunity to live and work in the Outer Hebrides, leading an established and highly regarded residential service.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

At Action for Children, every role plays a part in helping vulnerable children and young people achieve brighter futures.

Last year, we supported more than 670,000 children, young people and families across the UK. Through our direct services, community support and national campaigns, we work tirelessly to ensure every child has a safe and happy childhood and the opportunities they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working for Action for Children is more than just a job. We are united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of children and young people. Our people are passionate, dedicated and driven by a strong sense of purpose.

When we work together, we make a lasting difference.

A bit about the service

Hillcrest House is a five-bed residential children's home located in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Action for Children has delivered the service on behalf of the Local Authority since 1997.

The home provides care and support for children and young people who require 24/7 residential home care, as well as short break provision for children with additional support needs. Our focus is on providing consistent, nurturing and trauma-informed care that enables every child to reach their full potential.

As the Registered Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management and development of the service. You will ensure that the home consistently delivers high-quality care and remains fully compliant with Care Inspectorate standards and regulatory requirements.

You will be supported by an experienced Children's Services Manager and join a wider network of Action for Children services across the Outer Hebrides, supporting children, young people and families from Lewis to Barra.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

As Registered Manager, you will:

• Lead and inspire a dedicated team, including three Team Leaders and residential care staff.
• Ensure children and young people receive safe, nurturing and high-quality care.
• Create an environment where children can develop, achieve and thrive.
• Work in partnership with Children's Services, Education, Health and third-sector agencies to achieve the best outcomes for children.
• Ensure care planning, safeguarding and risk management arrangements are robust and effective.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain compliance with Care Inspectorate standards and requirements.
• Manage service performance, quality assurance processes, staffing and budgets.
• Support the ongoing development, supervision and wellbeing of your team.

Let's talk about you

We are looking for a collaborative and solution-focused leader who is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.

In this role, you will ideally bring:

• A relevant professional qualification and management experience within residential childcare, social care or a related setting.
• SVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management, or a commitment to achieve this qualification within an agreed timeframe if not already held.
• Experience of leading and developing teams to achieve positive outcomes.
• Knowledge and understanding of Care Inspectorate requirements and regulatory frameworks in Scotland.
• The ability to satisfy Care Inspectorate fit person requirements and registration criteria.
• Experience of supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Strong leadership, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of delivering high-quality services within agreed standards, targets and budgets.

Experience of supporting children and young people with complex health needs and behavioural support requirements would be beneficial. We recognise that relevant experience may have been gained in a variety of settings and welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Action for Children, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We actively encourage applications from Black and Global Majority, disabled and male candidates, who are currently under-represented within Action for Children. We are committed to creating equitable opportunities and removing barriers to employment wherever possible.

Don't meet every requirement?

If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. Research suggests that some candidates may be less likely to apply unless they meet every criterion. We value potential, transferable skills and lived experience, and encourage you to apply if you believe you could contribute to this role.

You could be exactly the person we're looking for, either for this role or another opportunity within the Action for Children family.

Want to know more about Action for Children?

Together, we can create brighter futures for children and young people.