Responsible Individual

Vetro Recruitment; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Regular pay reviews

Professional development

Meaningful work

Job summary

Vetro Recruitment is seeking a dedicated Responsible Individual to oversee Southampton children's homes, ensuring therapeutic childcare aligns with regulatory standards and the organisation's values. In this senior role you will lead Registered Managers, act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, and provide strategic direction across multiple homes while travelling between sites as required.

A relevant management qualification or equivalent experience in children's services is essential.

Qualifications

• A relevant management qualification or equivalent experience in children’s services.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to travel between sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation of children’s homes to ensure compliance with regulations and company standards.
• Lead and develop Registered Managers to deliver high-quality care.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and keep safeguarding policies current.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

Management qualification or equivalent experience in children’s services

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Job Title: Responsible Individual

Location: Southampton, Hampshire, South East England

Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time

Job Description:

We are seeking a dedicated Residential Operations Manager to oversee the management of children’s homes within Southampton, Hampshire. This senior role involves ensuring the delivery of high-quality, therapeutic childcare aligned with regulatory standards and organisational values. The successful candidate will act as the Responsible Individual and Designated Safeguarding Lead, providing leadership and strategic direction across multiple homes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing the overall operation of children’s homes to ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and company standards.
• Leading and developing Registered Managers to deliver outstanding care and uphold the organisation’s ethos of compassion, integrity, respect, and safety.
• Acting as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding policies are current, understood, and embedded in practice.
• Ensuring all homes are managed in line with their Statement of Purpose, policies, and legislative requirements.
• Promoting a positive organisational culture and supporting continuous professional development for staff.
• Overseeing the environment and physical resources of each home, ensuring safety, quality, and suitability for children’s needs.
• Maintaining accurate records, reports, and communication across all homes.
• Contributing to strategic planning, growth, and development of new services within the organisation.
• Building strong relationships with external partners, placing authorities, and regulatory bodies.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• A relevant management qualification or equivalent experience in children’s services.
• Extensive experience managing children’s homes or similar settings.
• A recognised safeguarding qualification and experience acting as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Full UK driving licence and the ability to travel between sites as required.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Benefits & Work Environment:

• Competitive salary with regular pay reviews.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• Supportive team environment within a reputable organisation.
• Contributing to meaningful work that makes a difference in children’s lives.

Vetro is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merit alone.