About the role
Second in charge of a children’s home — quality, compliance and the day-to-day running that keeps a Registered Manager’s head above water.
These are the criteria providers across the UK typically set for this role, so you can judge your own fit before you apply anywhere. Individual services vary — any role we put you forward for will have its own criteria, pay and rota, and we confirm those with the provider first.
What the role usually involves
- Run the home day to day and take charge in the manager’s absence
- Supervise team leaders and support workers, including formal supervision and appraisal
- Own care plans, risk assessments, audits and the evidence sitting behind them
- Manage rotas, staffing levels and the induction of new starters
- Prepare for Regulation 44 visits, Regulation 45 reviews and inspection
Typical criteria
- Level 3 Residential Childcare as a minimum, with Level 5 held or started
- Two years or more in children’s residential care, including a supervisory post
- Working knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the quality standards
- Evidence of leading practice improvement, not only holding a rota together
- A full UK driving licence
Often asked for as well
Not usually dealbreakers, but they widen the range of services that will consider you.
- Experience of a home moving from Requires Improvement to Good
- Involvement in inspection, action plans or the registration of a new home
- Safer recruitment, designated safeguarding lead or supervision training
Hours and pay
Full-time, largely based in the home, with on-call duties and shift cover as required.
Sleep-ins, on-call allowances and occupancy or inspection bonuses are commonly paid on top of base salary. Ask how often a bonus has actually paid out before counting it.
Checks and eligibility
- An enhanced DBS check on the relevant barred list, or a current one on the update service we can check
- The right to work in the UK — we are not a licensed sponsor, so we cannot offer visa sponsorship or take over an existing certificate
- A full employment history with references covering it, including one from your most recent care employer
- Proof of identity and address, plus evidence of any qualification or professional registration the role depends on