Ofsted Registered Service Manager
Supported Living Service – Young People Aged 16–25
Location: Swindon
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
About the Service
Our client is a new, values-led supported living provider currently progressing an application for Ofsted registration. The organisation will provide person-centred accommodation and support for young people aged 16–25.
The service aims to create a safe, welcoming and homely environment where young people can develop independence, confidence and the practical skills they need for adulthood and beyond.
The organisation is building the service from the ground up, with compliance, quality and positive outcomes at the heart of its approach. This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced professional who can help shape the service and establish a strong foundation for future success.
The Role
As the Registered Service Manager, you will hold the statutory Registered Service Manager role with Ofsted and will work closely with the General Manager to support the successful establishment, registration, launch and ongoing management of the service.
You will play a central role in developing policies, recruiting and developing staff, implementing operational systems and ensuring the service meets all relevant regulatory requirements.
You will also help establish a culture of high-quality practice and continuous improvement, with the aim of achieving a strong outcome at the service's first inspection.
Key Responsibilities
Service Set-Up and Registration
- Support the preparation and submission of the Ofsted registration application, ensuring all required evidence, policies and procedures are in place.
- Help develop and implement policies, risk assessments, safeguarding procedures and quality assurance systems ahead of the service opening.
- Ensure premises, staffing structures and operational plans meet relevant regulatory requirements.
- Support preparations for pre-registration activity and engagement with Ofsted.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality
- Maintain compliance with Ofsted requirements and all relevant legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
- Establish robust systems for monitoring, auditing and reviewing practice.
- Lead safeguarding, reporting and escalation processes within the service.
- Support the service in preparing for future Ofsted inspections and demonstrate clear understanding of inspection expectations and evidence requirements.
- Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement.
Care, Support and Outcomes
- Lead the development of person-centred support plans that reflect young people's voices, choices, needs and aspirations.
- Oversee day-to-day support, ensuring it promotes independence, dignity, safety and positive outcomes.
- Support young people to develop skills and achieve positive outcomes in areas including education, employment, health and wellbeing.
- Develop effective working relationships with social workers, healthcare professionals, education providers, families and commissioning authorities.
Team Leadership and Development
- Support the recruitment, vetting, induction and training of staff in line with regulatory requirements.
- Ensure appropriate mandatory training, qualifications and supervision arrangements are in place.
- Develop a positive, reflective and supportive team culture.
- Provide effective leadership, supervision and performance management to staff.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Children and Young People), or an equivalent relevant qualification.
- Proven experience managing children's homes, supported living services or residential services supporting young people aged 16–25.
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted requirements, inspection processes and relevant legislation.
- Experience developing policies, preparing regulatory evidence and managing compliance systems.
- Ability to demonstrate that you meet the required fit and proper person criteria.
- Strong leadership, decision-making and risk-management skills.
- Ability to successfully complete an enhanced DBS check and all required employment and regulatory vetting processes.
- Strong communication and partnership-working skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience leading a new service through the Ofsted registration process.
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Experience supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities or mental health needs.
- Experience working within Swindon, Wiltshire or surrounding local authority areas.
- Experience establishing operational systems and processes from the ground up.
- Qualification or significant experience in safeguarding leadership.
What the Organisation Offers
- The opportunity to play a key leadership role in establishing a new service.
- Support throughout the Ofsted registration process.
- Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Pension scheme.
- Enhanced DBS and relevant registration-related costs covered.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives and futures of young people within the local community.
Not For Profit People are recruiting on behalf of the organisation. If you are an experienced registered manager with the skills and regulatory knowledge to help establish and lead a new service, we would be keen to hear from you.
