Ofsted Register Service Manager
We are seeking an experienced, committed and highly capable Ofsted Registered Manager to lead our supported accommodation provision for Looked After Children (LAC) and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) aged 16+ in Norfolk.
This role requires a confident leader with a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, safeguarding and operational excellence. You will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of the service, ensuring the delivery of safe, nurturing and outcome-focused support that meets Ofsted requirements and the Supported Accommodation Regulations.
The successful candidate must be willing and able to act as the service's Ofsted Registered Manager and maintain compliance with all registration requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Operational Management
- Provide overall leadership, direction and management across the supported accommodation services.
- Ensure the service operates in line with its Statement of Purpose, organisational values and regulatory expectations.
- Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement.
Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain full compliance with all relevant legislation, statutory guidance and regulatory frameworks.
- Ensure the service consistently meets or exceeds Ofsted requirements and works towards strong inspection outcomes.
- Oversee compliance with Ofsted requirements relating to Supported Accommodation.
Staff Management & Development
- Lead, supervise and support staff to deliver high-quality support.
- Implement effective performance management, training and professional development programmes.
- Foster a positive, inclusive and resilient team culture.
Support Planning & Quality of Practice
Oversee robust assessment and support planning processes tailored to each young person's needs, risks, aspirations and goals.
Ensure young people's voices are central to planning and decision-making.
Monitor outcomes and ensure interventions are purposeful, trauma-informed and strengths-based.
Safeguarding & Risk Management
- Lead safeguarding practice across the service, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and managed effectively.
- Maintain a culture of safety, vigilance and professional curiosity.
- Ensure all incidents, concerns and allegations are managed in line with statutory procedures.
Partnership & Multi-Agency Working
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, social workers, health professionals and external agencies.
- Represent the service professionally in meetings, reviews and strategic discussions.
- Promote collaborative working to secure positive outcomes for young people.
Financial & Resource Management
- Manage the service budget effectively, ensuring financial sustainability and value for money.
- Oversee resource allocation, staffing levels and operational planning.
Reporting, Documentation & Quality Assurance
- Maintain accurate, timely and compliant records across all areas of practice.
- Prepare reports for Ofsted, local authorities and internal governance.
- Lead quality assurance processes, audits and service improvement initiatives.
Complaints, Feedback & Service Development
- Manage complaints professionally and in accordance with policy.
- Use feedback, data and learning to drive continuous improvement.
- Stay informed of sector developments, research and best practice to enhance service delivery.
Registered Manager Responsibilities
Act as the organisation's Ofsted Registered Manager, ensuring full compliance with registration requirements and ongoing regulatory expectations.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g. Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, Leadership for Health and Social Care, Social Work, Youth Work or equivalent).
- Significant experience of working with Looked After Children and young people aged 16+.
- Proven managerial experience within Supported Accommodation or children's home settings.
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations governing Supported Accommodation and semi-independent provision.
- Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrable experience in safeguarding, risk management and multi-agency collaboration.
- Strong decision-making skills and a proactive, solution-focused approach.
- A clear commitment to promoting the welfare, safety and development of young people.
Desirable
- Experience of managing services for UASC.
- Experience of leading services through Ofsted inspections.
- Additional training in trauma-informed practice, behaviour support or leadership.
