Deputy Manager - Children's Home

Deputy Home Manager – Children's Residential Care

Progressive Independence

About Us

Progressive Independence provides high-quality, therapeutic residential care for children and young people aged 8–17 within our Ofsted-regulated children's homes.

We are committed to creating safe, nurturing and supportive environments where young people can develop confidence, build positive relationships and achieve their full potential.

Our approach is centred on trauma-informed care, strong leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. We believe that investing in our staff is essential to delivering exceptional outcomes for the children in our care.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and motivated Deputy Home Manager to join our leadership team and support the successful operation of one of our children's homes.

Working closely with the Registered Service Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards of care, developing a confident and capable staff team, and ensuring the home operates safely, effectively and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

This is a predominantly management-focused position, offering 40 hours per week of protected management time to concentrate on leadership, staff development, safeguarding, compliance, quality assurance and the overall running of the home.

While your primary responsibilities will be managerial, you will maintain an active and visible presence within the home, supporting staff and young people when operational needs require.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Development

• Support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day leadership and management of the home.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager during periods of absence.
• Lead, motivate and develop a positive, professional and supportive staff team.
• Conduct staff supervisions, probation reviews and contribute to performance management.
• Support staff recruitment, induction, training and ongoing professional development.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Assist with staff rotas, workforce planning and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.

Safeguarding, Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure the home operates in accordance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and relevant safeguarding legislation.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, care planning and risk management.
• Conduct audits, monitor compliance and implement improvement plans.
• Oversee the quality and accuracy of records, reports and placement documentation.
• Support internal quality assurance processes and Ofsted inspections.
• Identify opportunities to improve practice and contribute to the ongoing development of the service.

Care & Positive Outcomes

• Promote a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment for children and young people.
• Support individual care plans and ensure young people's needs remain central to decision-making.
• Encourage positive outcomes in education, health, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Build effective relationships with social workers, families, professionals and partner agencies.
• Provide guidance and practical support to staff when managing challenging situations.
• Work alongside the team and young people when required to support the needs of the home.

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

• A minimum of 5 years' experience as a Deputy Manager within a residential children's home.
• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or a relevant Health and Social Care qualification.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and safeguarding requirements.
• Proven experience in staff leadership, supervision and performance management.
• Experience supporting the operational management of a children's residential service.
• Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of care.
• A commitment to safeguarding and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Desirable Requirements

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Experience preparing for or supporting Ofsted inspections.
• Experience completing audits, quality assurance and service improvement plans.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Enhanced DBS registered with the Update Service.

We recognise the importance of supporting and investing in our leadership team.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary with additional sleep-in payments.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• Fully funded training and professional qualifications.
• Support towards achieving a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
• Opportunities for career progression into Registered Manager and senior leadership roles.
• Supportive and accessible senior leadership team.
• Employee mentoring programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• In-house wellbeing support.
• Company pension scheme.
• Paid annual leave.
• Sick pay.
• Free on-site parking.
• Casual dress.
• Company events.
• Golden Ticket Birthday Benefit – an additional day's leave during your birthday month.