Ofsted Deputy Service Manager

1. Job Purpose

The Deputy Service Manager supports the Registered Manager in delivering a high-quality supported living provision for young people aged 16–18, ensuring compliance with Ofsted requirements, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and local safeguarding procedures.

The role includes operational oversight, safeguarding leadership, staff supervision, quality assurance, and promoting positive outcomes through a stable, therapeutic, inclusive environment.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Leadership & Operational Management

• Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the service, ensuring a safe, nurturing and structured environment for young people aged 16–18.
• Contribute to strategic planning, development and continuous improvement of the service.
• Lead shifts and act as senior on duty as required.
• Deputise fully in the absence of the Registered Manager.

B. Regulatory & Quality Assurance

• Ensure practice aligns with Ofsted's regulatory framework, Quality Standards and statutory guidance.
• Assist with preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing recommendations.
• Conduct regular audits (care records, risk assessments, daily logs, keywork sessions, health & safety checks).
• Support the development and review of policies, procedures and operational guidance.

C. Safeguarding & Risk Management

• Act as Deputy Safeguarding Lead, ensuring concerns are responded to promptly and effectively.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture where young people feel safe, listened to and protected.
• Oversee the completion and quality of individual risk assessments and Support Structures.
• Ensure compliance with local MASH, LADO and London safeguarding partnership procedures.

D. Young People's Support & Outcomes

• Promote independence, emotional resilience, well-being and life-skills development.
• Ensure young people have personalised, outcome-focused Support Structures that reflect their individual needs, aspirations and risks.
• Monitor progress against care and pathway plans, ensuring multi-agency working to improve outcomes.
• Advocate for young people's rights, education, training, health and therapeutic needs.

E. Staff Leadership, Development & HR

• Line manage staff, including supervision, appraisal and performance improvement.
• Support staff training needs and professional development.
• Promote a positive team culture based on inclusion, consistency, trauma-informed practice and professional curiosity.
• Participate in recruitment, induction and rota planning.

F. Communication & Multi-Agency Working

• Build strong relationships with social workers, personal advisors, local authorities, health professionals, education providers and other partners.
• Attend statutory meetings, reviews, strategy discussions and professionals' meetings.
• Provide high-quality written reports and contribute to care planning processes.

G. Health & Safety and Service Compliance

• Ensure the environment is safe, clean and compliant with health & safety, fire safety and infection control requirements.
• Lead on incident reporting, debriefs and reflective practice to improve safety and learning.
• Ensure robust recording standards in line with GDPR and organisational policies.

H. Administration & Finance

• Assist in monitoring budgets, petty cash and financial systems.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and data reporting.
• Complete management reports as required by the Registered Manager.

1. Qualifications

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Willingness to work toward the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Children and Young People.
• Safeguarding Level 3.
• Full UK driving licence (or ability to travel across London as required).

Desirable

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (if already achieved).
• Training/qualifications in trauma-informed practice, behaviour support, mental health or similar.

2. Experience

Essential

• Minimum 2 years' experience working with children/young people in residential or supported living settings.
• Experience leading shifts or supervising staff.
• Experience supporting young people with complex needs, trauma, exploitation risks or behavioural/emotional difficulties.
• Experience working with local authorities, safeguarding teams and multi-agency partners.
• Strong experience writing reports, risk assessments and support documents.

Desirable

• Experience working within an Ofsted-regulated environment.
• Experience supporting transitions into adulthood (education, training, life skills, independence).

3. Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection and London multi-agency procedures.
• Knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and preparing for Ofsted inspections.
• Strong leadership, coaching and team-building skills.
• Ability to manage complex situations, incidents and emergencies calmly.
• Confident in writing professional reports, risk assessments and support plans.
• Ability to build positive, therapeutic, trusting relationships with young people.
• Good organisational, time-management and IT skills.

4. Personal Qualities

• Child-centred, empathetic and trauma-informed.
• Professional curiosity and strong safeguarding vigilance.
• Resilient, emotionally intelligent and able to lead by example.
• Non-judgmental, respectful, inclusive and reflective in practice.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and high standards of care.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
• Passionate about improving young people's life chances and independence.

5. Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, sleep-ins and on-call rota as required.
• Commitment to ongoing training, supervision and reflective practice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person