Responsible Individual

Responsible Individual – Children’s Residential Home

Location: Sutton, Surrey
Rate: £200–£450 per day, depending on experience
Employer: Gray Matter Ltd

Gray Matter Ltd is developing a new 2-bed therapeutic children's residential home in Sutton, Surrey, and we are looking for an experienced Responsible Individual (RI) to provide strong governance, oversight and leadership as we progress through Ofsted registration and into operation.

This is an opportunity to work closely with the Director and Registered Manager to establish a high-quality, safe and child-centred service from the ground up.

The Role

The Responsible Individual will:

• Work closely with the Director and Registered Manager to oversee the development of the home.
• Provide effective governance, leadership and oversight of the service.
• Support the organisation through the Ofsted registration process.
• Ensure the home operates in accordance with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Monitor the quality of care provided to children and young people.
• Review safeguarding arrangements, incidents, complaints and significant events.
• Monitor the Registered Manager's performance and provide appropriate challenge and support.
• Ensure effective quality assurance and continuous improvement systems are in place.
• Review audits, monitoring reports and action plans.
• Ensure policies and procedures remain appropriate and effective.
• Support a strong safeguarding culture throughout the organisation.
• Maintain effective relationships with Ofsted, local authorities and other relevant professionals.
• Ensure the home is prepared for Ofsted inspection and regulatory scrutiny.
• Provide oversight of staffing, training, supervision and organisational development.
• Attend the home and governance meetings as required.

About You

We are looking for an experienced senior care professional with:

• Previous experience as a Responsible Individual for a children's home, or substantial senior management experience within children's residential care.
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted regulation and the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge.
• Experience of quality assurance, audits and regulatory compliance.
• Experience supporting and challenging Registered Managers.
• Experience working with Ofsted and external professionals.
• Strong understanding of children's residential care and complex needs.
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• Relevant management/leadership qualifications.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience supporting a new children's home through Ofsted registration.
• Experience with SC1/SC2 applications and Fit Person processes.
• Experience developing or reviewing Statements of Purpose and policies.
• Experience with Regulation 44/45/46 requirements.
• Therapeutic, trauma-informed or EBD children's services.

This is a senior governance role for an experienced professional who can provide genuine oversight, challenge and support while helping Gray Matter establish a high-quality children's home.

Pay: £200.00-£450.00 per day

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sutton (Greater London, Greater London Region)