If you harbour a deep passion for residential care, prioritise children’s welfare, and bring the skills to lead, inspire, and develop your team’s potential, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Bring

Knowledge and Commitment

You must demonstrate:

• In-depth expertise in the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, including your statutory responsibilities as Registered Manager.
• Proven understanding of SCIFF (Safeguarding Checklist for Inspections) and experience leading homes through Ofsted inspections.
• Insight into relevant legislation, including the Children Act, Care Act, Liberty Safeguards, and associated guidance.
• Best-practice awareness of research and policy affecting looked-after children and their families.
• A strong background in child protection, including awareness of safeguarding thresholds and practice standards.
• Experience working with high-risk young people presenting complex safeguarding needs, challenging behaviours, and risk-taking.

Experience and Leadership

Your resume should highlight:

• Direct experience working with children/young people within a residential care setting.
• Effective relationship-building skills with young people and their families to create safe, loving environments.
• Leadership or management experience, with a proven track record of:
  • Delivering service improvements aligned with child-centred and trauma-informed values.
  • Embedding culture and systems that ensure stability and high-quality care.
  • Leading complex needs and addressing risk management while promoting placement stability.
• Adherence to regulatory standards, quality assurance, and compliance reporting.
• Delivering reflective supervision and appraisal processes to develop team members.
• Collaborating within multi-agency safeguarding partnerships and care teams.
• Strong financial management to ensure responsible resource allocation.

Qualifications

You must hold:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management of Residential Childcare (or completion within 18 months).
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare.
• Up-to-date safeguarding training and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Other Requirements

• All residential care staff will be at least four years older than the children residing in the home.
• Clearance: Successful applicants must apply for an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.

What’s In It For You

Compensatory Benefits

We offer a holistic and supportive approach to staff well-being, with:

• Competitive Salary: Fixed within the stated range, with remuneration reflecting your skill and experience.
• Pension Scheme: A top-tier Local Government Pension—strong financial safeguards for your future.
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after five years of service (2 fixed-council days annually). Optional bonus: Purchasing up to 10 additional days.
• Career Growth: Extensive education and development opportunities.
• Support for Health and Wellbeing:
  • Discounted gym memberships via GLL partnerships.
  • Access to psychological, mental health resources.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient cycling, saving you money while staying active.
• Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Scheme: Cost-effective, green vehicles available after six months of tenure.

Extra Employee Perks

Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy:

• Exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, and more.
• Salary sacrifice options for electronics, appliances, and essentials, helping you spread costs.

Our Commitment to Equality & Diversity

We are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where all employees feel:

• Belonging
• ** respected** and
• empowered to excel

Our community reflects a diverse spectrum, and we aim to ensure behaviour, benefits, and values foster inclusivity and equality for all. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, religious beliefs, racial origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and any protected characteristics marked by the Equality Act 2010.

How to Apply

Apply online [here], providing:

• Concise personal details
• Detailed professional history
• Highlight of your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications, paying close attention to the expectations outlined for this role.

For any queries, contact our recruitment team: recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note:

We are a Disability Confident employer and ensure first consideration for applicants who meet the criteria and self-identify as disabled; however, high-volume recruitment scenarios may prioritize those judged most suitable.

The Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust screening criteria to facilitate efficient and equitable job processing – early applications are encouraged!