Durham County Council
Service Manager Children's Homes Service
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Service Manager Children's Homes Service
Service Manager, Children’s Homes Service
Salary & Benefits
- Salaries:
- Base pay: £56,554 – £60,680
- Recruitment/retention allowance: £2,500 (temporary)
- Potential earnings up to: £63,180 (at top of the grade)
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About the Role
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people?
| Focussed Area | Your Impact |
|---|---|
| Care & Growth | Lead with integrity and inspire excellence. |
| Systems & Innovation | Drive innovation across Children’s Homes, ensuring nurture, stability, and opportunity. |
| Compliance & Best Practice | Shape a future where every child in care receives exceptional support and adheres to Ofsted standards. |
You’ll be the pivotal force behind a care service grounded in hope, growth, and transformation.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership to Registered Managers to foster outstanding care delivery.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, surpassing regulatory frameworks and Ofsted standards.
- Lead robust audits and drive impactful projects that push boundaries in children’s residential care.
- Collaborate across systems to architect a better future for children in care.
- Work closely with the Strategic Manager, ensuring homes act as beacons of best practice while maintaining compliance.
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Requirements
- Deep expertise in children’s residential care and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Ofsted).
- Experience in quality assurance, service improvement, and change management:
- Proven track record in these areas.
- Escalation eligibility: Equality to be registered in the UK as the Responsible Individual under Children Act 1989.
- Educational requirement:
- Level 5 (or higher) qualification in Leadership and Management, or equivalent.
- Registered Manager experience:
- Must have held the Registered Manager role or Responsible Individual status with Ofsted registration for the last 2 years.
- Leadership qualities:
- Able to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage.
This role extends beyond employment – it’s a commitment to making a profound difference.
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Safeguarding Commitment
- Upon acceptance, you will be required to undergo:
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Check, including:
- Checks against the Children’s Barred List (due to regulated activity).
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Check, including:
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 exception applies:
- DBS disclosure will include spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings, adhering to current legislation.
- This role prioritises vulnerable children and young people’s protection.
Our Values
Guided by Durham values: Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset. These values shape everything we offer our young people and teams.
Benefits & Development
- Training & Development:
- Comprehensive programme to support and advance your role.
- Rewards & Benefits:
- Access to a diverse rewards framework. Explore offer
- Additional Support:
- Pension schemes, wellness packages, flexible working arrangements, and more (full offer available upon enquiry).
Next Steps
To apply, submit your CV to ChildrensHomesJobs@durham.gov.uk. We look forward to leaving your mark with Durham County Council.
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