Responsible Individual

About the role

Medway Council is looking for an experienced and confident Responsible Individual to oversee its in-house portfolio of children's homes, subject to Ofsted approval. The role is based primarily at Eden House, with a blended working arrangement that combines on-site presence with home working.

The postholder will report to the Head of Children's Commissioning, Placements and Residential Services, sitting as a senior manager within an experienced and high-performing management team. The role spans strategic oversight and regulatory compliance across the homes, requiring effective collaboration with a wide range of professionals across the public sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the in-house portfolio of children's homes and ensuring compliance with children's homes regulations
• Maintaining and promoting the PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) model of care across the homes
• Establishing and sustaining a positive organisational culture
• Working effectively with professionals across the public sector to support outcomes for children
• Contributing to a senior management team with a track record of good and outstanding homes

This is a permanent, full-time post working 37 hours per week. The working pattern is Monday to Friday with a blended arrangement between Eden House and home.

For an informal discussion, please contact James Harman at james.harman@medway.gov.uk. To apply, click Apply Now and submit your application via the Medway Council jobs portal before the closing date of 25 August 2026. Shortlisting will take place on 26 August 2026. Please note that Medway Council is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship; candidates must already hold the right to work in the UK.

About You

This role calls for a senior leader who combines a thorough knowledge of regulatory requirements with practical experience of achieving and sustaining high standards in children's residential settings. You will bring a track record of positive leadership and the interpersonal skills to work confidently across professional boundaries.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with good and outstanding children's homes
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of children's homes regulations
• Have a working knowledge of the PACE model of care
• Have a demonstrable history of establishing good organisational culture
• Be able to work effectively with a variety of professionals across the public sector
• Bring a positive approach to senior leadership within a high-performing team

Medway Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Children's Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Medway Council's Offer to You

Medway Council has introduced Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) for all roles, giving employees ownership of their development and a clear pathway to be rewarded as they grow. The salary offered at appointment will be at CPF level A unless assessment against the framework criteria demonstrates that level B or C is met. There is then an ongoing opportunity to progress through the levels once in post.

For full details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, including pension, annual leave, and wellbeing support, please refer to the Medway Information Pack available via the jobs portal. Medway Council is a Mindful Employer, putting good practices in place to ensure employees and applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.