Registered Manager (Head of Home)

About the role

This is a permanent, full-time Registered Manager (Head of Home) post within Buckinghamshire Council's Children's Care Services, with positions available across the county including High Wycombe and Aylesbury. As Head of Home, you will hold overall responsibility for the leadership, management, and regulatory compliance of a children's residential home, ensuring the home meets Children's Homes Regulations, Ofsted requirements, and its Statement of Purpose.

Working as part of the Care Services Management Team, you will work closely and collaboratively with the Head of Service and other Team Managers to deliver a high-quality service. The role encompasses the full breadth of home management: from shaping the culture and practice of your team to overseeing budgets, maintaining accurate management information, and safeguarding the welfare of the children in your care. You will represent the service at external events and contribute to policy and practice development across the wider service area.

The role requires flexibility to work unsocial hours from time to time, including occasional evening commitments and attendance at events outside standard working hours. Travel across the county is a regular requirement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, supervising, and developing staff to achieve outstanding outcomes, including carrying out timely appraisals and addressing developmental needs.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the home and ensuring the highest quality of care in line with the home's Statement of Purpose.
• Overseeing budget management, monitoring spend, and providing accurate end-of-year forecasts to the Head of Service.
• Working collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, and Child Protection colleagues to promote positive outcomes and safeguard children at risk.
• Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including auditing case files and maintaining management information systems to the required standards.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura Armstrong at Laura.Armstrong@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or Krishane Madhavan at Krishane.Madhavan@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 16 August 2026. Buckinghamshire Council reserves the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

About You

Buckinghamshire Council is looking for an experienced residential care leader who brings both professional credibility and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. You will be comfortable operating at a senior level while remaining closely connected to the day-to-day life of your home and team.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 5 Children's Residential Management qualification and have at least two years of residential management experience.
• Hold a DipSW or equivalent professional qualification, with evidence of relevant post-qualification and management training.
• Have at least four years of post-qualification experience, including experience of contributing to policy and practice development within children and family services.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of current legislation, regulations, and best practice in children's residential care, including Children's Homes Regulations and Ofsted requirements.
• Have proven experience of supervising and performance managing staff, including conducting appraisals, addressing capability concerns, and supporting professional development.
• Be able to manage budgets effectively, monitor financial performance, and produce accurate forecasts.
• Communicate confidently across a range of audiences, with the ability to chair meetings, write concise reports, and present using a variety of media.
• Demonstrate approachability, resilience, and a can-do attitude, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Be willing to work unsocial hours as required and to travel to diverse locations across the county, with access to a vehicle and a full driving licence as essential requirements.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to equality of opportunity and building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds, and the council actively works to ensure all colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list. It is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all unspent convictions and conditional cautions, and all spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023). Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk.

Buckinghamshire Council's Offer to You

Buckinghamshire Council's Children's Residential service is an area of genuine ambition and investment. The council's biggest strength comes from its people, and significant effort goes into making this an accessible, inclusive organisation where staff can develop and progress. Flexible and agile working arrangements are actively encouraged, and a wide range of staff networks operate under the oversight of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group. The council proudly holds Disability Confident employer status.

In addition to a competitive salary, the offer to new starters includes:

• A Golden Hello payment of £2,125 after one year's service.
• A relocation package of up to £8,000 for candidates moving to Buckinghamshire.
• Auto-enrolment onto a generous pension scheme.
• Discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva, and access to Costco membership.
• An Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders, and mindfulness workshops.
• Discounts across cafés, restaurants, and shops, and more.