Responsible Individual – Children’s Residential Services
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £50,001.00 to £110,000.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £51,356 - £54,495 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 26 January 2026 |
| Location: | Darlington, DL1 5QT |
| Company: | Darlington Borough Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 290428 |
Summary
As the statutory Responsible Individual under the Childrenandrsquo;s Homes Regulations 2015, you will provide strategic oversight of all in-house residential provision, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and compliance. Youandrsquo;ll lead a team of Registered Managers, influence practice across services, and play a pivotal role in expanding our residential offer to meet the needs of our children and young people.
What youandrsquo;ll do
Hold statutory responsibility as the Responsible Individual for childrenandrsquo;s homes, supported lodgings, and taster flats.
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all in house residential services.
Drive continuous improvement and inspection readiness, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and regulatory frameworks.
Lead safeguarding across the residential service and champion best practice.
Manage recruitment, retention, and workforce development for Registered Managers and staff teams.
Oversee budgets and contribute to strategic planning for service growth.
Influence policy development and shape the future of residential care in Darlington.andnbsp;
What weandrsquo;re looking for
A proven leader with experience as a Responsible Individual, Registered Manager, or equivalent senior role.
In depth knowledge of Childrenandrsquo;s Homes Regulations 2015, Ofsted frameworks, and safeguarding legislation.
A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
At least five yearsandrsquo; experience in a childcare setting, including two years in management.
Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to inspire and influence.
Commitment to excellence and improving outcomes for children and young people.andnbsp;
Why join us?
Hybrid working with the requirement to travel across our Darlington-based homes.
32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)andnbsp;
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributionsandnbsp;
Flexible workingandnbsp;
Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemesandnbsp;
Staff equality forumsandnbsp;
Green Car Leasing Schemeandnbsp;
Access to a wide range of training, learning and developmentandnbsp;
Physiotherapy serviceandnbsp;
Confidential counselling serviceandnbsp;
Great wellbeing offerandnbsp;
Cycle to Work Schemeandnbsp;
Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discountsandnbsp;
Local and National retailer discountsandnbsp;
Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savingsandnbsp;
Arriva Employee Travel Clubandnbsp;
Access to professional development and leadership opportunities.
Be part of a forward-thinking council committed to innovation and improving lives.andnbsp;
The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:andnbsp;
For the full range of benefits we offer, please see our Why work for us internet page, which also includes our Total Reward Booklet and Employee Benefit Video.andnbsp;
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers-1/why-work-for-us/andnbsp;
Find out further information about us and what itandrsquo;s like to work for our great team by visiting the Jobs and Careers home page.andnbsp;
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/andnbsp;
The successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
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Ready to make a difference?
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Apply now and take the lead in shaping exceptional residential care for children and young people in Darlington.
andnbsp;
For an informal discussion, please contact:
Victoria Hamer, Service Manager 07305823211
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Closing date: 25th January 2026
Interview date: 6th February 2026
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