Position: Responsible Individual (RI) – Children’s Residential Services
Location: Gloucester
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £61,174 to £66,223 dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time
Are you an expert in children’s residential care regulations with a proven track record of senior leadership? Gloucestershire County Council is looking for a highly skilled, experienced senior leader to take on the pivotal role of Responsible Individual (RI) within Gloucestershire Children’s Services.
This is a unique opportunity to join a progressive local authority at a key stage in its transformation journey. We are making excellent progress in delivering our vision for a diverse and high-quality range of local residential homes and supported accommodation for children in care and care leavers – and we are now ready to appoint to this critical senior leadership position.
🔍 About the Role The appointed RI will:
- Fulfil the bespoke RI responsibilities under the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and associated Ofsted Quality Standards.
- Support the mobilisation, operational oversight, and direct line management of our new children’s homes and a large supported accommodation facility for care leavers – each at varying stages of Ofsted registration.
- Provide expert regulatory insight and contribute significantly to the quality assurance of externally commissioned residential placements.
- Lead, coach and influence teams to deliver outstanding care and support, ensuring full regulatory compliance across all in-scope services.
- Champion continuous improvement, best practice, and innovative approaches that deliver timely permanence and excellent outcomes for children and young people.
- Brings substantial experience in children’s residential care and a deep understanding of relevant legislation and compliance frameworks.
- Demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and hold accountability at a senior level.
- Has a track record of successfully leading high-performing, complex services, ideally including new service mobilisation.
- Understands and advocates for the rights, needs and experiences of children in care and care leavers.
- Can confidently liaise with Ofsted and key stakeholders, and work across multidisciplinary settings to drive service excellence.
- A permanent senior leadership role with real impact.
- The chance to help shape and lead flagship residential services for children and care leavers.
- A supportive, forward-thinking working environment within a council that values innovation and improvement.
- A comprehensive benefits package including:
- Local government pension scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Professional development opportunities
