Registered Manager - Family Residential

We are seeking a highly experienced Registered Manager to over see the development and running of a new Residential Family Centre based in the Southend on Sea area. City Family CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policy and procedure to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.

1. Role The Registered Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for a new Ofsted-regulated Residential Family Centre, ensuring safe, high-quality, trauma-informed assessment and support for families subject to care proceedings. The postholder will lead the service through pre-registration, mobilisation, and inspection, and will be accountable for compliance with the Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards, Children Act 1989, and associated guidance.

In addition, the role will oversee City Family’s community-based parenting assessment offer and supervised contact provision, ensuring clear governance, consistency of practice, and proportionate pathways between residential and non-residential services. 2.

Key Responsibilities 2.1 Pre-Opening Development & Registration Lead the preparation and submission of all documentation required for Ofsted registration, including Statement of Purpose, policies, staffing model, and quality assurance systems. Play a central role in property readiness, environmental risk assessments, and mobilisation planning. Develop staffing structures, rotas, induction and supervision frameworks aligned with regulatory expectations. Support recruitment and onboarding of residential and community-based staff.

Work closely with the Responsible Individual to ensure the service is inspection-ready from day one. 2.2 Residential Family Centre Operations Provide day-to-day leadership of the Residential Family Centre, ensuring safe, dignified, and child-centred delivery of time-limited residential parenting assessments. Maintain oversight of safeguarding, risk management, staffing levels, and continuity of care. Ensure assessments are robust, evidence-based, proportionate, and meet court requirements.

Promote a trauma-informed, relational approach that supports both child safety and parental capacity. Implement effective quality assurance, audit, and service improvement processes. 2.3 Community-Based Parenting Assessment & Supervised Contact
* Lead the operational delivery of community-based parenting assessments, including step-down work following residential placements. Oversee the development and safe operation of City Family’s Supervised Contact Service, ensuring:
Clear safeguarding procedures Court-compliant recording and reporting Consistent staff supervision and training Ensure strong governance arrangements that distinguish between residential and non-residential services while maintaining integrated pathways. Manage referrals, thresholds, and matching to ensure appropriate use of each service model. 2.4 Regulatory Compliance & Governance Ensure ongoing compliance with:
Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards Children Act 1989 Working Together to Safeguard Children Act as Registered Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Lead Ofsted inspections and implement any required actions or recommendations. Maintain accurate records, policies, and reporting systems suitable for inspection and court scrutiny. 2.5 Strategic Leadership & Partnership Working Build strong working relationships with local authority commissioners, social care teams, Cafcass, courts, and health partners.

Represent City Family CIC within local safeguarding partnerships and relevant professional networks. Contribute to organisational learning, service development, and future replication of the model. Promote a culture of reflective practice, learning, and continuous improvement.
3. Person Specification Essential Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent). At least 2 years’ experience managing residential or intensive family support services. Strong working knowledge of:
Care proceedings and parenting assessments Safeguarding and risk management Ofsted regulatory frameworks Experience leading teams and managing complex services. Commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based practice. Project management experience Clean Driving license and full access to a road worthy vehicle Desirable Social Work qualification and registration (desirable). Experience in:
Residential Family Centres or parenting assessment services (PAMS or Parent Assess preferred);
Supervised contact services ;and/or Service development or pre-opening roles Background in social work, psychology, early years, health or family support. Skills & Attributes Values-led, compassionate leadership style. Confident decision-maker able to manage risk and complexity. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong…