Managing Director - Ofsted
8 hours ago
Birmingham
The Managing Director & Ofsted Responsible Individual holds overall strategic, operational and regulatory responsibility for Ofsted-registered services. They are accountable to the Board for: • The quality, safety and outcomes of care/education provided, • Compliance with all relevant legislation and Ofsted regulations, • Strong, values-led leadership of Registered Managers and senior staff, • Sustainable growth and financial performance of the service This role combines commercial leadership with regulatory and safeguarding accountability. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership & Direction • Develop and deliver the organisation’s vision, strategy and business plan for Ofsted-registered services., • Lead on service development, growth and improvement while maintaining compliance and quality., • Ensure all services are aligned with the organisation’s values, ethos and therapeutic/educational model., • Report regularly to the Board on performance, risk, quality, safeguarding and regulatory matters. 2. Ofsted “Responsible Individual” Duties • Fulfil all statutory duties of the Responsible Individual under relevant Ofsted regulations and guidance., • Provide effective oversight of each Ofsted-registered service, including regular visits, reviews and challenge., • Ensure each home/service has a suitably qualified, experienced and effective Registered Manager in place., • Review and sign off Regulation 45/46 reports (or equivalent) and ensure timely, robust action plans., • Lead on responding to Ofsted inspections, requirements, compliance actions and enforcement activity., • Maintain a constructive professional relationship with Ofsted, local authorities, commissioners and other regulators. 3. Quality, Safeguarding & Compliance • Take overall accountability for safeguarding and protection of children/young people within the services, ensuring policies and practice are robust and consistently followed., • Ensure services meet or exceed the relevant Quality Standards, Children’s Homes Regulations, KCSIE and all other statutory guidance (adapt if education/fostering/etc)., • Oversee implementation of effective quality assurance systems, audits and monitoring frameworks., • Ensure learning from incidents, complaints, feedback and audits is embedded into practice., • Chair or oversee safeguarding, risk and quality governance forums as required. 4. Leadership of Registered Managers & Senior Team • Line-manage and develop Registered Managers / Heads of Service, providing clear direction, support and accountability., • Model strong, ethical leadership and a culture of high expectations and psychological safety., • Ensure managers are trained, supported and supervised to deliver high-quality, compliant services., • Lead regular management meetings focused on performance, quality, risk, staffing and culture. 5. People, Culture & Workforce • Oversee workforce planning to ensure services are safely staffed with skilled, values-driven people., • Work closely with HR/People teams on recruitment, retention, induction, development and performance management., • Champion a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice and learning., • Ensure staff have access to appropriate training, supervision and wellbeing support. 6. Financial & Commercial Management • Take P&L responsibility for Ofsted-regulated services, ensuring financial sustainability and value for money., • Set and monitor budgets, ensuring resources are used effectively and ethically., • Contribute to fee negotiations and commissioning discussions with local authorities and partners., • Identify opportunities for growth, service development and new registrations, subject to safe capacity. 7. Stakeholder & External Relationships • Build and maintain strong relationships with Ofsted, local authorities, commissioners, schools, health partners and other stakeholders., • Represent the organisation professionally at external meetings, panels and inspections., • Promote the organisation’s reputation for safe, high-quality care and positive outcomes., • Ensure effective communication with families, advocates and other professionals around each child/young person. 8. Governance, Risk & Reporting • Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and best practice., • Ensure robust risk management and escalation processes are in place., • Provide clear, honest and regular reports to the Board on performance, risk, incidents, safeguarding and inspection outcomes., • Ensure all mandatory notifications are submitted accurately and on time. Person Specification Essential Experience • Significant senior leadership experience in Ofsted-regulated children’s services (e.g. children’s homes, residential special schools, fostering, education)., • Direct experience of working with Ofsted inspections, compliance actions and improvement plans., • Proven track record of leading teams, improving services and achieving good/outstanding inspection outcomes., • Experience of managing budgets, financial performance and commercial decision-making. Essential Knowledge & Skills • In-depth knowledge of:, • Children’s Homes (England) Regulations and Quality Standards / relevant regulatory framework, • Ofsted inspection framework and Responsible Individual expectations, • Safeguarding, child protection and safer recruitment, • Strong strategic thinking and decision-making ability., • Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills., • Confident communicator – written and verbal – with professional presence at Board and regulator level., • Able to balance quality, safety, regulatory compliance and commercial realities without compromising children’s welfare. Qualifications (adapt to your setting) • Relevant Level 5+ qualification in Leadership & Management, Social Care, Education or equivalent., • Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding, leadership and regulatory practice., • Enhanced DBS check (and update service where applicable). Personal Attributes • Uncompromising commitment to the safety, rights and wellbeing of children and young people., • Calm, credible and decisive under pressure, especially during inspections, crises or serious incidents., • High integrity; willing to challenge poor practice at any level, including Board., • Values-driven leader who walks the talk, not just writes policies., • Resilient, reflective and open to feedback and learning.