Responsible Individual

Overley Hall Ltd is a specialist provider of education and residential care for children and young people with complex needs, including autism, learning disabilities, and associated conditions.

We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and child-centred care, underpinned by strong governance, clear values, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Wellingtonia Children’s Home forms a key part of our provision, and we are now seeking an experienced and credible Responsible Individual (RI) to provide strategic oversight and assurance.

The Role

This is a senior governance and accountability role, acting on behalf of the registered provider to ensure the home operates in full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will provide independent oversight, support, and challenge to ensure the service is safe, effective, and well-led.

In simple terms: you carry the legal and regulatory accountability for the home.

The successful candidate will be formally nominated to Ofsted as Responsible Individual and must meet suitability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight

• Ensure the home operates in line with its Statement of Purpose
• Monitor performance, safeguarding, staffing, and outcomes for children
• Provide effective support and professional challenge to the Registered Manager
• Ensure the service is stable, sustainable, and delivering high-quality care

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Scrutinise Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 reports
• Oversee improvement plans following inspection or audit activity
• Ensure timely and appropriate Ofsted notifications

Safeguarding & Risk

• Maintain strong oversight of safeguarding systems and practice
• Monitor serious incidents, complaints, and safeguarding concerns
• Ensure appropriate response, escalation, and organisational learning
• Promote a culture where safeguarding is proactive and embedded

Quality & Governance

• Review audits, reports, and performance data to identify trends and risks
• Evaluate quality of care and outcomes for children
• Drive continuous improvement and accountability
• Provide clear assurance reporting to the Managing Director

External Relationships

• Act as a key point of contact for Ofsted
• Liaise with placing authorities and partner agencies
• Represent Overley Hall Ltd with professionalism and credibility

About You

You will be an experienced senior professional with the confidence and capability to operate at a strategic level.

Non-Negotiable

• Demonstrable experience of working with children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs within regulated settings

Essential

• Significant experience within children’s residential care
• Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted frameworks
• Experience as a Responsible individual
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and risk management capability
• Ability to analyse performance, identify risk, and drive improvement
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare

Our Safeguarding Commitment

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Overley Hall Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and professionals to share this commitment.

We create environments where children feel safe, are listened to, and are supported to achieve positive outcomes. We are vigilant in identifying risk, robust in our response, and committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes in line with statutory guidance.

What We Offer

• Competitive rate of £400 per day
• Flexible working (2 days per week)
• A senior, strategic role with direct influence on service quality
• Opportunity to work within a values-led, established organisation