Head of Welfare

Company: Orange Cat Recruitment
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Head of Welfare & Community Older Persons Services | Adult Social Care | Resident Wellbeing

Richmond, South West London £Competitive

An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join a long established and highly respected charitable organisation supporting older people within beautiful almshouse communities across Richmond.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Head of Welfare & Community will lead the resident welfare and community function across multiple almshouse estates, ensuring residents are supported to live independently within a safe, inclusive and community-focused environment.

Managing a team of 7 Scheme Managers, this is a varied and hands-on leadership role combining safeguarding, resident wellbeing, operational management, community engagement and support for older residents.

This is a newly created role and would suit an experienced people manager with a strong background within adult social care, older persons services, community support or welfare environments.

Potentially relevant backgrounds may include:

  • Older Persons Services
  • Adult Social Care
  • Community or Welfare Services
  • Supported Living
  • Care Operations or Service Management
  • Retirement Living
  • Resident Wellbeing Services
  • Sheltered or Supported Environments

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading, supporting and developing a team of 7 Scheme Managers across multiple sites
  • Managing staff rotas, operational cover and day-to-day welfare support services
  • Acting as a senior point of contact for safeguarding concerns and complex resident situations
  • Supporting residents to maintain independence, wellbeing and quality of life
  • Working closely with Social Services, healthcare professionals and external agencies
  • Supporting resident meetings, mediation and sensitive conversations where required
  • Overseeing resident applications, assessments, interviews and onboarding processes
  • Managing the resident journey from application through to departure
  • Promoting social activities, resident engagement and community participation
  • Overseeing resident communications, newsletters and community events
  • Supporting the review and development of welfare, safeguarding and resident policies
  • Assisting with grant funding administration and liaison with local organisations

About You

  • Significant experience within adult social care, older persons services, welfare or community support environments
  • Previous experience managing and developing staff teams is essential
  • Strong understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults
  • Good working knowledge of the adult social care and benefits system
  • Experience handling sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
  • Calm, practical and highly organised approach
  • Strong administrative and operational management skills
  • Passionate about supporting older people to live independent and fulfilling lives
  • Car driver/owner

This is a unique opportunity to join a values led organisation where you can genuinely make a lasting difference to the lives of older residents within a close-knit and supportive community

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Posted: May 29th, 2026