Responsible Individual – Residential Children's Homes

Barnardo's is looking for an exceptional Responsible Individual to provide inspiring, values‑driven leadership across four residential children's homes, each committed to delivering therapeutic, relational care and each aspiring to be Outstanding.

This is more than a regulatory role. It is a chance to influence culture, strengthen practice, mentor Registered Managers, and ensure our homes are places where children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, fully aligned with Barnardo's vision of Changing Childhoods, Changing Lives.

Our homes are grounded in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy). Every relationship, every team decision, and every child's plan is shaped by these principles. We are looking for a leader who not only understands trauma-informed, attachment-focused practice but lives it.

What Our Children Say They Want from the People Who Lead Their Homes

“Please make sure our staff feel supported. It helps us feel safe too.” – J, age 14
“We want people who don't give up on us… even when things get hard.” – S, age 11
“Help the homes be happy places.” – L, age 9

Who wouldn't want their work to be guided by such powerful voices?

Your Role

As the Responsible Individual, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for four children's homes
• Drive quality and consistency, ensuring each home is safe, thriving, and inspection‑ready
• Embed DDP and PACE across teams, culture, and decision‑making
• Lead improvement journeys towards Outstanding
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture and regulatory compliance
• Champion the voice of the child and high‑quality relational practice
• Build collaborative working across internal and external partners
• Model reflective, compassionate, trauma‑informed leadership

What You'll Bring

• Significant leadership experience in residential childcare
• A Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in Leadership and Management
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements across residential settings
• Experience in supporting and improving multiple sites/services
• Emotional resilience, reflective capacity, and clarity of purpose
• The ability to inspire, influence, and develop others
• A passion for helping children feel safer, more hopeful, and more connected

What We Offer

• Comprehensive leadership development and access to sector‑leading training
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A values‑driven organisation where care, compassion, and curiosity are central

 Due to high application volumes, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date. We encourage early applications.

What Our Colleagues Say About Working for Barnardo's
“Barnardo's invests in us. The training, the support, the supervision… it's the best I've had.” – Registered Manager
“I love that our values aren't just words, they show up in decisions, relationships, and how we treat each other.” – Deputy Manager

As Responsible Individual, you will nurture this culture, one where colleagues feel valued, reflective, motivated, and proud of the care they provide.

Join Us

If you are a courageous, compassionate leader who wants to help children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, and if you're ready to support managers and teams to achieve Outstanding, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us continue changing childhoods and changing lives.