Job Description

About the Role

Peterborough City Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Registered Manager / Head of Service to lead Clare Lodge Secure Children's Home.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of a secure, therapeutic environment for children and young people. You will ensure the provision of high-quality, safe, and nurturing care, while maintaining full compliance with Ofsted standards and the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

Registered Manager (Head of Service) - Clare Lodge Secure Children's Home

Location: Peterborough City Council
Rate: 400 per day (Umbrella)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Arrangement: Fully office-based

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Clare Lodge
• Ensure delivery of safe, high-quality care and positive outcomes for children
• Lead on Ofsted readiness, inspections, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee all aspects of service performance including:
• Care and safeguarding
• Education and health provision
• Staffing and workforce development
• Budget and financial management
• Lead and manage a large multi-disciplinary team
• Drive service improvement, innovation, and best practice in secure residential care
• Ensure the voice and lived experience of children informs service development
• Maintain strong partnerships with local and national stakeholders, including government bodies
• Act as a key representative for Clare Lodge at both local and national level

About You

We are looking for a highly experienced leader who can demonstrate:

• Extensive experience within Children's Residential Care, ideally within a secure setting
• Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted frameworks
• Proven ability to lead large, complex teams and services
• Experience managing budgets, performance, and service delivery
• A track record of driving quality improvement and positive inspection outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership working skills
• A clear commitment to child-centred, therapeutic practice

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to lead a high-profile secure children's home
• Make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable young people
• Work within a forward-thinking local authority
• Competitive day rate and leadership-level responsibility

If you are an experienced Registered Manager or senior leader within children's residential care looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.