Responsible Individual (RI)

Responsible Individual (RI) | Shropshire| PT | £41,600 | Permanent Seymour John are working with a fantastic, well-established family-run organisation based in Shropshire who are looking to appoint an experienced Responsible Individual (RI) to bring fresh thinking, strong leadership, and renewed energy into their children’s residential provision. This is a senior governance position, offering the opportunity to make a genuine impact by providing strategic oversight, driving continuous improvement, and helping shape the future direction of a specialist residential service for children and young people with complex needs. The Role Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Responsible Individual will hold strategic and legal accountability for the children’s residential service, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and the consistent delivery of high-quality, child-centred care. You will act as a critical friend to the Registered Manager, providing professional challenge, assurance, and support, while ensuring the service remains safe, well-led, and inspection-ready at all times. Key Responsibilities * Provide visible, credible leadership promoting a strong safeguarding and quality culture * Ensure compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards * Maintain ongoing Ofsted readiness, overseeing inspections, action plans, and regulatory reporting * Hold oversight of Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 reports, audits, and quality frameworks * Provide strategic safeguarding oversight, including incident review, escalation, and learning * Analyse performance data to identify risks, trends, and improvement opportunities * Ensure children’s voices meaningfully inform service development * Support workforce development, leadership capability, and safer recruitment practices * Liaise professionally with Ofsted, commissioners, and external stakeholders About You You will be an experienced senior professional with strong regulatory knowledge and a values-led approach to leadership. Essential requirements include: * Significant experience within children’s residential care * Demonstrable experience working with children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs * Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) * In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Ofsted frameworks, and Quality Standards * Experience operating at RI, senior leadership, or governance level Personal attributes: * High integrity and professional judgement * Confident providing challenge under scrutiny * Analytical, reflective, and improvement-focused * Child-centred and values-driven The Offer * Part-time role – 2 days per week (or to be agreed) * £41,600/£400 pound per day * Senior, influential role with real autonomy * Opportunity to genuinely shape and improve a well-regarded service Safeguarding is at the heart of this organisation, and the successful candidate will share a strong commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and young people