Registered Manager – Head of Service for Secure Children’s Home

About the role

Peterborough City Council is looking for an experienced Registered Manager to lead Clare Lodge Secure Children’s Home. This senior leadership position combines strategic direction with day‑to‑day operational oversight to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment for vulnerable children and young people.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Clare Lodge.
• Ensure delivery of high‑quality, safe care and positive outcomes for children.
• Lead Ofsted readiness, inspections and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee care, safeguarding, education, health provision and staffing.
• Manage budgets, financial performance and resource allocation.
• Develop and support a large multi‑disciplinary team.
• Drive service improvement, innovation and best practice in secure residential care.
• Incorporate children’s lived experience into service development.
• Maintain strong partnerships with local and national stakeholders.
• Represent Clare Lodge at local and national forums.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in children’s residential care, preferably in a secure setting.
• Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead large, complex teams and services.
• Experience managing budgets, performance and service delivery.
• Track record of driving quality improvement and successful inspection outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership working skills.
• Commitment to child‑centred, therapeutic practice.

Required skills

• Knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
• Understanding of Ofsted inspection criteria.
• Budget and financial management competence.

What we offer

• Leadership of a high‑profile secure children’s home.
• Opportunity to make a real impact on vulnerable young people.
• Competitive day rate of £400 (umbrella) with senior‑level responsibility.
• Supportive, forward‑thinking local authority environment.