Head of Responsible Individual &… at Delphi Care… · Preston

Head of Responsible Individual & Consultancy Services

Location: Home Based with National Travel Contract: Full Time Salary: Competitive + Performance Incentives

Lead. Influence. Grow.

Delphi Care Solutions is looking for an experienced and respected children's residential care leader to head up our expanding Responsible Individual & Consultancy Services Division.

This is not a traditional Responsible Individual role.

This is an opportunity to become the driving force behind a growing national service, supporting children's homes, providers and senior leaders to achieve regulatory excellence, strengthen quality, navigate Ofsted requirements and deliver exceptional outcomes for children and young people.

As Head of Responsible Individual & Consultancy Services, you will act as the Responsible Individual across a portfolio of services whilst also leading consultancy projects, supporting organisational improvement, building strategic partnerships and helping shape the future growth of Delphi's regulatory and quality offering.

If you're an experienced RI, Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Head of Service or Director who enjoys improving services, mentoring leaders and influencing positive change, we'd love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

You will provide strategic oversight, support and challenge to children's homes across the country, ensuring services remain safe, compliant and focused on achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.

Alongside your Responsible Individual duties, you will play a pivotal role in developing Delphi's consultancy services, becoming a trusted adviser to providers, investors and organisations across the sector.

This role offers the freedom and autonomy to make a genuine impact while working alongside a growing and ambitious consultancy with an excellent reputation within children's services.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible Individual Leadership

• Act as the named Responsible Individual for an allocated portfolio of Ofsted-registered children's homes.
• Provide effective governance, oversight and accountability across services.
• Promote excellence in safeguarding, care planning, leadership and operational delivery.
• Support and challenge Registered Managers to achieve high-performing and compliant services.
• Monitor quality assurance systems and regulatory performance.
• Review and evaluate Regulation 44 Reports, Regulation 45 Reviews, safeguarding matters, complaints, incidents and investigations.
• Ensure compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Lead services through Ofsted inspections, registration processes and improvement initiatives.
• Build constructive and positive relationships with Ofsted and external stakeholders.

Consultancy & Service Development

• Lead the development and growth of Delphi's Responsible Individual and consultancy services.
• Deliver consultancy support to providers requiring operational, regulatory and quality improvement assistance.
• Support organisations through periods of growth, change, registration and service development.
• Identify new opportunities within the children's residential care sector.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Support business development activity, tenders, proposals and strategic partnerships.
• Represent Delphi as a recognised sector expert and ambassador.

Quality Improvement

• Undertake service audits and quality reviews.
• Develop robust improvement plans and support their implementation.
• Coach and mentor senior leaders and Registered Managers.
• Identify risks, trends and opportunities across services.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

About You

You will be a confident and credible leader with significant experience within children's residential care and a proven ability to improve services and support high-performing teams.

Essential

• Previous experience as a Responsible Individual.
• Extensive leadership experience within children's residential care.
• Experience as a Registered Manager, Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Head of Service, Responsible Individual or Director.
• Excellent understanding of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding and inspection frameworks.
• Strong experience of compliance, governance and quality assurance.
• Demonstrable track record of service improvement.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to provide both support and professional challenge.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.

Desirable

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
• Multi-site operational leadership experience.
• Experience opening and registering children's homes.
• Consultancy experience.
• Business development or commercial experience.
• Experience supporting services from Inadequate or Requires Improvement to Good or Outstanding.

What You'll Get

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Flexible home-based working
• Nationwide leadership role
• BrightHR
• Bright Exchange
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing professional development
• Opportunity to shape and grow a specialist division
• Genuine autonomy and influence within a growing organisation

Why Delphi?

At Delphi Care Solutions, we work alongside providers rather than simply advising from the sidelines.

Our consultants are respected sector professionals who bring real operational experience, practical support and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

As our Head of Responsible Individual & Consultancy Services, you won't just be maintaining standards. You'll be helping organisations raise them.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing service, influence quality across multiple providers, build lasting client relationships and play a key role in the next stage of Delphi's growth.

If you're an experienced Responsible Individual looking for a role where your expertise, leadership and influence can make a genuine impact across the sector, we want to hear from you.

Apply now by submitting your CV and supporting statement outlining your Responsible Individual experience and achievements.

Delphi Care Solutions is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks.