Compliance and Regulations Assistant Home Manager - Stable Loving Homes

Be the Difference. Lead the Change.

Reading Borough Council is launching three new children’s homes in early 2026, designed to provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic environments for children and young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. We are looking to recruit a Compliance and Regulation Assistant Home Manager and help shape the future of residential care in Reading.

Our New Homes:

Home 1- A bespoke 2-bed home offering full-time care to children with complex social emotional and mental health needs

Home 2- A 4-bed longer-term stable loving home for children and young people

Home 3- A 4-bed assessment home supporting short-term placements and transitions to stepping down to foster care or safely returning home, working closely with our excellent edge of care service.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

As Compliance and Regulation Assistant Home Manager, you will:

• Lead on quality assurance, standards development, and regulatory compliance across Reading’s residential children’s homes.

• Conduct internal inspections and produce bi-annual reports with action plans to improve service delivery.

• Support Ofsted readiness through robust frameworks, policy reviews, and performance monitoring.

• Oversee Regulation 44 provider contracts and advocacy services for registered homes.

• Assist in the setup and registration of new homes, including documentation and staff induction.

• Provide informal support and guidance to Registered Managers to maintain high standards.

• Lead on business continuity planning and facilities management oversight.

• Develop and deliver workforce development initiatives, including training and induction programmes.

• Represent the service at contract meetings and contribute to data analysis and feedback.

• Undertake internal investigations and maintain oversight of safeguarding and health & safety trends.

• Deputise for the Registered Home Manager and take on delegated responsibilities as required.

What we’re looking for:

• Level 4 Diploma in childcare or equivalent (Level 5 in Leadership & Management desirable).

• Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

• Experience managing residential children’s homes and leading quality assurance initiatives.

• Skilled in producing analytical reports and using KPIs to evidence outcomes.

• Confident in policy development, Ofsted preparation, and compliance monitoring.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to manage budgets, facilities, and contracts effectively.

• Strong IT skills and ability to work across multi-agency partnerships.

• Resilient, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to drive home vehicles.

Why join us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking, child-focused organisation committed to excellence.

• Lead on quality and compliance in a dynamic and supportive environment.

• Opportunities for career progression and leadership development.

• Access to high-quality training and reflective practice.

• Supportive management and supervision structure.

• Competitive salary and sleep-in/waking night enhancements.

• Commitment to staff wellbeing and work-life balance.

• Inclusive, values-driven culture.

• Opportunities to shape new homes and influence service development.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading

Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively

Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential 

Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave

• A wide range of flexible working opportunities

• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted

• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Claire.Lewis@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Process: To be confirmed