Job summary
We are offering a rare and rewarding opportunity to step into a leadership role within our brand-new, not-for-profit Children's Residential Homes in East Dorset. This is a needs-led service specifically supporting children with complex needs designed to create a nurturing, safe, and empowering environment for every young person in our care.

We are now seeking a compassionate, experienced, and motivated Deputy Manager to join us from the beginning helping shape the culture, build the team, and establish high standards from day one. This role will be working across 2 homes in Wimborne and Three Legged Cross in Dorset.

Why Join Us? At Agincare, we are a family-run organisation that puts people first both the children we care for and the staff who support them. We are proud of our values, our commitment to excellence, and our close-knit, supportive work culture.

Your Role as Deputy Manager
Reporting to the Registered Manager, you will play a key leadership role in the daily operations of the home.

Main duties of the job
Reporting to the Registered Manager, you will play a key leadership role in the daily operations of the home. You will support and supervise a team of Senior and Support Workers, deliver and maintain high standards of care, safeguard the children, and support regulatory compliance. You will promote a therapeutic approach to behavior and development. Your responsibilities will include taking full responsibility for the home in the absence of the Registered Manager, building strong working relationships with families, professionals, and external agencies, and helping create a warm, stable, and structured environment for every child. You will also undertake on-call duties to support the home.

About us
We are Agincare, a family-run business caring and supporting people since 1986. With over 4,000 team members and more than 100 care locations across England, we are one of the UK's largest and most trusted care providers. Our services include children's homes, adult and nursing homes, supported living, extra care, home care, and live-in support. We are proud signatories of the Care Leaver Covenant and actively support care leavers to live independently. We believe in building teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Equal opportunities are at the heart of everything we do.

Details
Date posted: 10 November 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: Depending on experience. Salary expectations will be discussed at interview stage.
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 1573535226
Job locations: Agincare Children's Services, Wimborne, BH21 6RQ, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Package Description: We are offering a rare and rewarding opportunity to step into a leadership role within our brand-new, not-for-profit Children's Residential Homes in East Dorset. This is a needs-led service specifically supporting children with complex needs designed to create a nurturing, safe, and empowering environment for every young person in our care.

We are now seeking a compassionate, experienced, and motivated Deputy Manager to join us from the beginning helping shape the culture, build the team, and establish high standards from day one. This role will be working across 2 homes in Wimborne and Three Legged Cross in Dorset.

Why Join Us? At Agincare, we are a family-run organisation that puts people first both the children we care for and the staff who support them. We are proud of our values, our commitment to excellence, and our close-knit, supportive work culture.

Your Role as Deputy Manager
Reporting to the Registered Manager, you will play a key leadership role in the daily operations of the home. You will:

• Support and supervise a team of Senior and Support Workers
• Deliver and maintain high standards of care, safeguarding, and support
• Lead on care planning, risk management, and regulatory compliance
• Promote a child-centred, therapeutic approach to behaviour and development
• Take full responsibility for the home in the absence of the Registered Manager
• Build strong working relationships with families, professionals, and external agencies
• Help create a warm, stable, and structured environment that enables every child to thrive
• Undertake on call duties to support the home.

About You: You will be a confident and resilient leader with a passion for making a difference in children's lives. You will also have:

• Experience working in a children's residential or specialist care setting
• A strong understanding of Ofsted regulations and relevant legislation
• Knowledge of Health & Social Care standards for Children and Young People
• NVQ Level 3 (or higher) in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People)
• Experience supporting children with complex emotional, behavioural, and learning needs
• The ability to lead, support and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care
• A full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle

What you will receive:

• NEST pension scheme
• Refer-a-friend bonus up to £1,000*
• Blue Light Discount package
• Early On Demand Pay
• Career development pathways and training so you could be our next Registered Manager
• Staff recognition and appreciation schemes

About Agincare We are a family-run business that has been caring and supporting people since 1986. With over 4,000 team members and more than 100 care locations across England, we are one of the UK's largest and most trusted care providers. Our services include children's homes, adult care & nursing homes, supported living, extra care, home care, and live-in support.

We are proud signatories of the Care Leaver Covenant and actively support care leavers to live independently. Care leavers are encouraged to apply and will be offered a guaranteed interview or informal conversation about opportunities at Agincare.

All of our adult services are regulated by our children's homes by Ofsted. Please note: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings (including those regarded as spent) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. This role is also subject to enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive vetting procedures in line with safer recruitment standards. We believe in building teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Equal opportunities are at the heart of everything we do.

If you are ready to help build something truly meaningful and lead with compassion, commitment, and care we would love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of something special.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential: Experience working in a children's residential or specialist care setting; A strong understanding of Ofsted regulations and relevant legislation; Knowledge of Health & Social Care standards for Children and Young People; NVQ Level 3 (or higher) in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People); Experience supporting children with complex emotional, behavioural, and learning needs; The ability to lead, support and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care; A full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: Agincare
Address: Agincare Children's Services, Wimborne, BH21 6RQ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.agincare.com/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Recruitment Team, Agincare Children's Services, Recruitment@agincare.com

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