Skip to main content
Posted 22 July, 2026

Head of Care

North Lakes Children
Carlisle, ENG, United Kingdom Full Time
Reference: 52cef3f3-d1c5-4079-88be-c7d3df44c40b

Join Us as the Head of Care!

Company: North Lakes Children's Services
Location: Carlisle
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: ยฃ50,000 - ยฃ60,000 (dependent on experience)
Specific Hours: 40 hours per week
Responsible To: Operations Directors and Responsible Individuals

Who Are We?

At North Lakes Children's Services, we are passionate about providing therapeutic residential care and education for boys aged 6-18. Our mission is to enhance the resilience, self-esteem, and life outcomes of the young people we support. We are on the lookout for an experienced Head of Care to lead our dedicated team and oversee all our services.

Why Join Us?

We believe in taking care of our team just as much as we take care of our children. Hereโ€™s what you can look forward to:

  • ๐ŸŒด 30 days annual leave to recharge and refresh
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ A company pension scheme for your future
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Employee Discount Scheme with a variety of retail discounts
  • ๐Ÿ’š Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Enhanced pay for Christmas Day and New Year's Day
  • โณ Opportunities for overtime
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Clear career progression pathways
  • ๐Ÿ“š Comprehensive annual training in areas like Child Development and Therapeutic Parenting

Your Role

As the Head of Care, you will:

  • Provide professional leadership and management of all our children's homes.
  • Ensure that children and young people are safeguarded and making good developmental progress.
  • Create an environment where children are encouraged to reach their full potential.
  • Support the commercial growth and sustainability of our services.
  • Promote a culture of high aspiration and constructive support within your team.
  • Engage strategically with other departments to continuously develop our services.
  • Manage the home efficiently and undertake wider operational tasks as needed.
  • Lead, motivate, and develop your staff team in a positive culture.
  • Represent North Lakes Children's Services professionally in the community.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

  • Holds a recognised social work qualification (e.g., QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management).
  • Has at least 2 years' experience in residential care, with 1 year in a supervisory role.
  • Is committed to making a real difference in the lives of young people.
  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge of Children's Home legislation and safeguarding procedures.
  • Has experience in strategic and operational leadership in children's residential care.
  • Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Is licensed to drive a manual car and has access to a vehicle with business insurance.

Our Commitment

North Lakes Children's Services is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All candidates will undergo thorough reference checks, including an enhanced DBS, as safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us in creating a brighter future for the young people in our care!

Sign up for Job Alerts