Strategic Governance, Safeguarding & Regulatory Oversight Lead
Location: Across all UK regions
Salary: Competitive rates (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Job Type: Contract basis (Project-based)
Hours of work: Typically Monday to Friday
Start Date: Subject to satisfactory Enhanced DBS (including Children’s Barred List check)
Appointed by: Registered Provider / Board of Directors
Regulatory Framework:
About Delphi Care Solutions
Delphi Care Solutions supports Ofsted-regulated services from initial concept through to safe, sustainable operational practice. We work alongside providers at every stage of their journey — from registration and governance set-up to ongoing regulatory oversight and inspection readiness.
Many providers appoint an experienced Responsible Individual (RI) to strengthen their governance arrangements and ensure robust safeguarding oversight. Delphi offers consultancy-led RI support that brings extensive sector knowledge, regulatory expertise, and strategic challenge, helping providers operate with confidence while keeping children’s safety at the centre of every decision.
Our ethos is simple: we partner with providers who genuinely care and are committed to making a meaningful difference in children’s lives. We do not offer superficial compliance. Instead, we deliver structured, inspection-led support that embeds strong systems, transparent governance, and defensible safeguarding practice.
Through proactive oversight, professional challenge, and continuous quality assurance, we help ensure that services are not only compliant, but consistently inspection-ready and delivering the highest possible standard of care.
Role Positioning
Under the Care Standards Act 2000, the Responsible Individual sits within the provider’s legal accountability framework.
The RI reports directly to the Registered Provider or Board of Directors and acts as the provider’s regulatory and safeguarding representative to Ofsted.
This role extends beyond compliance monitoring. The RI provides:
The RI ensures the service is not simply compliant, but defensible, sustainable, and child-centred.
Core Accountability
The Responsible Individual is accountable for ensuring that the children’s home:
The RI represents the provider in regulatory engagement and must be able to evidence oversight, scrutiny, and challenge.
Strategic Functions
A. Governance & Regulatory Assurance
The RI ensures governance systems are proactive rather than reactive.
Oversight is based on documentation, disclosures, and information made available by the service at the time of review. The provider retains ultimate legal responsibility for operational delivery and regulatory compliance.
B. Safeguarding Leadership
The RI:
Where safeguarding concerns arise and provider action is deemed inadequate, the RI reserves the right to escalate concerns to Ofsted or relevant safeguarding authorities in line with statutory responsibilities.
Delphi Care Solutions maintains a zero tolerance approach to poor safeguarding practice. Children’s safety must never be compromised by operational, financial, or reputational considerations.
C. Leadership Oversight & Culture
The RI supports a culture of transparency, reflection, and accountability.
D. Inspection Readiness & Risk Anticipation
The RI ensures the home remains prepared for inspection by:
Inspection readiness is continuous, not seasonal.
Measurable Performance Indicators
The effectiveness of the RI function may be evidenced by:
The RI provides structured oversight reporting to the provider quarterly (minimum).
Independence & Conflict of Interest
The RI retains professional authority to challenge the provider where necessary.
Professional Boundaries
As a consultant:
Fees reflect professional expertise and governance oversight. Inspection outcomes remain the responsibility of the provider.
Requirements
Professional Requirements