Deputy Manager

Be the Difference. Build Futures. Change Lives.

Every young person deserves someone who believes in them. Someone who sees their potential, celebrates their achievements, supports them through challenges and helps them take confident steps towards adulthood.

In County Durham, we're creating an exciting new Supported Accommodation Service that will help young people feel safe, develop independence and build the futures they deserve.

We're looking for an inspiring Deputy Manager to join us on that journey. This is more than a management role. It's an opportunity to help shape a service from the very beginning, create a culture where young people can thrive, and support a dedicated team to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Working alongside the Registered Service Manager, you'll play a key role in creating opportunities, building aspiration and ensuring young people have the support, encouragement and belief they need to succeed.

If you're passionate about young people, committed to quality and ready to lead with heart, ambition and purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS?

The transition to adulthood can be exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming.

As Deputy Manager, you'll help ensure that every young person receives the right support, at the right time, from people who genuinely care. You'll help create an environment where young people feel safe, valued and listened to. Build confidence and independence as well as develop important life skills. You will support our young people to achieve their goals and ambitions, believing in themselves and their future.

Every decision you make, every member of staff you support and every improvement you drive will help shape brighter futures for young people across County Durham.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Working closely with the Registered Service Manager, you will:

• Help develop and shape an innovative new Supported Accommodation Service.
• Lead, motivate and inspire staff to deliver outstanding support to young people.
• Champion high-quality, child-centred practice.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Promote a culture of aspiration, achievement and positive outcomes.
• Drive excellent safeguarding and care planning practice.
• Prepare for and support Ofsted inspections.
• Use evidence, research and best practice to continually improve the service.
• Create a nurturing environment where young people feel respected, supported and empowered.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

We're looking for someone who can inspire others and bring out the very best in both young people and colleagues.

You’ll be passionate about helping young people thrive and have the skills and experience to lead with confidence, compassion and professionalism.

You will have:

• Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Willingness to work towards a Level 5 in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience working with children and young people in a relevant setting.
• Experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.Experience of quality assurance, auditing and service improvement.
• Knowledge of Supported Accommodation legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience of Ofsted inspections and performance improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A strong understanding of evidence-based practice and research relating to children and young people.

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle (employees with a disability must have access to suitable mobility support).

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our commitment to safeguarding:

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s and Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children and adults.

OUR VALUES

Everything we do is guided by the Durham Cares values:

• Dignity - treating everyone with respect and compassion.
• Unity - working together to achieve the best outcomes.
• Responsibility - supporting young people to make positive choices.
• Heart - showing kindness, care and commitment.
• Aspiration - helping young people dream big and achieve their goals.
• Mindset - believing that growth, learning and success are possible for everyone.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on 29th October 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

This is a unique opportunity to help create and lead a service that will make a real difference to young people's lives.

In return, you'll receive:

• Comprehensive management and leadership development.
• Specialist safeguarding and health and safety training.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive and ambitious leadership team.
• Access to Durham County Council's extensive rewards and benefits package, take a closer look via Rewards and Benefits.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to see the lasting impact your leadership has on young people as they develop confidence, independence and hope for the future.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Hybrid working does not apply to this role.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

READY TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE REACH THEIR POTENTIAL?

We're looking for leaders who believe that every young person deserves the best possible start in adulthood and who are prepared to go the extra mile to help make that happen. If you're ready for your next challenge and want to help build something truly special, we'd love to hear from you.

We would encourage you to contact us to arrange a discussion via to find out more about this exciting opportunity.

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