Director

Purpose

Provide accountable governance and sufficient resources so children's welfare, staff wellbeing and lawful operation guide organisational decisions.

Reporting line

Board with defined delegated responsibilities

Working arrangements

Agreed executive working arrangements within Astha shift and rest standards; directorship duties and conflicts documented separately.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Set clear strategy, delegated authorities and a sustainable service budget.
• Scrutinise safeguarding, quality, workforce and finance reports and track actions.
• Ensure home-specific registration and suitable leadership before regulated activity.
• Maintain independent challenge, complaints routes and whistleblowing protection.
• Approve safe staffing resources and contingency arrangements.
• Oversee contracts, insurance, data governance and business continuity.
• Engage with councils, health partners and regulators honestly and transparently.
• Manage conflicts of interest and ensure board decisions are recorded.

Experience

Substantial senior leadership experience appropriate to the assigned portfolio; no additional numerical minimum is specified.

Qualifications and registration

Relevant professional or leadership qualification or equivalent senior experience. Provider, director and Responsible Individual suitability checks apply where the actual appointment requires them.

Essential capabilities

• Evidence of sound governance and ethical financial judgement.
• Ability to challenge unsafe assumptions and understand regulatory accountability.
• Clear communication and willingness to hear children and staff concerns.
• Understanding of safeguarding and organisational risk.

Desirable experience

Experience governing children's residential services and commissioning partnerships.

What good performance looks like

The board can evidence decisions, safe resources and timely action on identified risks.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL14

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.