Responsible Individual Leadership Programme (CMI Level 7 Diploma)

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Course Overview 

Responsible Individuals (RIs) play a vital role in ensuring high standards of care and compliance across children’s services. But the role requires much more than regulatory knowledge, it demands strong leadership, governance, and accountability to influence culture, support managers, and deliver consistently positive outcomes for children. 

The Responsible Individual Leadership Programme provides the knowledge, tools, and confidence to excel in this role. Delivered by experienced tutors and sector specialists, it blends academic insight with practical application, ensuring participants can apply learning directly to their organisations. 

Programme Benefits 

  • Strengthen safeguarding and embed reflective practice to build a culture of safety, accountability, and improvement. 
  • Enhance oversight and supervision of Registered Managers to ensure high performance. 
  • Meet and exceed Ofsted and CQC requirements with confidence. 
  • Develop leadership capability across organisations to achieve cultural improvement and sustainable outcomes. 
  • Establish a model of continuing professional development (CPD) to retain staff, maintain standards, and achieve regulatory excellence. 
  • Gain a pathway to Chartered Manager Status and Masters-level qualifications. 

At a glance

Virtual Classroom
8/04/2026 - 1/07/2026
£5250 + VAT
13 places remaining
Agenda

The programme covers the following core areas:  

  • Oversight & Accountability: Understand statutory framework; evaluate compliance with Statement of Purpose; hold the Registered Manager accountable effectively.
  • Governance: Lead on culture, transparency, and resource allocation;strengthen reporting/escalation mechanisms.  
  • Supervision of RM: Apply effective supervision; balance support and challenge; identify early signs of drift or poor practice.    
  • Safeguarding: Deepen statutory safeguarding knowledge; test safeguarding culture; scrutinise safeguarding records/incident reporting.  
  • Compliance & Improvement: Use auditing/Reg 44 & 45 reports; embed learning from complaints/incidents; promote reflective practice.   
  • Ofsted Registration/Inspections: Understand the inspection framework (SCCIF); Regulation 40 Notifiable Event, prepare evidence of governance; build confidence in inspection dialogue.    
  • Working in the Wider System (Regulation 5): Understanding corporate parenting responsibilities; working with Placement/Commissioning Teams; escalating and challenging professionals to secure improved outcomes.    
  • Finance & Strategy: Regulation of finance, cost reviews for placements, aligning business planning with quality standards, and using audits to improve sustainability and outcomes.    
  • Safer Recruitment & Workforce (Schedule 2): Knowledge of Ofsted requirements, safer recruitment processes (including DBS and full reference checks), and compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015.    
Agenda
  • Knowledge of Law & Standards: Clear understanding of legislation, regulations, statutory guidance, and organisational policies and how to apply them consistently in practice.
  • Leadership & Representation: RI as the organisation’s figurehead with Ofsted; providing effective leadership and management to ensure homes deliver consistent, high-quality care aligned with standards and guidance.
  • Consultation & Participation: Effective consultation with staff and children to drive service improvement and ensure children’s voices are central to decision-making.
  • Crisis Management & Escalation: Understanding points of escalation, responding effectively to crises, and engaging with external professionals.
  • Compliance & Enforcement: Knowledge of Ofsted’s enforcement powers, compliance notices, and how to proactively mitigate risks of enforcement.
  • Regulation 26(7)(b): Ensuring RIs demonstrate the capacity, experience, and skills required to supervise the management of each children’s home they oversee.
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Embedding inclusive practice and ensuring children’s diverse needs and rights are promoted.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Working effectively with local authorities, commissioners, IROs, and safeguarding partners.
  • CPD & Reflective Practice: Encouraging the RI to reflect on their own learning needs and stay abreast of sector developments.   
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Learning Outcomes

By completing this programme, Responsible Individuals will be able to: 

  • Lead safeguarding, governance, and accountability across multiple services.
  • Supervise and support Registered Managers effectively.
  • Demonstrate compliance and excellence in Ofsted/CQC inspections.
  • Align financial and strategic planning with quality standards.
  • Build a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
  • Represent their organisation confidently with external regulators and stakeholders. 

Accreditation & Progression

On completion, delegates will be supported to achieve the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice. 

Further opportunities include: 

  • Chartered Manager Status
  • Masters-level qualifications in Strategic Leadership 

Delivery

Delivery will be virtual via 12 full-day live tutor sessions. 1 day per week from 9.30am – 4.30pm.  

Following the classroom phase of the course, monthly tutorial sessions will be available for delegates to attend as they see fit, to gain the support whilst planning and writing their assignments.