Launching a new children’s home in Lancashire, Liverpool or the wider North West requires a Registered Manager who can build the service long before the first placement arrives. This article explores the role of the “founding” RM, including shaping the Statement of Purpose, leading recruitment, preparing for Ofsted registration and building the local partnerships needed to create a stable, compliant service from day one.

The Ofsted “Fit Person” Interview is one of the biggest hurdles facing aspiring Registered Managers across Liverpool, Cheshire and the wider North West. This article explores how candidates are assessed on safeguarding knowledge, leadership oversight, the Children’s Homes Regulations, Statement of Purpose understanding and their ability to manage risk, staff performance and outcomes for vulnerable young people.