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9.8.3 Business Management

Contents

  1. Context
  2. Scope
  3. Procedure


1. Context

The Care Standards Act, 2000 and the National Minimum Standards for Children's Homes 2011, place importance on the need for residential childcare establishments to be efficiently run.

Further, the legislation highlights good administration and financial management as one of the ways in which children and young people, who are looked after in residential care, are provided with stability.


2. Scope

The scope of this procedure is mainly, although not exclusively, concerned with the financial management of the Home. It should therefore be read in conjunction with the Wakefield Council Financial Procedures.

Furthermore the legislation is clear about the need for Managers to be appropriately qualified to carry out the necessary management tasks.   


3. Procedure

1.0

The Children’s Homes Manager should be appropriately qualified as follows:

  • Dip SW (or equivalent) or NVQ level 4
  • NVQ level 4 in Management or equivalent management qualification (Providers of residential child care have until 2005 to fulfil this requirement
  • Have at least 2 years experience of working with children in the last 5 years
  • Have 1 year experience of working at a senior level in a residential setting
1.1 The job description of the Children’s Homes Manager should clearly state, in writing, the responsibilities and duties of the post. Additionally it should be clear in writing to whom the Children’s Homes Manager is accountable to and who is responsible for ensuring that the Children’s Homes Manager carries out their duties and responsibilities. If there any changes to whom they are accountable, the Children’s Homes Manager should be notified in writing.
2.0 The funding of each home should be sufficient to meet the Statement of Purpose and to meet all statutory and regulatory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, the National Minimum Standards and any other conditions applicable to each Home’s registration. Furthermore there should be sufficient funding for each home to continue to fulfil its Statement of Purpose for the following 12 months.
2.1 The Children’s Homes Manager should be an effective leader of the staff team and the operation of the home. This is demonstrated by the way in which the home is organised, staffed and managed in delivering the best possible childcare.
2.2 The Children’s Homes Manager has the necessary skills and ability to plan, budget and administer the finances of the home and this is demonstrated by the home being run on a sound financial basis.
3.0 The Children’s Homes Manager should take reasonable steps to develop and maintain good relationships with neighbours and the wider community.

End