Jobs & Careers
How many jobs offer you the opportunity to make a real difference every day to someone’s life?
Very few. There are also few jobs that are as rewarding as seeing a child or young person with complex needs feel fulfilled, happy and on the way to achieving their potential.
Our staff team do what they do because they believe in every single one of the children they support and want to be part of that journey of achievement.
So, if you’re naturally compassionate and caring, and making a difference to children’s lives is what motivates you, we’d love to hear from you.
Our EPIC Values
Accountable and intent to achieve the best in all we do. Challenging ourselves to the highest standards of learning, development and performance.
Committed and ambitious in heart and mind, supporting the best outcomes for young people.
Working honestly and transparently, sharing our results and learnings.
Showing compassion and empathy, placing the young person at the centre of all we do, taking their feelings and wishes into account.
Our Culture
We support and encourage an inclusive culture, underpinned by our 4 EPIC values, and aim to be open and transparent in everything we do.
Ultimately we are passionate about supporting young people to achieve great outcomes and everyone has a role to play in this. We are accountable and intent to achieve the best in all we do and challenge ourselves to the highest standards of learning, development and performance.
To find out more about what it is like to work for Keys Group and to watch our ‘Deane Villa’ case study, please click to watch our YouTube videos.
Learning and Development
We pride ourselves on the learning, development and career progression opportunities that we offer.
Our aim is to make sure everyone feels safe, supported and valued at work – and are committed to the continual development of our people. The Keys Academy offers dedicated training for everyone across a wide range of accredited programmes.
Find out more here
What’s It Like To Work For Keys Group?
I started at Keys in March 2018 and I was very close to completion of my level 3, in June I was promoted to deputy and became manager to a two bedded home in September 2018 and have since been completing my level 5.
My journey has not always been an easy one but I can honestly say the people at keys have made my journey a much nicer experience. The support from the team around me has been consistent and needed at times. My journey means everything to me, my role got changed quickly due to different circumstances and Keys supported me through the transition and into the manager’s role.
I absolutely love being a manager and seeing the staff develop and most importantly the young people achieving their personal goals through our staff guidance.
Sam Lloyd | Registered Manager
I started with Keys, two and half years ago and are thoroughly enjoying my time. I joined as a home’s manager and the support and training as a manager is really good. We were offered a wide range of training to support my development and improve upon my knowledge about the role.
I was offered the opportunity to complete the ‘well lead’ course, it played a significant part in my development and understanding about myself and which direction my career was going to go in.
An opportunity arose to become to become the regional manager within my area, it was an opportunity that I felt I was ready for and so I gave it a shot. I have received a great level of support from my managers, peers, my line manager and managing director.
Frank Cairns | Regional Manager
Over the last year, this job has taught me that we, as carers, have an inner strength that no-one else will ever see. We have a resilience and a passion that no-one can doubt or question. And that even when you feel lost, that the people stood by your side, truly have your back.
There has always been someone I can turn to, be supported by, or even just unload to; from your team on the floor, to house managers, and even higher. I have never worked in a company where senior and house managers turn up to help, or call you on their days off to make sure you really are okay.
I had never worked in this sector before, with no experience with children; the managers have pushed me, and developed me, and helped me see my potential. I have had some difficult moments over the last year, but I have never felt more valued and appreciated than I do now. For the first time in my life, I can say I truly love my job.
Helen Marsh | Senior Residential Children’s Support Worker
I joined in December 2020 and decided that I wanted to be a manager. I had regular supervisions during which this was discussed, and a development plan was put in place. I was supported by the management team and once a position became available for a team manager role I applied and was successful. If you want a role that is varied and somewhere you can make a real difference then this is the job for you.
Sometimes the days can be long and sometimes the role can be stressful but at the same time it’s so rewarding to see the positive impact you can have on a young person. The main qualities I think are important for the role are being caring, empathetic, having strong boundaries and not being afraid to enforce them, being able to relate to our young people and not being judgemental.
Consistency is key as that is something that has often been missing in our young people’s lives Coming to work for Keys has been the best decision I ever made, I have always felt valued and respected and have been given the chance to develop and become a manager and have been supported with this journey every step of the way, it’s not always an easy job, but even in difficult moments the team is always supportive and will always make you feel valued. I love my job
Nicola Naylor | Team Manager, Leaving Care
We strive to ensure that every child’s needs and wants are met through the therapeutic parenting that our amazing teams of carers and managers implement on a daily basis.
Part of my role is to work alongside my allocated homes on a fortnightly basis to offer psychological support, along with offering therapeutic interventions and generally helpingthe teams continue their amazing work.
Our ethos at Keys is that every child matters and deserves to be loved.
If you have a big heart, a listening ear and are willing to go that extra mile to make a difference to a child’s life, then I can honestly say that this is the place to work.
Georgina Shorrock | Psychotherapist
In 1999, I was fortunate to get a job as a support worker working with Keys Group.
I worked hard and when a tutor post became available, I put myself forward. I received lots of support and was offered additional training to further my skills.
During this time, I took on additional pastoral duties and was then promoted to Pastoral Care Manager. Fully supported by senior leadership, I was encouraged to progress to the position of Deputy Head. I am very grateful for the support and opportunities that have been given to me by the Senior Leaders at Keys Group.
I have been very fortunate to have worked for almost 22 years with an amazing group of colleagues and some incredible young people.
Jo Loxton | Deputy Headteacher
How To Apply
Please contact our dedicated Recruitment Team at job[email protected] if you would like to apply for a job with us.
We have vacancies available nationwide, including Residential Support Workers, Senior Support Workers, Deputy Home Managers, Home Managers and more.
Please get in touch with our Recruitment Team who’ll be happy to advise on which vacancies are currently available in your area and provide more information.
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