Referrals & Business development consultant

Job Description

Referrals & Business Development Consultant

Job Title

Referrals & Business Development Consultant

Organisation

Woodham Enterprises Ltd – Woodham care homes

Reports To

Registered Manager & Director

Location

Lewisham

Hours

Day rated

Salary

Day rated

Contract Type

Self-employed/freelance consultant

DBS Check

Enhanced DBS check required

Organisation Overview

Woodham care homes provides high-quality residential care and support for adults aged 18–65 with mental health needs, learning disabilities, and behaviours that challenge. We are committed to delivering safe, person-centred services that promote independence, dignity, and positive outcomes for the people we support. As we grow our service offer, we are seeking a proactive and personable Referrals & Business Development Consultant to lead on relationship-building with local authorities and drive referrals into our services.

Job Purpose

The Referrals & Business Development Consultant is responsible for developing and maintaining strong working relationships with local authority commissioning teams, social workers, care managers, and other referral pathways, in order to promote Woodham care home's services and secure appropriate placements. The role manages the end-to-end referral process, ensuring that all enquiries are handled professionally, assessed thoroughly, and progressed efficiently, while acting as a key point of contact and ambassador for the organisation in the wider health and social care sector.

Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development & Relationship Management

Build, maintain, and develop strong professional relationships with local authority commissioners, social workers, care managers, brokerage teams, and other relevant referral sources.

Act as the primary point of contact between Woodham Care Homes and local authorities, attending meetings, forums, and networking events to promote the organisation's services.

Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including additional placements, framework agreements, and partnerships with local authorities and other commissioning bodies.

Promote the organisation's reputation through professional, consistent, and responsive engagement with all external stakeholders.

Keep up to date with local authority commissioning intentions, tender opportunities, and changes in policy or funding that may affect service demand.

Represent Woodham Care Homes at relevant tendering and framework processes, working with senior management to prepare submissions where required.

Referral Management

Act as the first point of contact for all incoming referrals, ensuring enquiries are logged, acknowledged, and progressed promptly and professionally.

Liaise with referring professionals to gather all necessary information, including care plans, risk assessments, and relevant background, to support an informed admission decision.

Coordinate with the Registered Manager and care/clinical teams to assess the suitability of referrals against the service's statement of purpose and current staffing/capacity.

Arrange and, where appropriate, attend pre-admission assessments, viewings, and transition planning meetings with prospective service users and their care teams.

Maintain accurate, up-to-date referral records and pipeline trackers, ensuring data is recorded in line with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.

Provide regular reports to senior management on referral activity, conversion rates, occupancy levels, and business development outcomes.

Ensure all referral and admission documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner, supporting smooth transitions into the service.

Manage waiting lists and respond promptly to vacancies, working closely with operational teams to minimise void periods.

Marketing & Promotion

Support the development and distribution of marketing materials, brochures, and presentations that showcase the organisation's services to local authorities and other stakeholders.

Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the organisation's services, facilities, and outcomes in order to confidently and accurately represent Woodham Care Homes externally.

Contribute to the organisation's wider marketing strategy, including digital presence, where appropriate.

Compliance & Quality

Ensure all activities are carried out in line with relevant legislation, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Data Protection Act 2018/UK GDPR, and CQC/regulatory requirements applicable to the service.

Work closely with the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual to ensure referral and admission practices align with the organisation's policies, procedures, and statement of purpose.

Maintain professional boundaries and safeguarding awareness at all times, escalating any concerns in line with the organisation's safeguarding policy.

Person SpecificationEssential

Proven experience in a business development, referrals, sales, or partnerships role within health and social care, residential care, or a related sector.

Strong understanding of the adult social care landscape, including local authority commissioning and safeguarding processes.

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage credibly with commissioners, social workers, and senior professionals.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple referrals and competing priorities simultaneously.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting information clearly.

Sound understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding principles relevant to vulnerable adults.

Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to meetings and local authority offices.

IT proficient, including confident use of Microsoft Office and case management/CRM systems.

Desirable

Existing professional network within local authority commissioning or social work teams.

Experience working with adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities, or behaviours that challenge.

Relevant qualification in health and social care, business, or marketing.

Experience contributing to or leading on tender and framework submissions.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunity to play a key role in the growth of a developing care provider.

Supportive leadership team and ongoing professional development.

Woodham Enterprises Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Work Location: In person