At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse services that enhance community life and ensure safety and compliance.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life balance, competitive pay, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government leadership and strong judgement in complex situations.
The predicted salary is between 57704 - 70528 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking an outstanding senior leader to take on the role of Head of Community & Compliance - a pivotal and influential post at the heart of our Place Management and Sustainable Communities agenda. This is a rare opportunity to lead an exceptionally diverse and high-impact portfolio of services that shape how our places feel, function and are experienced by residents, businesses and visitors every day.
About the role:
- Reporting at Head of Service level, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a wide-ranging portfolio including:
- Public Protection and regulatory services
- Emergency Management, business continuity and CCTV
- City Centre Security and preparedness (including Protect & Prepare and Martyn’s Law)
- Major events, markets and filming
- Parks, green spaces and open spaces
- Bereavement Services, including cemeteries and crematoria
- City Centre Management
You will lead around 150 staff, oversee a multi‑million‑pound revenue and capital portfolio, and work closely with Members, Executive Leadership Team, Directors, senior officers, partners and communities to deliver services that are safe, compliant, compassionate and politically informed. This is a role for someone who can confidently operate at pace and under scrutiny, balance risk with opportunity, and provide calm, credible leadership in complex and often sensitive situations.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Setting clear strategic direction across multiple statutory and non‑statutory services
- Providing strong corporate coordination and assurance across complex, overlapping workstreams
- Leading on risk management, safety, compliance and preparedness, including emergency planning and major incident response
- Driving continuous improvement, performance and good governance
- Building trusted relationships with Elected Members, partners, regulators and stakeholders
- Acting as a senior ambassador for the Council in high‑profile, high‑visibility forums
- Leading and developing senior managers and teams, fostering an inclusive, resilient and high‑performing culture
- Ensuring services are customer‑focused, compassionate and accessible, particularly where people are vulnerable or distressed
About you:
We’re looking for a senior leader who brings:
- Significant experience leading complex, multidisciplinary services within local government or the wider public sector
- Strong judgement and credibility when working in politically sensitive and high‑profile environments
- A proven ability to manage risk, safety and compliance across varied operational contexts
- Experience of strategic commissioning, contract management and financial oversight
- Confidence engaging with Members, communities, partners and external agencies
- A leadership style that is calm, inclusive, decisive and values‑led
You’ll be educated to degree level (or equivalent senior‑level experience) and able to demonstrate the professional credibility needed to operate at this level.
*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
About Bath and North East Somerset Council. Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
Why Bath and North East Somerset Council? We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Head of Community and Compliance employer: Bath & North East Somerset Council
Bath and North East Somerset Council is an excellent employer for Trauma-Informed Social Workers, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises professional development and collaboration. With strong leadership backing, extensive training opportunities, and relocation assistance, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care. The council's commitment to family-centred interventions ensures that staff are engaged in rewarding work that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
Bath & North East Somerset Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Community and Compliance
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Bath & North East Somerset Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Bath & North East Somerset Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Community and Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Bath & North East Somerset Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath & North East Somerset Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Bath & North East Somerset Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Bath & North East Somerset Council.
