The Role
Are you an ambitious, strategic leader with a passion for community safety, regulatory services, and driving real-world outcomes? Hackney Council is seeking an exceptional Assistant Director for Public Protection & Safety to lead our high-profile, frontline services and help shape a fairer, safer borough.
About the Role
In this vital Senior Management role, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of critical public-facing services, ensuring statutory compliance, financial resilience, and innovative service delivery.
You will translate strategic priorities into operational excellence, working hand-in-hand with our communities and key partners such as the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office, MOPAC, the GLA, and the London Fire Brigade.Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Direct and oversee core services including Community Safety, Parking & Parking Enforcement, the Community Gangs Team, Emergency Planning, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), Environmental Health, and Business Regulation.
- Partnership & Collaboration: Build robust, effective partnerships with statutory bodies and regional stakeholders to tackle serious youth violence, enhance night-time economy safety, and deliver the statutory Community Safety Plan and Hate Crime/Prevent strategies.
- Operational & Financial Management: Lead a large workforce (approx. 325 FTE) and manage complex multi-million-pound revenue and capital budgets, ensuring Best Value, efficient resource allocation, and maximized external grant funding.
- Innovation & Change: Drive digital transformation, service modernization, and continuous improvement across regulatory operations and parking services, aligning with the Council’s overarching corporate objectives and the Mayor’s priorities.
About Us
What We Are Looking For
- Extensive senior leadership experience within a complex, dynamic environment, successfully managing large multidisciplinary teams and multi-million-pound budgets.
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation governing community safety, environmental health, business regulation, licensing, and parking operations.
- A proven track record of developing impactful strategic partnerships, delivering regulatory services, and driving organizational vision into tangible operational plans.
- Exceptional communication, political acumen, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to represent the Council publicly and engage credibly with senior stakeholders, elected members, and diverse communities.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.
If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.
To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.
As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
Key Accountabilities
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
This application process replaces a supporting statement.
This post is subject to a standard DBS Check
Closing date for applications: 04 November 2026 (22:59)
Interview and assessment date: 12 November 2026
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our "PROUD" values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Assistant Director – Public Protection & Safety in London employer: HACKNEY COUNCIL
Hackney Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As part of the SHEQ team, you will have access to continuous training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community safety. Located in the vibrant borough of Hackney, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
