At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape homelessness services, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Westminster City Council, dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, supportive policies, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Senior strategic experience in local authority or voluntary sector focused on homelessness.
The predicted salary is between 79005 - 98472 € per year.
Salary range: £79,005 - £98,472 per annum. Salary negotiable depending upon experience.
Work location: Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1E 6QP
Hours per week: 36
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Interview date: June 2026
About Westminster City Council Housing Needs in Westminster City Council is dedicated to supporting and empowering vulnerable communities. Our delivery leaders shape resident‑centred services that respond to the complex needs of homelessness and housing hardship.
The Role You will lead the statutory homelessness services, reviews and complaints functions for Westminster. Your responsibilities include:
- Providing senior leadership and strategic direction for the Homelessness and Reviews service.
- Ensuring statutory compliance, service quality and resident experience across all decision points.
- Overseeing frontline managers and teams responsible for homelessness decisions, prevention, relief activities, reviews, enquiries and complaints.
- Developing, managing, and analysing service data and performance indicators to drive continuous improvement.
- Collaborating with other Heads of Service, Delivery Leads and senior leaders to promote a joined‑up, cost‑effective approach.
- Representing the Council in multi‑stakeholder forums, including elected members, legal, and external partners.
- Providing visible, confident leadership on‑site and across the frontline.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Senior strategic level experience within a local authority, government organisation or voluntary sector body focused on homelessness.
- Accountability for lawful decision‑making, service quality and resident outcomes.
- Proven record of leading demanding, complex services, ensuring fairness, consistency and defensibility of decisions.
- Strong knowledge of local government, homelessness legislation, policy and equality practice.
- Experience managing budgets and resources while driving improvement through data and learning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
Desirable:
- Formal qualifications related to social care, homelessness or public administration.
- Experience delivering high‑quality statutory homelessness decision‑making within a council setting.
What We Offer Westminster City Council provides a flexible working environment, supportive disability confident policies and equal opportunity commitments. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Care Leavers and global majority candidates. Our inclusive workplace values and supports your personal and professional development.
Head of Service - Homelessness and Reviews WCC624175 employer: Hampshire County Council
Westminster City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that our staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Westminster, our team enjoys a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters meaningful contributions to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Homelessness and Reviews WCC624175
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the homelessness and housing sector. Attend relevant events or forums where you can meet people who might help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Westminster City Council's recent initiatives and challenges in homelessness. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams through complex situations, especially in local authority settings. We want to hear about your successes and how you overcame challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Westminster City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Homelessness and Reviews WCC624175
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Service. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and making strategic decisions, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully managed complex services in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of homelessness legislation and local government policies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in complex environments before. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help demonstrate your ability to provide visible, confident leadership as required for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders. Whether it’s elected members or external partners, showing that you can collaborate effectively will be key. Have a few anecdotes ready that highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves managing and analysing service data, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles. Highlight any specific metrics or performance indicators you’ve worked with to showcase your analytical skills.
