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 personal development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Senior 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 in London employer: Hampshire County Council
Westminster City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the empowerment of vulnerable communities. With a strong commitment to employee development and flexible working arrangements, staff are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents facing homelessness. Located in the heart of Westminster, employees benefit from a dynamic workplace culture that values diversity and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Homelessness and Reviews WCC624175 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Westminster City Council. Attend events or join online forums where you can chat with others about homelessness services and share insights.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in homelessness legislation and local government policies. We want you to show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've led teams through challenges or improved service delivery. We want to hear how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
✨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 in London
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:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led teams and made impactful decisions in previous roles, especially in the context of homelessness or local government.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest homelessness legislation and local government policies. Being well-versed in these areas will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through challenging situations. Highlight your experience in managing frontline services and how you've driven improvements in service quality and resident outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully worked with different groups to achieve common goals.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Discuss specific performance indicators you've managed and how they contributed to service improvements.
