Head of Communities

Head of Communities Location: Civic Campus, Euclid Street, SN1 2JG Start Date: ASAP Contract Duration: 3+ Months Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week Pay Rate: £ 52.43 per hour  Job Ref: OR10615 Responsibilities Working at system level to advise and influence partners, commissioners, and senior leaders to shape the strategic direction of the prevention and early intervention agenda. Leading a team of Service Leads in the design and delivery of borough-wide services aimed at building community capacity, improving health and wellbeing, and tackling inequality; thereby reducing/delaying demand and cost to public service. Strategic oversight of integrated community-based services, including multi-disciplinary and integrated neighbourhood teams, funded by various internal and external sources. Galvanising and leading a universal contact model and neighbourhood-based offer to support people with the greatest need. Collaboration with other Heads of Service to ensure strategy and delivery maximize opportunities for collaboration and learning. Setting medium to long-term priorities for the services, considering wider system pressures, statutory responsibilities, and resourcing. Leading Service Managers to align service level business plans with corporate plans. Leading service development, design, and delivery to tackle root causes of demand and health inequalities. Overseeing the management of integrated community services as part of a future integrated model of prevention and engagement for residents. Working with internal and external colleagues to determine the best use of local assets in line with the development and delivery of an integrated community hub model. Influencing at a senior level across the Swindon system, partnering with various sectors for the betterment of residents. Offering expert advice on areas such as prevention, health improvement, and community development to internal and external stakeholders. Ensuring adherence to legislation, business continuity, risk management, safeguarding, and quality assurance across the integrated community services business area. Building and influencing a network of community relationships to define insight and priority and build community capacity. Managing all service area budgets, maintaining financial balance at all times, and reporting against service level agreements. Developing and delivering resident and community engagement events to ensure the resident voice is central to decision-making. Liaising with partners, including Parish and Town Councils, to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and joint working for the best outcomes for local residents. Deputising for the Director of Communities and Partnerships. Strategically planning, managing, and monitoring the use of all resources to achieve the directorate\’s strategy. Contributing at a senior level to system-wide meetings, task forces, and development groups. Initiating proof of concepts/pilots to build evidence and drive innovative activity. Horizon scanning for external funding opportunities. Mitigating costs to public service through innovative approaches and ensuring a balanced budget. Person Specification Candidates must have substantial knowledge and experience in the following areas and will be required to provide evidence of this: Significant experience of developing synergies and partnerships within the Council and with external partners. Depth and breadth of management experience and knowledge, delivering outcomes at a senior level. Excellent management skills to drive services and ensure the strategic direction of the Council is affected on a value-added basis. Strong influencing and problem-solving skills with a willingness to take managed risks to achieve successful outcomes. Proven experience of working with Members, MPs, Parishes, communities, and major stakeholders, with an understanding of the political and complex environment the council operates within. High levels of competence in inspiring change through strong advocacy and compelling storytelling. Strong and effective negotiation skills to develop and maintain partnerships and collaborations at a senior leadership level. Proven knowledge and experience in seeking external funding and creating new opportunities. Proven experience in managing complex budgets and multi-faceted teams. Proven success in delivering presentations on a national platform. Qualifications in Communities, Public Health, or Community Safety with extensive senior management experience are required, along with an ILM Leadership qualification (or similar) at least Level 5. 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