Change and Social Value Lead in London

Shape the future, make an impact, create a more equal Islington. It’s a pivotal time in the Change and Social Value team at Islington Council. As part of the Community Wealth Building directorate, we are strengthening our Change and Social Value function with the introduction of a reshaped team aligned to delivering the councils’ ambitions. As part of Progressive Procurement, you’ll play a crucial role in how we implement our Change and Social Value agenda. Together, we can change the future.

About the Role

We’re looking for a dynamic lead to support the Head of Change and Social Value and our high‑performing team. As a key member of our team, you’ll support and deliver a range of Change and Social Value projects that leverage our spending power by collaborating with suppliers to drive innovation and social value impact across the council. You’ll work across the council and with external partners to support your workstream focused on building capabilities across the council to deliver social value outcomes. The leadership of your workstream will directly contribute to community wealth building, delivering value for money and improved outcomes for the community. You will play a pivotal role in realising our ambition of building our internal capability by becoming a centre of excellence in Change and Social Value practice.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on a key workstream within the Change and Social Value team – Social Value (precontract), Social Value (post contract), Change (Strategy), Change (People), and/or Change (Systems).
• Drive large scale strategic procurement, change and social value programmes with commercial negotiation in public sector.
• Lead, inspire and work collaboratively with a team of specialist professionals.
• Champion social value, fairness and sustainability through every decision.

What You Bring

• Experience in procurement, change, social value project/programme management.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification at Level 5 (or higher), or equivalent accreditation. Or, actively working towards Level 5 within 12 months (with Level 4 completed and relevant experience).
• Transforming Public Procurement certification from the Government Commercial College, or willingness to undertake within 3 months of appointment to the role.
• Active on the CIPS Professional Register or willing to apply plus maintained annual assessed supply chain ethical assessment such as CIPS Ethical Procurement and Supply annual certificate, or a willingness to undertake assessment within 3 months of appointment to the role.
• Confidence navigating political and stakeholder environments.
• Excellent leadership, procurement policy and strategy skills.
• A passion for delivering value for money, ethical practice and innovation.

Why Join Us?

• Lead high‑profile, strategic change and social value work in a values‑driven council.
• Flexible hybrid workstyle (Minimum one day a week on site).
• Competitive salary at P06 level £57,495 - £60,633 per annum.
• Part of an organisation recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, London Living Wage Employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion and more.

Ready to Change the Future? Apply now and help us build a more inclusive and sustainable Islington.

About You

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.