At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape temporary accommodation services to support residents in need.
- Company: Westminster Council, dedicated to improving lives through effective service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on compassion, accountability, and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most challenging moments.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness or temporary accommodation services and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Temporary accommodation (TA) sits at the intersection of urgency, care and complexity, and this role plays a vital part in how Westminster supports residents at some of their most difficult moments. As demand continues to rise, this is a pivotal opportunity to shape a service that is safe, sustainable and centred on the needs of the people who rely on it.
As Head of Service – Temporary Accommodation, you will provide senior leadership for Westminster’s TA provision, overseeing emergency and longer‑term accommodation and ensuring placements are safe, suitable, compliant and delivered with dignity. You will lead the operational delivery and strategic alignment of temporary accommodation services, working closely with colleagues across Housing Solutions, Finance, Supply and wider council services to manage demand effectively and responsibly. This is a role that combines strong operational oversight with clear strategic purpose.
You will help strengthen forecasting, improve the use of data and drive better value for money, while ensuring resident experience remains front and centre. Working alongside Delivery Leads, Heads of Service and partners, you will support the ongoing redesign of homelessness services and help deliver a more coordinated, resident‑focused approach.
People leadership is at the heart of the role. You will foster a culture of high standards, accountability and learning, developing teams who are confident, compassionate and resilient. You will model inclusive leadership, embed the Council’s values and create an environment where staff feel supported to deliver consistently high‑quality services, even in high‑pressure situations.
You will also play a key role in partnership working, building strong relationships with providers, community organisations and statutory partners to improve outcomes for residents and strengthen the Council’s approach to safeguarding, compliance and service delivery.
We are looking for an experienced leader with a strong background in homelessness or temporary accommodation services, who understands the financial, operational and human challenges involved, alongside the legislative framework. You will be confident operating in a political environment, skilled at balancing competing priorities, and motivated by the opportunity to deliver meaningful improvement at scale.
Head of Temporary Accommodation & Homelessness Services employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Westminster is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and innovate in the vital area of temporary accommodation and homelessness services. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and a focus on delivering high-quality services, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the heart of Westminster, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and partnership with various stakeholders, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Temporary Accommodation & Homelessness Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the homelessness and temporary accommodation sector. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Westminster’s approach to temporary accommodation. Understand their values and how they support residents. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of accountability and learning, as this is crucial for the role of Head of Service.
✨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 the team and making a difference in the lives of residents.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Temporary Accommodation & Homelessness Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in temporary accommodation and homelessness services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As this role is all about people leadership, be sure to emphasise your experience in managing teams and fostering a culture of high standards. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to lead with compassion and resilience.
Highlight Strategic Thinking:We want to know how you’ve approached operational delivery and strategic alignment in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you’ve improved services or driven better value for money, as this will really resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of temporary accommodation and homelessness services. Brush up on current legislation, best practices, and the challenges faced in this sector. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to improving resident outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Service, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you foster a culture of accountability and high standards. Share examples of how you've developed teams and supported staff in high-pressure situations, highlighting your inclusive leadership style.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to operational delivery and strategic alignment. Think about how you would handle specific challenges, such as managing demand or improving service delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you collaborated with community organisations, statutory partners, or other departments. Highlight how these partnerships improved service delivery and resident experiences.
