At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community initiatives and build partnerships to enhance local neighbourhoods.
- Company: Join the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team, dedicated to transforming lives post-Grenfell.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Interviews on 24th July 2025; DBS check required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while fostering collaboration and trust.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and experience in community-focused work are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Build partnerships and work with residents to co-design a thriving neighbourhood. This is a key role at the heart of Lancaster West Estate, where you will lead community-led initiatives, build strong local partnerships and deliver programmes that make a real difference to people's everyday lives. At LWNT, we are all in - helping neighbourhoods thrive through trust, collaboration and lasting change.
Working Style: You will be based in the Borough for five days a week, with some flexibility, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you are working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you will be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents' lives.
What you will be doing: You will lead the development and delivery of a range of holistic community programmes - from respite support and health and wellbeing initiatives to circular economy projects and local volunteering. A big part of your role will involve shaping and managing LancWest Connects, our flagship volunteering programme, where residents and corporate partners come together to care for shared spaces and build stronger local ties. You will be responsible for managing budgets, delivering grant-funded projects and making sure everything runs smoothly, on time and on budget. That includes maintaining clear documentation, overseeing risk and impact and ensuring continuous improvement. You will also manage our Community Garden Coordinator, support our team of local volunteers and help deliver inclusive events and training. Crucially, you will be the link between residents, council teams, partners and funders - forging strong relationships, representing the Neighbourhood Team in forums and helping secure the resources and support needed to make community-led ideas a reality. From helping reduce carbon emissions to improving well-being, this is a role where your leadership and collaboration will help transform lives.
What you will bring: You will bring strong project management experience - ideally backed by qualifications like PRINCE2, Agile or Lean Six Sigma - and a background in community-focused work. You are highly organised, proactive and confident leading projects from planning to delivery, particularly in complex or sensitive environments. Your experience might come from a council, charity, or grassroots community organisation - but wherever you have worked, you know how to collaborate, build trust and communicate clearly with a wide range of people. You will be confident handling budgets, delivering grant-funded projects and using data to shape decisions. You will also bring creativity, flexibility and a deep commitment to community-led change. You listen closely, understand what matters to residents and act on their feedback to develop meaningful solutions. Above all, you are someone who cares about people and knows that the strongest ideas are built together.
Why join us: You will be joining the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team - a passionate group formed in response to the Grenfell tragedy, working to deliver a 21st-century model for social housing. This is a rare opportunity to lead programmes that have immediate and long-term impact and to play a key role in transforming an estate into a beacon of community resilience and innovation. We offer a competitive salary, plenty of opportunities for professional development and the chance to collaborate with colleagues across the Council and beyond. You will be supported by a team that values trust, empathy and action - and that is always working together to deliver for our residents.
About us: Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough. As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all. In this role, you will be all in - not just delivering programmes, but embedding yourself in the heart of the estate, building relationships that matter and helping residents turn ideas into action. You will lead our volunteering programme, support local initiatives and drive work that reflects what the community wants and needs.
Interview Details: Interviews will be held 24th July 2025. This will involve an interview and presentation. You will be required to complete an Enhanced Adults and Child DBS Check.
Ready to join us? We are all in - are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we would love to hear from you. Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description. We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants. We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Community Development and Partnerships Lead in London employer: ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
At the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering community-led change and resilience. Our supportive work culture encourages collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development while making a tangible impact in the lives of residents. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also empowers you to build meaningful relationships within a diverse and vibrant community.
Contact Details:
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Community Development and Partnerships Lead in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Lancaster West Estate and its community. Understanding the local dynamics, challenges, and opportunities will help you demonstrate your commitment to community-led initiatives during the interview.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with local organisations and residents before your interview. Building relationships and showing that you are already engaged with the community can set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful community projects you've led or been involved in. Highlighting your project management experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements will showcase your suitability.
β¨Tip Number 4
Be ready to present ideas for new community programmes or initiatives during your interview. This shows your proactive approach and creativity, which are essential for the role of Community Development and Partnerships Lead.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Development and Partnerships Lead in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in community development and project management.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect relevant experiences that demonstrate your project management skills and community-focused work. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to lead initiatives and build partnerships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for community-led change. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your commitment to making a difference.
Prepare for the Interview:Anticipate questions related to your project management experience and community engagement strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would approach building relationships with residents and stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
β¨Understand the Community Focus
Make sure you have a solid grasp of community development principles and how they apply to the role. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in community-focused work and how they align with the values of the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team.
β¨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Highlight your project management experience, especially if you have qualifications like PRINCE2 or Agile. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and delivered grant-funded projects in the past.
β¨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
This role requires strong relationship-building skills. Prepare to discuss how you've forged partnerships in previous roles, particularly with diverse stakeholders such as residents, council teams, and corporate partners.
β¨Prepare for the Presentation
Since the interview includes a presentation, ensure you clearly communicate your ideas and solutions. Tailor your presentation to reflect the needs of the community and demonstrate how your initiatives can make a real difference in residents' lives.