At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the council's homelessness services and drive impactful change for vulnerable residents.
- Company: Westminster Council, dedicated to creating fair housing outcomes for communities.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference and develop leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong partnerships across the council and community organisations.
- Why this job: Shape a modern, compassionate homelessness service and improve lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with knowledge of homelessness legislation and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Westminster is reshaping the way it supports residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. At a time of unprecedented demand and rising complexity, this role offers the opportunity to lead one of the Council’s most critical services and play a defining part in delivering fairer, more effective housing outcomes for communities across the city.
THE ROLE
As Head of Service for Homelessness and Reviews, you will provide senior leadership for the council’s statutory homelessness functions, ensuring services are safe, compliant and genuinely centred on the needs of residents. You will oversee a significant frontline team responsible for our homelessness duties and the team conducting statutory and non‑statutory reviews, complaints and enquiries across the service. You will work closely with Delivery Leads, fellow Heads of Service and partners to improve decision‑making, ensure we are implementing learning and deliver a consistent and compliant service for people in housing need. This is a role that combines operational oversight with strategic influence. You will help shape the future direction of the Housing Solutions Service, aligning day‑to‑day delivery with the council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and wider ambition to create a Fairer Westminster.
Using data, insight and feedback from residents, you will drive continuous improvement, embed best practice and ensure learning is built into how the service operates. Strong leadership sits at the heart of the role. You will foster a culture of high standards, accountability and collaboration, developing managers and teams who are confident, resilient and motivated by public service. You will also build and maintain strong partnerships across the Council, with community and voluntary sector organisations, and with key statutory partners, helping to create coordinated solutions that prevent homelessness wherever possible.
We are looking for an experienced and values‑driven leader with deep knowledge of homelessness legislation and a proven track record of improving complex, demand‑led services. You will be confident working in a political environment, skilled at navigating challenge and ambiguity, and committed to delivering services that put residents first in everything they do. If you’re motivated by the opportunity to lead meaningful change, improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable residents, and help shape a modern, compassionate homelessness service, this is a role where your impact will be felt every day.
Head of Service - Homelessness and Reviews employer: Westminster City Council
Contact Detail:
Westminster City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Homelessness and Reviews
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially when it comes to supporting vulnerable residents. Tailor your answers to reflect their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. We suggest focusing on common questions related to leadership and service improvement, as these will be key in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Homelessness and Reviews
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Service role. Highlight your experience in homelessness legislation and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've fostered high standards and collaboration in previous roles. This will help us understand how you can lead our team effectively.
Use Data to Your Advantage: Since this role involves driving continuous improvement, include any relevant data or insights from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to enhance service delivery. We love numbers that tell a story!
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 impactful role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on homelessness legislation and the council's strategies. Being able to discuss specific policies and how they impact residents will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in challenging environments. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration and accountability, as this role is all about leading a frontline team effectively while driving continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Be ready to discuss how you would align day-to-day operations with the council’s broader goals. Think about how you can use data and resident feedback to shape service delivery and improve outcomes for vulnerable communities.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions—ask insightful ones too! Show your interest in the council's partnerships and how you can contribute to creating coordinated solutions. This demonstrates your proactive approach and commitment to collaboration.