At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative housing solutions and prevent homelessness in a community-focused role.
- Company: Westminster Council, dedicated to reshaping housing responses for better outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to community empowerment and innovative practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by creating sustainable housing solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness prevention and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
Westminster is redesigning how it responds to housing need, with a sharper focus on prevention, early intervention and sustainable solutions. This role sits at the heart of that ambition, shaping how we prevent homelessness and create better housing outcomes before people reach crisis point.
As Head of Service – Solutions, you will lead the Council’s homelessness prevention, allocation of social housing, housing register and private rented sector (PRS) solutions, driving a more proactive, community‑based approach to housing need. You will play a key role in shifting the system upstream, strengthening early help, expanding housing options and ensuring residents receive timely, high‑quality support that reduces reliance on temporary accommodation.
You will work closely with Delivery Leads, fellow Heads of Service and partners across the Council to align prevention activity, PRS supply, allocations and advice into a coherent, resident‑focused offer. Your leadership will help embed new ways of working that are transparent, data‑led and rooted in what works for local communities.
You will take a leading role in developing place‑based prevention models, building strong relationships with landlords, agents and community organisations, and strengthening the Council’s ability to secure and sustain private rented homes for people at risk of homelessness. Alongside this, you will ensure statutory functions are delivered consistently and fairly, with performance, compliance and resident experience firmly in view.
People leadership is central to this role. You will foster a culture of high standards, learning and accountability, supporting and developing managers and teams to deliver confident, compassionate services. You will model the Council’s values, promote inclusion and collaboration, and create an environment where teams feel empowered to innovate and improve. You will lead by example and imbed our community‑based approach across the service.
We are looking for a senior leader with strong experience in homelessness prevention, housing solutions or allocations, who understands the complexity of housing pressures and is motivated by long‑term impact rather than short‑term fixes. You will be confident operating in a political environment, skilled at partnership working, and able to turn strategic intent into practical change.
Head of Service - Solutions 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 - Solutions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the latest trends in homelessness prevention and housing solutions. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges and innovations in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Service – Solutions. We want to hear how you can drive proactive, community-based approaches to housing need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join our mission directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Solutions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Service - Solutions role. Highlight your experience in homelessness prevention and community-based approaches, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about people leadership, don’t forget to include examples of how you've fostered a culture of high standards and accountability in your previous roles. We want to see how you’ve empowered teams to innovate and improve!
Be Data-Driven: We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate a data-led approach to decision-making. Include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your past work that illustrate how you've used data to drive positive change in housing solutions.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Westminster.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues surrounding homelessness prevention and housing solutions. Familiarise yourself with Westminster's current strategies and how they align with your vision for proactive, community-based approaches.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and foster a culture of high standards and accountability. Think about times when you've successfully implemented new ways of working or improved service delivery.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your experience in partnership working. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders, landlords, and community organisations to create sustainable housing solutions.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decisions
Since the role is rooted in data-led practices, come prepared to talk about how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Share specific examples where your analytical skills led to positive outcomes.