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- 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 environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on high standards and community partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most challenging moments.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in homelessness or temporary accommodation services.
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.
THE ROLE
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 service - Temporary Accommodation 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 - Temporary Accommodation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the homelessness and temporary accommodation sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle high-pressure situations or manage competing priorities. We suggest practising with a friend or even in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll shine during the real deal!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! When discussing your experience, highlight how you’ve fostered a culture of accountability and learning in your teams. We want to see how you can inspire others and create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. So go on, hit that 'Apply Now' button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of service - Temporary Accommodation
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 leading teams and fostering a culture of high standards. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to support and develop others, especially in challenging situations.
Highlight Strategic Thinking: We love candidates who can think strategically! Make sure to include any experiences where you’ve successfully managed operational delivery or improved service outcomes. This will show us that you can balance the urgent needs of residents with long-term goals.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster City Council
✨Understand the Role's Complexity
Make sure you grasp the intricacies of temporary accommodation services. Familiarise yourself with the challenges residents face and how the role impacts their experience. This will help you articulate your vision for a safe and dignified service during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to people leadership. Think about examples where you've fostered a culture of accountability and high standards. Highlight how you’ve developed teams in high-pressure situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to talk about how you would align operational delivery with strategic goals. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive improvements and manage demand effectively. This shows you can think critically about the service's future.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your experience in partnership working. Prepare to discuss how you've built strong relationships with various stakeholders, including community organisations and statutory partners. This is key to improving outcomes for residents and ensuring compliance.