At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative housing solutions and prevent homelessness through proactive community engagement.
- Company: Westminster Council, dedicated to transforming housing responses for better community outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on long-term solutions and community well-being.
- Why this job: Shape impactful housing strategies and empower communities while fostering a culture of innovation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in homelessness prevention and strong partnership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for prevention and community-based solutions during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. We want to see your commitment to long-term impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Research Westminster's current initiatives and challenges in housing. This will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate that you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their needs.
✨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 that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Solutions in London
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 people leadership is central to this role, 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 and driven positive change!
Be Data-Driven: We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate a data-led approach to problem-solving. Include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your past work that illustrate your ability to make informed decisions and improve 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 gives you a chance to explore more about our values and mission.
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 highlight your experience in leading teams and fostering a culture of high standards and accountability. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented change and supported your team in delivering compassionate services.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with various stakeholders, including landlords, community organisations, and other partners. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes in housing solutions.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decisions
Be prepared to discuss how you use data to inform your decisions and improve service delivery. Highlight any experience you have with performance metrics and how they can enhance resident experiences and outcomes.