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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, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on high standards and community impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming homelessness services and enhancing resident experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in homelessness or temporary accommodation with strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 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 - Temporary Accommodation in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Head of Service role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to temporary accommodation and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine and show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've fostered high standards and accountability in previous roles. We believe that demonstrating your ability to lead teams effectively will set you apart from the competition.
✨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. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of service - Temporary Accommodation in London
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 Your Leadership Style: As this role is all about people leadership, let us know how you foster a culture of high standards and accountability. Share examples of how you've developed teams and created supportive environments in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking: We’re looking for someone who can balance operational oversight with strategic purpose. Use your application to illustrate how you've improved service delivery or driven better value for money in past positions.
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 pivotal 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’re well-versed in the specifics of temporary accommodation services. Brush up on current legislation, best practices, and the challenges faced in this sector. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just interested but knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Service, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've fostered high standards and accountability in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve developed teams or improved service delivery under pressure – these stories will resonate well.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This role requires strategic thinking. Be ready to discuss how you would align temporary accommodation services with broader council goals. Consider how data can drive improvements and how you would manage competing priorities while keeping resident experience at the forefront.
✨Build Relationships
Partnership working is key in this role. Come prepared with ideas on how you would strengthen relationships with community organisations and statutory partners. Highlight any past experiences where collaboration led to better outcomes for residents, as this will demonstrate your commitment to a coordinated approach.