At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Regulatory Services, ensuring high-quality outcomes for residents and businesses.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a top-performing local authority in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, a local government pension, and free gym access.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with excellent transport links and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in regulatory services with strong strategic and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 75876 - 83546 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a Head of Regulatory Services to join our Place and Growth directorate here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full-time, Permanent basis.
As Head of Regulatory Services, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across our Regulatory Services portfolio (Licensing, Environmental Enforcement, Commercial Services – Food and Workplace Safety, and Housing & Environmental Protection) ensuring statutory duties are discharged effectively, and residents and businesses receive consistent, high-quality services.
You'll hold professional and strategic accountability for the Council's regulatory and enforcement functions, acting as the Council’s senior professional lead and providing authoritative advice to elected members, senior leaders and managers. You’ll provide oversight and challenge on the most complex, sensitive and high-risk matters, while ensuring regulatory and enforcement activity remains consistent, proportionate and evidence-led.
As the Head of Service, you will lead a team of experienced service managers, setting clear objectives, developing professional capability and leading organisational change, service improvement and workforce development to meet current and future service requirements. You'll also act as the Council's lead officer for the Public Protection Partnership, managing our inter-authority agreement for Trading Standards services alongside West Berkshire and Bracknell Forest Councils, and representing the Council with the Joint Public Protection Committee.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a credible, politically aware regulatory professional who combines professional expertise with strategic perspective, sound judgement and a strong track record of leading people through change.
Staff Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Employee Networks
- And more!
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across Regulatory Services, setting a clear direction aligned with the Council’s priorities and delivering high-quality, resident-focused outcomes.
- Act as the Council’s senior professional lead for Regulatory Services, providing authoritative professional advice to elected Members, senior leaders and managers, and providing oversight and challenge on complex, sensitive and high-risk regulatory matters.
- Shape and deliver strategies, policies, operating models and service plans, ensuring specialist regulatory advice informs wider corporate and partnership priorities and anticipating changes in legislation, regulation and policy.
- Lead, develop and support multidisciplinary managers and professional specialists, building a resilient, accountable and inclusive service and leading service improvement and organisational change.
Candidate Requirements
- Substantial knowledge and understanding of regulatory services, with the professional breadth and credibility to provide authoritative advice across a diverse regulatory portfolio.
- Significant senior management experience of strategic leadership and leading organisational and service change, including workforce change, recruitment and the development of effective and resilient teams.
- Strong strategic, analytical and decision-making skills and political awareness, with the ability to translate complex regulatory and operational issues into clear strategic advice and priorities.
- Experience across more than one regulatory discipline, such as environmental health, licensing, environmental crime or private sector housing.
- Experience of managing shared-service or inter-authority regulatory arrangements, including working with joint committees.
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Closing date: Sunday 6th December 2026 at 11pm. Interviews will take place between Monday 14th and Friday 18th December 2026.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Head of Regulatory Services employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Wokingham Borough Council is an exceptional employer for ASYE Social Workers, offering a supportive environment with a dedicated in-house ASYE Programme that fosters professional growth and confidence. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a free onsite gym, and a range of lifestyle discounts, all while working in a vibrant area known for its excellent transport links and community spirit. With a strong focus on peer support and development, Wokingham has successfully retained over 80% of its ASYE workforce, making it a fantastic place to start your social work career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Regulatory Services
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Wokingham Borough Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Wokingham Borough Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Regulatory Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Wokingham Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Wokingham Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Wokingham Borough Council.
