Head of Service – Solutions
Westminster Council
Salary up to £98,472
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.
THE ROLE
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.
INFORMATION
For further details, please click on the role profile and supporting information tab, or for more information please contact Sunita Patel (sunita.patel@starfishsearch.com / 07561 708023) or Tom Ripley (tom.ripley@starfishsearch.com / 07701 217520)
Role Profile Structure ChartTimeline
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Shortlisting: w/c 8th June 2026
Final and Stakeholder Panel Interviews: Between 15th – 26th June 2026
Useful Links
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
- A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
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