DENS - Helping Rebuild Lives
Head of Communities and Prevention Services
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Head of Communities and Prevention Services
Job title: Head of Community and Prevention Services
Salary: £55,000 FTE
Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours
Contract Type: Permanent
Start date: ASAP
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Line Reports: x2 -3 (tbc)
Place of work: DENS locations in Hemel Hempstead/Some home working will be possible.
Overall Job Purpose:
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be instrumental in developing and driving forward DENS community and prevention services, during an exciting period for the charity, as we move into the new DENS Centre and relocate our Foodbank. As an ambassador both internally and externally, you will work collaboratively with the CEO and the wider leadership team to deliver DENS strategy and role model organisational values. With a focus on building and maintaining a strong network of external relationships, you will identify opportunities for growth and partnership working. You will be responsible for a diverse range of services in the community.
About You
You are a strategic and visionary leader with a solid background in the homelessness sector, a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the client community, and a firm grasp of safeguarding principles. With proven line management experience, you know how to motivate teams, coach peers, and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture. You excel at building strong external partnerships with local government and funders, using your exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to influence, negotiate, and champion DENS’s strategy. Highly organised and proactive, you bring strong project delivery skills to drive service innovation, such as leading the long-term development of the new DENS Centre, while remaining deeply committed to equity, diversity, and DENS’s mission to help rebuild lives.
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How to apply
Read the full Job Description & Personal Specification found on our website Dens.org.uk. If you match our criteria:
- Fill in the DENS Application Form including your Supporting Statement.
- Submit your application to HR@dens.org.uk
- Closing date for receipt of applications is 9am 11th August 2026
- We may interview, and offer the role to a suitable candidate before the deadline
We will not accept a general CV for this role
For an informal chat, please email ceo@dens.org.uk and a time will be arranged. Please advise us should you require adjustments to be made for you at interview. To find out more about DENS visit www.dens.org.uk
Extra info re benefits……
Why join DENS?
You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly, and dedicated team of fundraisers who foster a collaborative "One Team, One Goal" culture. We value and celebrate every member's contribution, ensuring you thrive in our positive working environment. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, along with ongoing training and development to enhance your skills. Your fundraising efforts will directly contribute to creating positive change and making a lasting impact in our community.
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Benefits include:
- 25 days or equivalent annual leave, excluding Bank and Public Holidays
- One additional day of annual leave after each 5 years’ service, up to 3 days.
- Flexible working environment
- Medicash plan, including Virtual GP, some dental and optical cover
- Employee assistance programme – 24/7 mental health support helpline
- Blue Light Card discounts
- Professional development and training, including on-going access to e-learning platform
- Staff Networks, Wellbeing Days and whole team events
- One day to volunteer for DENS or another organisation
- NEST pension scheme
About DENS
Our aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives, secure and maintain a long-term housing option and be an active member of their community. We ensure individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to emergency food and provisions. We provide a range of services so that people can develop the resilience, skills, and confidence to take the next step in their lives.
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