Westminster City Council
Head of service - Temporary Accommodation
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Head of service - Temporary Accommodation
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
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Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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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.
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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.
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)
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
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