Head of Housing Assessment & Support

Connected Local Government; Sutton; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Sutton is seeking a senior leader to transform their housing solutions. The role involves leading efforts in homelessness strategy and partnership working to deliver affordable homes. Candidates should possess substantial experience in homelessness law, strategic leadership skills, and the ability to effectively manage risks. The government is committed to making a significant impact through innovative housing solutions and preventive measures.

Qualifications

• Experience in homelessness and resettlement law and practice.
• Track record of strategic leadership and partnership working.
• Ability to manage risk and complexity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end housing solutions journey.
• Own the homelessness strategy and legal compliance.
• Drive prevention strategies for families and care leavers.

Skills

Substantial experience in homelessness law

Strategic leadership

Risk management

Collaboration and partnership working

Political astuteness

Job description

Sutton is a borough defined by ambition, community and change.

We are proud of our strong local identity, vibrant neighbourhoods and commitment to delivering services that make a real difference. Sutton is one of London’s greenest and safest boroughs, with excellent schools, thriving businesses and a strong sense of community. It is a place where people want to live, work and invest, and where we are determined to ensure everyone has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.

Housing is central to that mission and we are now looking for four senior leaders to help us stabilise, modernise and transform. We have come through a major transition and are embedding the Sutton culture across teams who have previously worked under a different operating model. Our priorities are clear: providing safe, secure and affordable homes; reducing the use of temporary accommodation; strengthening systems and compliance; and working in partnership with Sutton Housing Partnership and other stakeholders to put residents first. If you want to lead change with purpose and pace, this is your moment.

This is a role that shapes lives. You will lead the end-to-end housing solutions journey from triage and Homelessness assessment to statutory reviews and resettlement support including Afghan and Ukraine schemes and asylum pathways. You’ll own our homelessness strategy, legal compliance and judicial reviews, and rebuild a joined‑up system with Children’s Services, Adult social care and the third sector.

You’ll lead cultural change, break down silos and embed Sutton values across a committed team. Your priorities include refreshing the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, driving prevention for families and care leavers, and using data to design new initiatives that reduce demand. You’ll also take responsibility for safeguarding, equality and risk management, and ensure robust business continuity planning for critical services.

We are proud of our commitment to prevention, but we know there is more to do. This role is central to delivering a system that works for residents and partners alike. We need a leader who can combine technical expertise with empathy and clarity and who can turn strategy into tangible outcomes.

About you

You’ll have substantial experience in homelessness and resettlement law and practice, a track record of strategic leadership and partnership working, and the ability to manage risk and complexity. You’ll be politically astute, collaborative and passionate about prevention. You’ll also be comfortable working in a political environment, advising elected members and representing the council externally.

We’re ambitious for our residents and for our services. We have a clear mandate for change, strong partnerships and leadership that backs delivery. If you share that ambition and if you’re ready to lead one of London’s most important housing transformations, we’d love to hear from you.

For further details, please contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson:

[e-mail] [e-mail]

Closing date: Sunday 1st February

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.