Head of Community Safety and Prevention (1-year Fixed-Term)

London Gov; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Community Safety and Prevention to join its Violence Reduction Unit. This role is pivotal in implementing innovative strategies aimed at preventing violence through community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in public sector commissioning and budget management to oversee vital initiatives that prioritize the safety of young people and communities. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible impact and fostering a safer environment for all.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution

32.5 days annual leave

Interest-free season ticket loan

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in community safety and prevention strategies.
• Strong strategic ability to build relationships with public sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement complex policies and strategies for community safety.
• Manage partnerships and investment programs for prevention strategies.

Skills

Strategic Relationship Building

Community Safety Knowledge

Violence Reduction Strategies

Public Sector Commissioning

Budget Management

Education

Degree in Public Administration or Social Sciences

Job description

Head of Community Safety and Prevention (1-year Fixed-Term)

Key information

We believe violence is preventable, not inevitable.

Do you have a passion for supporting communities?

Are you experienced at bringing people together and developing relationships with others to help bring about change?

Are you passionate about making a difference and understand that young people, families and communities must be the forefront of solutions to tackle violence?

There is a rare and exciting opportunity for a Head of Community Safety and Prevention to join London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), on a 12-month secondment/fixed-term contract basis.

London’s VRU is focused on stopping violence before it happens through an approach that is rooted in prevention and early intervention. We are a voice and champion for young people, families and communities.

We use research, data and intelligence to better understand why violence occurs and we take action to prevent it now, and in the long-term.

We are a team of specialists who work in partnership with communities, councils, the NHS, public health, the police, schools, colleges, and charities to coordinate efforts and bring about change.

We are looking for an experienced local government Head of Service, coming from a Children’s and Young People or Community Safety Service background, who can lead and implement a wide range of complex policies, strategies, and investment across London. This includes managing a team delivering partnership approaches for keeping young people safe and wider community safety initiatives, as well as investment programmes for prevention strategies. The post holder will oversee the new Young Future Prevention Partnerships, the ongoing Serious Violence Duty for London, and all Home Office income, budget allocation, and governance.

The VRU is looking for someone who:

• Can demonstrate strong strategic ability to build relationships through working with public sector stakeholders.
• Has extensive knowledge and experience of responding to community safety challenges impacting young people in London, across local authority and policing partnerships.
• Has successfully implemented violence reduction and prevention strategies in a public sector environment.
• Has extensive experience of public sector commissioning and budget management.

Click here to learn more about the VRU, as told by our Young People’s Action Group.

You can also find out more about the VRU by visiting our website.

If you have questions about the role or the recruitment process, please contact a member of the HR team via email at [e-mail].

Applying for the Role

Candidates wishing to apply must upload their CV, complete their personal profile, and answer the supporting questions. Please ensure your answers clearly address the essential criteria and competency framework outlined in the attached job description.

Note that you will not be able to edit your application after submitting. We advise drafting your answers outside the portal.

MOPAC operates a blind recruitment process; please do not include identifiable information (such as your name, pronouns, or personal details) in your supporting answers or introductory statement.

We will not use CV information for shortlisting; candidates are assessed based on the application criteria.

In case of a large number of applications, shortlisting may be based on the lead question or the first supplementary question.

We also advise avoiding the use of ChatGPT for preparing answers.

If you need reasonable adjustments or assistance with your application, email [e-mail].

Political Restriction

Under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011), all MOPAC staff are politically restricted without exemption rights.

Security Vetting Clearance

Successful candidates will undergo security vetting, which may take around eight weeks. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and have resided in the UK continuously for at least three years.

Reward and Benefits

Includes a competitive salary, civil service pension with 28.97% employer contribution, 32.5 days’ annual leave, interest-free season ticket loan, and flexible working arrangements.

Location

We operate a hybrid working model with office hubs at Union Street (near London Bridge) and Newlands Park (postcode SE26). Staff typically work 1-2 days per week from an office, depending on role requirements.

Queries on Recruitment

Contact the HR team via email at [e-mail].

We are a disability-confident employer. We guarantee an interview to applicants declaring a disability who meet minimum job standards, as specified in the job description.

London’s diversity is its strength. We encourage applications from all backgrounds regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability.

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