Head of Performance, Policy & Strategy

Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils; Worthing; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Worthing is seeking a Head of Performance, Policy & Strategy to drive change and enhance services for the community. The role requires a proven leader with experience in local authority settings, strategic planning, and collaboration. You will manage transformation initiatives and develop policies focusing on prevention and supporting vulnerable populations. The position offers generous benefits and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement: at least 26 days + Bank Holidays

Local Government Pension

Training & development

Occupational Health

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in shaping and delivering successful strategies and policies.
• Creativity, innovation, and effective change management skills.
• Proven track record of collaboration with partners and political members.

Responsibilities

• Drive transformation and performance of service plans.
• Lead the development of new strategies focusing on prevention.
• Engage stakeholders to deliver key results.

Skills

Leadership and change management

Collaborative working

Strategic planning

Political acumen

Education

Significant experience in local authority settings

Job description

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Head of Performance, Policy & Strategy, Worthing

Client:

Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils

Location:

Worthing, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

096f9b6db88e

Job Views:

5

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

Job Description:

Interviews: Beginning September 2025

Are you an inspirational leader with a proven track record of driving impactful change within a local authority setting? Do you thrive on tackling complex challenges and possess the energy and vision to shape critical services for our communities?

This is a newly created, senior leadership role, arriving at a pivotal moment for Adur & Worthing Councils. We're seeking a proactive and agile individual ready to make a tangible difference to the lives of our residents. You will play a crucial role in improving and shaping our services, working at pace as part of our dynamic leadership team.

We need a leader who can guide and empower teams through significant transformation. Your ability to collaborate effectively with service leaders and external partners will be essential in enhancing vital council services, especially supporting the most vulnerable. This role is also critical as we prepare for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and you will be instrumental in navigating this transition.

You will be adept at organising and driving complex strategy and policy challenges, embedding them across the organisation through active participation from all stakeholders, including partners and communities. With new government legislation on the horizon, your capacity to connect reforms, interpret their meaning, and communicate them effectively will be key. We value curiosity, creativity, and kindness. This role demands a blend of 'fixing the basics' whilst championing innovative solutions.

Reporting directly to the Director for Housing and Communities, this role sits within the Housing and Communities Directorate. It's about creatively solving problems and transforming our ways of working to manage and reduce cost and demand pressures, ultimately building greater resilience within our services. A strong focus on people—residents and teams—will underpin your efforts. You will lead key cross-directorate programmes, including the Housing Strategy, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, and the Adur Homes Improvement Plan. You will have the autonomy to develop and shape these reforms, ensuring alignment with our vision and emphasizing prevention and early intervention.

You will also champion our new operating model, which places digital and data at the core. You will embody our principles: Resilience, Adaptability, and Participation. We are committed to continuous learning and reflection. Your responsibilities include:

• Driving the transformation and performance of the Adur Homes Improvement Plan, in collaboration with the Regulator for Social Housing.
• Leading the development and delivery of the new Homelessness Strategy, focusing on prevention and outcomes.
• Enabling readiness around supported housing and private sector reforms.
• Producing strategy, performance, and policy briefings for senior management and partners.
• Convening stakeholders to deliver results.

About You:

We seek someone with significant experience in shaping and delivering successful strategies, policies, and performance frameworks. You will have a proven track record of creativity, innovation, and effective change management within a local authority. Strong political acumen and experience working collaboratively with partners and elected Members are essential. This role is broader than housing alone; it involves connecting strategic priorities to develop a focus on prevention and supporting vulnerable populations.

We encourage you to contact us for an informal conversation if you don't meet every criterion but believe you have the drive and capabilities to succeed.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference. We offer a supportive team and positive culture. The work is demanding but rewarding. We encourage you to apply.

We are committed to supporting care leavers under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and the Children and Social Work Act 2017. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for care leavers under 25. Please confirm in your cover letter if you are a care leaver.

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure a fair process for applicants declaring a disability who meet the essential criteria.

Our benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlement: at least 26 days + Bank Holidays
• Local Government Pension
• Training & development
• Occupational Health
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Employee resource groups/networks
• Buddy Support Programme
• Flexible working options

We promote diversity and inclusion, fostering a respectful and safe environment. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.