Head of Travel Assistance & Service Transformation

Connect2Luton; Luton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect2Luton is recruiting a Head of Service - Travel Assistance on behalf of Luton Borough Council. The role leads the Travel Assistance Service, delivering strategic leadership and governance across SEND travel, home-to-school and related transport.

You will oversee budgets, service transformation, commissioning and contract management, ensuring compliance and safeguarding while working with schools, providers and regional partners to improve outcomes for residents.

Qualifications

• Significant senior management experience leading complex public sector, statutory or regulated services.
• Proven experience of service transformation, organisational change and performance improvement.
• Experience advising senior leaders, elected members and governance boards.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Council's Travel Assistance Service.
• Lead the delivery of safe, compliant and cost-effective transport services for children, young people and adults.
• Oversee SEND transport, home-to-school transport, post-16 transport, children in care transport and commissioned adult social care transport.
• Manage significant budgets, financial forecasting, savings programmes and demand-led service pressures.
• Lead commissioning, procurement and contract management of external transport providers.
• Develop and implement service improvements that enhance outcomes, deliver value for money and support sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, safeguarding responsibilities, health and safety legislation and Council policies.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, colleges, transport providers, elected members and regional stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice and reports to senior leaders, Members, Executive Boards and Scrutiny Committees.

Skills

Senior leadership

Public sector experience

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Job description

Connect2Luton is recruiting a Head of Service - Travel Assistance on behalf of Luton Borough Council. The role leads the Travel Assistance Service, delivering strategic leadership and governance across SEND travel, home-to-school and related transport.

You will oversee budgets, service transformation, commissioning and contract management, ensuring compliance and safeguarding while working with schools, providers and regional partners to improve outcomes for residents.