Interim Head of Homelessness & Allocations (South London)

Adecco; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks an Interim Head of Homelessness & Allocations in South London. This full-time role involves managing homelessness services, leading strategic initiatives, and ensuring compliance with housing legislation. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, budget management skills, and a commitment to customer service. Office attendance is required at least 3 days a week.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing homelessness and housing services.
• Proven record of leading teams and managing budgets.
• In-depth understanding of housing legislation and homelessness prevention.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of homelessness services in South London.
• Manage service budget and deliver effective housing solutions.
• Collaborate with other teams to achieve housing targets.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations for homeless households.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Team management

Customer service

Knowledge of housing legislation

Education

Relevant degree in management or public administration

Job description

Interim Head of Homelessness & Allocations (South London)

A fantastic opportunity has emerged for a Head of Homelessness and Allocations to join one of Adecco's leading Local Government clients in a temporary contract. This is a full time role (5 days each week, Monday to Friday) and interviews will take place in December 2025.

Our client is based in South London and office attendance is required for a minimum of 3 days each week. As a member of the extended management team, you will work collaboratively across the department and with other Heads of Service and directors to ensure the effective and efficient development and delivery of council services that support departmental and council objectives. You will undertake the role of being the strategic lead in the service area.

Reporting into the Director of Homelessness Prevention & Accommodation on a daily basis, you will be responsible for the professional lead for all aspects of homelessness and housing register assessments, rough sleeping and allocation of social housing which includes:

• Homelessness assessment (triage, prevention and relief service)
• Single Homeless Service
• Tackling rough sleeping
• Reviews
• Housing register assessment
• Allocation of social housing

You will be responsible for a service budget and will deliver services and the associated savings programme and transformation projects within that budget envelope. Other key elements of this role includep>

• Leading, managing and developing staff teams and ensuring compliance with the council's performance management system and all procedures.
• Being accountable for associated budget and have affordable plans in place to deliver the annual budget and Medium Term Financial Plan.
• Delivering a high quality new integrated housing service which is respectful and responsive to tenants and leaseholders, managing all residential lettings regardless of tenure and funding base (HRA or GF).
• Leading on temporary accommodation strategy, looking at ways to reduce TA and increase prevention. Oversee quality of TA/EA provision in conjunction with private sector housing team.
• Leading and working collaboratively with other council services, partners and residents on service development and improvements to ensure delivery of housing targets.
• Ensuring that the council meets its statutory obligations to homeless households, including prevention.
• Providing strategic direction to the planning and implementation of service delivery within a complex and high-risk service area.
• Leading on Rough Sleeping strategies and pathways to ensure statutory obligations are discharged.
• Leading all aspects of single homelessness work.
• Instilling a culture of customer service and "can-do" attitude across teams.
• Providing direction and management to Homelessness and Housing Register Teams, to plan, develop and deliver statutory duties in line with legislation, Council policy and priorities.

Our client is willing to consider applicants who are on notice periods of up to 4-6 weeks. Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria need apply.