Senior Community Safety Officer

Folkestone & Hythe District Council; Folkestone; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a Senior Community Safety Officer to lead the Community Safety Partnership Plan and address key issues like anti-social behavior and safeguarding. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience and be able to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. This position offers flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and a strong focus on community wellbeing. You will also play a crucial role in project management and leadership within the team.

Benefits

Flexible Working

Generous Leave

Pension Scheme

Health & Wellbeing Initiatives

Additional Perks

Qualifications

• Experience in community safety, enforcement, or public service.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Ability to work in a political environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Community Safety Partnership Plan.
• Coordinate the Community Safety Unit and partnership forums.
• Develop and implement community safety strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Partnership Working

Data Analysis

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for community wellbeing and safety? Do you thrive in a leadership role that blends partnership working, enforcement, and safeguarding? If so, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role in our Community Safety team.

About the Role

As the Senior Community Safety Officer, you'll lead the delivery of the district's Community Safety Partnership Plan, working with statutory agencies, voluntary groups, and residents to tackle key issues such as:

• Anti‑social behaviour and prolific offending
• Domestic abuse, modern day slavery, radicalisation (PREVENT), and cuckooing
• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals
• Community engagement and resilience building

You'll manage projects, budgets, and staff, while driving innovation and continuous improvement across the service. This is a high‑impact role with strategic and operational responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Community Safety Unit (CSU) and partnership forums
• Chair key panels (e.g. Case Reviews, and Community Safety Executive Panel) and attend strategic meetings
• Develop and implement community safety strategies, action plans, and assessments
• Manage grant funding and identify new funding opportunities
• Deliver enforcement actions including FPNs, CPNs, Closure Orders, and prosecutions and attend Court where required
• Support safeguarding duties
• Lead on arts, sports, and cultural initiatives that enhance community wellbeing
• Build strong partnerships including Kent Police, KCC, & voluntary sector groups

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a dynamic and experienced professional with:

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience in community safety, enforcement, or public service
• In-depth knowledge of legislation including the Counter Terrorism and Security Act, ASB Act, and Crime and Disorder Act
• Experience in partnership working, enforcement, and community engagement
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
• Ability to work in a political environment and manage sensitive issues
• Write detailed reports and present them to Members, Senior Management and the Leadership Team, analyse data and consider reactive supportive measures, identify trends or changes and feed back to management and partner agencies
• Strong managerial behaviours and competencies, focusing on the skills and capabilities needed for effective management

Why Join Us

Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit. Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a focus on wellbeing and staff development. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working: Embrace a culture that supports agile and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous Leave: Enjoy up to 31 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a flexi‑time scheme, birthday leave, and Christmas office closure.
• Pension Scheme: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family‑Friendly Initiatives: Benefit from a range of family‑friendly policies and support.
• Health & Wellbeing: Participate in health and wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Additional Perks: Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions, salary sacrifice schemes, corporate membership discounts, and free office parking.

Whilst we have a hybrid working approach, as the Senior Community Safety Officer you will be providing a frontline service, with an expectation that you will work from the Civic Centre in Folkestone throughout the week, with the occasional opportunity to work from home and attend meetings outside of normal office hours.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Manager, Karen Weller on 01303 853251.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 9am on 25th January 2026.

Interviews are due to be held on 9th February 2026.

How to Apply

Please apply online via the link provided below. Please note that we do not accept CVs without a fully completed application form.

Further information on this vacancy

• Senior Community Safety Specialist JDPS