Job Title: Head of Housing Improvement and Strategy
Location: Swindon, SN1 2JG
Salary: £74.32 Per Hour
Contract Type: 4 Month Contract, with the possibility of an extension
Working Hours: 37 Hours Per Week, Mon - Fri
Job Purpose:
The Head of Housing Improvement and Strategy is a strategic leadership role responsible for transforming and delivering a high-performing housing service across Swindon Borough Council. You will drive improvements in customer experience, digital systems, data governance, and regulatory compliance, shaping the future of housing services for over 10,000 social homes in the borough.
As part of the Senior Housing Leadership Team, you will lead on strategic housing policy, customer experience, IT systems, data intelligence, and regulatory readiness—ensuring all services align with corporate objectives and the Swindon Plan.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Housing Policy
- Develop, implement and review the Housing Strategy and related policies.
- Ensure alignment with national legislation and Swindon’s corporate goals.
- Champion innovation and resident-focused service delivery.
Housing IT Systems & Data
- Lead the strategic development and operation of housing IT systems.
- Ensure systems are fit-for-purpose, secure, compliant, and support effective service delivery.
- Promote data-driven decision-making across housing functions.
Service Improvement
- Lead the design and delivery of transformation programmes and reviews.
- Address underperformance using benchmarking, tenant feedback, and service data.
- Drive service redesign based on Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) and other metrics.
Customer Experience & Complaints
- Manage the Housing Customer Experience team and oversee complaints handling.
- Use insight from complaints and tenant feedback to inform improvements.
- Work closely with the Corporate Complaints Officer to ensure consistency.
Data Governance
- Ensure data quality, protection, and governance across housing systems.
- Develop frameworks for accurate performance reporting and regulatory compliance.
- Matrix manage intelligence staff and act as the lead for GDPR compliance in housing.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing’s standards.
- Lead the delivery and reporting of TSMs and Consumer Standards.
- Prepare the service for inspections and maintain audit-readiness.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Management
- Build strategic partnerships with internal teams, suppliers, tenants, and councillors.
- Represent the council in regional housing forums and cross-borough initiatives.
Person Specification:Qualifications:
- Relevant housing or management qualification (CIH Level 5, degree-level or equivalent).
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Experience & Knowledge:
- Proven senior leadership in social housing or local government (essential).
- Understanding of housing regulation, safeguarding, and performance management.
- Experience of service improvement, digital transformation, and budget management.
- Familiarity with strategic partnerships, tenant engagement, and IT systems.
Skills & Competencies:
- Inspirational leadership and people management.
- Strong communication and influencing skills with stakeholders and elected members.
- Strategic, data-literate, and solution-focused mindset.
- High-level financial acumen and risk awareness.
- Proficient in leading cross-functional teams and projects.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: £74.32 per hour
Expected hours: 37 per week
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience in service improvement, digital transformation, and budget management?
Experience:
- Social Housing or Local Government: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Housing or Management Qualification (preferred)
- CIH Level 5 (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: OR8141
