The Role

Are you an experienced local government professional seeking your next challenge? This is a great opportunity to work for an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of over half a million Londoners. We’re looking for a dynamic and positive individual to take the strategic lead on tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), protecting individuals from the risk of radicalisation, countering extremism and hate crime and improving the safety and cohesion of our communities. Essentially this strategic role is about safeguarding vulnerable people - in a range of circumstances.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate for this high profile role.  Applicants should be politically astute and possess a strong understanding of the strategic landscape relating to Community Safety, in particular our links with safeguarding. You will need to have excellent communication and influencing skills (both orally and in writing) and experience of managing staff and budgets.

The newly expanded Community Safety Service work to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour through community collaboration, neighbourhood problem solving and multi-agency working. Specific areas covered by the team include reducing Violence against Women and Girls, tackling Hate Crime, reducing knife crime and violence, managing adult offenders, countering extremism and preventing radicalisation. We are a supportive, friendly and busy team covering a diverse range of policy areas and fulfilling a crucial role in both Wandsworth and Richmond.

Your primary role will be to act as the strategic lead for all of our work relating to safeguarding vulnerable people. You will deputise along with the Neighbourhoods and Criminal Justice Manager for the Head of Community Safety, confidently taking decisions and liaising with elected members. You will oversee the work of the VAWG Manager, Prevent Coordinator and Community Coordinator in reducing risk and harm to our communities. You will act as the lead strategic advisor for the Councils and Community Safety Partnerships on Violence Against Women and Girls, hate crime, Prevent and counter extremism as well as leading on the commissioning, contract management and performance management of services in these areas. You will also support the Service response to critical incidents.

You should have substantial experience of working with local communities, statutory and voluntary sector organisations as well as partnership working. Experience of managing staff is also required.

If you think you have the necessary drive, skills and experience to succeed in this role and to make a positive contribution to the delivery of our dynamic service and safety of our communities then we would like to hear from you.

For an informal discussion please contact Robyn Thomas, Head of Community Safety on 0208 871 6588.

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance. The standard working week for this job is a 36 hour working week (Full Time) but we are open to discussing alternative working patterns. We can also offer the chance to work from home and a generous holiday allowance, 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities are also offered.

Richmond and Wandsworth are currently reviewing our pay, reward and benefits framework, in partnership with Trade Union colleagues. We are developing different options that make sure we have a fair and transparent system in place.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: Friday 5th April 2019

Shortlisting Date: Friday 12^th April 2019

Interview Date: w/c 15^th April 2019

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils