Service Director - Strategic Housing, Property and Safer Communities
Salary: £104,810
Location: Doncaster/hybrid
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in this role.
We are looking for a strategic and resilient leader to become our next Service Director of Strategic Housing, Property and Safer Communities here in the City of Doncaster Council. This is an exciting new role which will play a major part in the Council’s leadership team as well as contributing to the prosperity and growth of Doncaster as a key economic hub in the Yorkshire region.
This role will appeal to an inspirational leader who can lead by example, providing robust, visible and inspiring leadership, whilst taking personal responsibility on all aspects of the Council’s services to the residents, businesses and visitors of Doncaster, and empowering others to do the same.
As this is a new and emerging role, it provides a unique opportunity for a strategic leader to help shape the vision and structure of things to come. With strong operational skills, you will be a highly credible expert in the housing sector – here at Doncaster we have an innovative approach to our housing solutions, but we are always open to fresh thinking and new ideas to help strengthen the service. The role will assume responsibility for the client management of St Leger Homes Doncaster, our ALMO, so we are looking for somebody who can demonstrate strong experience of the client management of an ALMO, as well as the ability to work with St Leger Homes to prepare for future interaction with the social housing regulator. It will also be important to have a thorough understanding of homelessness prevention, which of course goes hand in hand with housing issues.
The role will also involve working collaboratively with neighbourhoods and wider agencies to oversee strong community development and safety - so you will be adept at engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to bring about a collective, three dimensional solution. Ideally you will be able to demonstrate a good track record of effective partnership working to bring about improvements to challenging neighbourhoods, creating healthier and safer spaces to live and work.
Doncaster is an ambitious borough, with a strong sense of community and support and a history of working well in partnership with others.
We are also a strong performing authority, our resources and finances are well managed and you will be welcomed by an experienced and hard-working leadership team who want to do their very best for the region. We are authentic and determined, willing to tackle difficult issues where necessary, whilst retaining a sense of clarity, purpose and good humour.
In short, we need somebody who is not afraid to roll their sleeves up and help us continue to make Doncaster a great place to learn, work and live. We are looking for a leader who can:
- Provide the strategic focus that enables the Council to deliver its objectives at the same time as working closely with the Mayor, the members and other key stakeholders
- Ensure an integrated and strategic approach to meeting the needs of the area especially with regards to housing and homelessness
- Deliver high quality services which deliver successful results
- Create collaborative and strong relationships with partner organisations, residents, communities and businesses, to help achieve shared ambitions for the region
- Create a climate that enables your team to thrive with a view to achieving excellence through a positive and enabling culture
- Be solution focused and manage resources effectively
- Ensure high standards, best practice and business improvement
- Provide a sustainable future for Doncaster
To be successful in this role you will be at ease operating at both strategic and operational level displaying adaptive leadership, have the vigour required to deliver public facing services whilst having the commercial acumen and diplomacy to lead strategically. You will galvanise your teams with a relentless focus on delivering customer focussed solutions, being the best they can be, delivering the best Doncaster.
If you are interested in joining our team and are inspired to lead the next phase of our journey, we look forward to your application. In the meantime, following an initial conversation with our recruitment partners I would be delighted to discuss this opportunity with those who might wish to learn a little more before about the role.
Dan Swaine
Executive Director Place
About the role
Role: Service Director - Strategic Housing, Property and Safer Communities
Salary: £104,810
Location: Doncaster/hybrid
We are looking for an ambitious and energetic leader who will take the lead role for Strategic Housing, Property and Safer Communities. This role provides systems leadership, co-ordination and coherence of the portfolio’s agendas within the directorate and across Team Doncaster. As a key member of the Directorate Leadership Team, the role supports the Executive Director in the development, delivery and implementation of the Directorate’s priorities.
Your particular responsibilities will include:
- Develop key partnerships with local, regional and national organisations and networks that will enhance the ability of the assigned service areas and ensure Doncaster is at the forefront of decision making at all levels.
- Specifically develop area-based locality working in partnership, both internally and externally and lead Doncaster-wide change in line with the Community Prevention model.
- Lead the development of effective evidenced based, deliverable housing policies and strategies and implement an effective model that delivers housing that meets the needs of different communities and residents across Doncaster.
- Perform an effective client/partnership management role with St Leger Homes Doncaster and ensure we understand and respond innovatively to housing needs across the City.
- Strategic responsibility for the delivery and management of Council property functions: Assets, Facilities Management, Public Building Maintenance, Design and Planned Maintenance, Stores including all aspects related to legislation and associated regulations.
- Strategic responsibility for the Council’s commercial portfolio and the Strategic Asset Management plan; contributing to the Borough Strategy and Council’s vision for the future of the City and the achievement of associated financial targets.
- Lead on the improvement of community safety within a locality area based model. Develop strategies to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and the root causes, maximising the satisfaction of Doncaster people, supporting and working with them to be safe, well and independent in their communities.
- Lead operational partnership and the joint co-ordination of resource and activities to target priority areas and neighbourhood issues.
More information about the role can be found in Job Description Strategic Housing Property and Safer Communities (doc.) [79KB]
About Doncaster Council
We are a bold, forward thinking Council delivering high quality services, urban regeneration, economic growth and we want to ensure that Doncaster and it's people thrive. Working for the City of Doncaster Council enables you to make a difference and improve the lives of our residents.
Our employees are our most valuable asset and we offer a wide range of staff benefits which aim to make us an employer of choice.
We value work-life balance, offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and a supportive team atmosphere. Additionally, we invest in our employees’ growth through training and development programmes and provide a comprehensive well-being offer.
We are proud of our positive work culture and workplace environment which attracts and retains employees.
In short we offer:
- Work-life balance including flexible and hybrid working
- Generous Annual Leave
- Learning and Development
- Employee Special Offers and Benefits including a generous pension scheme and Private Healthcare
See full details of our Benefits and Rewards here Working for Doncaster Council - City of Doncaster Council
About Team Doncaster
With a population of about 308,000, Doncaster is the largest metropolitan borough in the UK by area, forming part of the Sheffield City Region. It forms a major economic hub for the Yorkshire region and is the gateway to the North. Doncaster is part of a broader, regional economic and political environment which provides opportunities for collaboration and investment and is one of four core Local Authorities that comprise the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, alongside Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Read more about Doncaster below. You can also visit www.visitdoncaster.com and Business Doncaster: The place to do Business for more information.
Doncaster is an ambitious city, named as one of Europe's best places for investment in the FDI European Cities and Region of the future. Our vision is to be a thriving place to learn, work, live and care. We have ambitious plans for future investments in the city as well as an impressive track record for attracting and delivering major investment projects.
Business Doncaster
Business Doncaster works closely with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Doncaster Chamber and other stakeholders to promote and attract new investment; generate growth for existing businesses and inspire further investment in the borough. Key projects include Gateway East, Unity Yorkshire , Doncaster North ( Thorne), and iPort Doncaster.
The Economy
Doncaster has a local economy worth £5.2 billion which supports around 9,670 businesses.
Doncaster is the location of choice for businesses including Amazon, The Range, Polypipe, Pegler, Donasonic, Ardagh Glass, Wavin and Bridon Bekaert. Average salaries in Doncaster compare favourably with the Yorkshire and the Humber and the rest of the UK and the Doncaster economy has made real improvements in recent years and it has seen some of the strongest growth across the Yorkshire and Humber region over the last two decades.
Before the pandemic industries such as engineering and advanced materials were thriving, and employment was at record levels. Since the pandemic, the Doncaster economy and local places have been in recovery and in line with many cities across the UK, it entered a cost-of-living crisis which has put pressure on both residents and businesses alike, so against this backdrop there is a mandate to continue to build an economy that is renowned as being the best place to do business and create good jobs.
Doncaster can provide a central, accessible location with great connectivity; a nationally important logistics and distribution hub; a growing visitor economy ; thriving market towns and villages; re-development opportunities in and around Doncaster; potential to capitalise on the green sector especially using the historic environment to create distinctive, attractive places; and Doncaster town centre itself is a relatively strong retail destination.
The Future
Whilst the wider economic outlook points to some challenging years ahead, with difficult decisions for organisations, businesses and residents alike, backing down from the challenges is not the Doncaster way. The borough will look to measure success through the wellbeing of its’ people, its’ places and the planet.
There are big opportunities, including the commitment to reach net zero by 2040 and to cut 85% of the borough’s emissions by the end of the decade. There is an ambition to develop Talent through a Talent and Innovation Ecosystem and to place an even sharper emphasis on fairness and inclusion.
As a result of extensive consultation five Mission Priorities have emerged which outline how businesses and the economy will thrive, relying on a Team Doncaster approach that brings the borough together to help Doncaster reach its’ potential:
- Industry Platforms
- Employment Opportunities for All
- Physical and Digital Connectivity
- Vibrant Places
- Green Economy
Doncaster is not what you might think. It dates from Roman times and has a centuries old history and heritage – offering a many outdoor, green spaces, and charming market towns and villages within only a few miles of the urban landscape.
It can offer low living and housing costs, easy commutes, access to many other vibrant cities as well as to the great outdoors.
There are countless ways in which to spend your free time – ranging from the arts, outdoor pursuits, or simply indulging in some retail therapy with outstanding places to enjoy good food and drink. The Civic and Cultural Quarter is being transformed into a hub for visitors looking for culture, cuisine and relaxation, and restoration of the 1930’s St James’ Baths is underway – this will create a a new pool, spa and leisure complex.
The Corn Exchange has just undergone extensive refurbishment and The Dome , Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Askern Music Festival will each play host to a selection of artists, events and exhibitions right throughout the year.
Here are just some of the other things you may not know about Doncaster…………..
Leisure and Sport
Doncaster will be the host city for UK Pride 2024 and this will be a momentous event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, where the town will be extending a warm welcome to everybody. Doncaster Racecourse hosts the annual St Leger Festival and this year their Majesties the King and Queen joined to watch the world’s oldest Classic horse race. Doncaster caters for all sports including football and rugby, and there are over a dozen first rate golf courses in and around the area.
All types of outdoor pursuits are really well catered with many areas to explore including Potteric Carr, Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve, Sandall Beat Wood, Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve, Denaby Ings Nature Reserve, and Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve.
Museums, Art Galleries and Landmarks
One of Doncaster’s newest museums is the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum ( DGLAM ) in the Civic and Cultural Quarter, which also hosts the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) Regimental Museum and the Rail Heritage centre. The spacious art gallery houses artworks that showcase Doncaster’s heritage, from railways to horse racing. The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum at Lakeside is also a great day out, and in tribute to Doncaster’s industrial past there is the Conisbrough Viaduct, which provided a vital industrial corridor for the transport of coal and goods for over 50 years. Going even further back in history, the ruins of the Conisbrough Castle date back to the Norman conquest and is open all year round.
Shopping
Doncaster plays host to a number of markets and The International Food Hall is home to a selection of butchers, cheese and olive stalls, delis and cafés. Doncaster outdoor market is one of the best in the north of England, selling everything from flowers and fresh fruit to clothing and footwear and Mexborough also has a large indoor and outdoor market with a wide variety of fresh produce, clothing, home accessories and gifts.
Other types of retail therapy are on offer at Frenchgate which is an indoor shopping centre , Lakeside Village and the Wheatley Centre Shopping Park.
Housing
The housing sector in Doncaster is flourishing. 4,600 new homes are planned to be built over the next five years: an investment of £350 million. This brings opportunities for both commercial house builders and home buyers alike. If you are looking to buy a new home, there’s lots to choose from. House prices in the area represent excellent value for money and deliver a great return on investment. The average property price in Doncaster is currently around £170k. South Doncaster is one of Doncaster's most popular residential areas and is good for families, with some really pretty villages. Sought after villages include Bawtry, Tickhill, Edenthorpe and Hatfield.
Connectivity
Being centrally located, Doncaster has excellent transport links – it is at the heart of the UK’s motorway network with easy access to the M18, M1, A1(M), M62 & the M180. Doncaster also benefits from superb rail links and is situated on the East Coast Mainline.
Education is a priority and Doncaster offers a great choice of schools and colleges – ranging from nursery to primary and secondary schools - there are over 38 secondary schools with over half of them attaining outstanding scores from Ofsted.
Vocational skills and qualifications are widely available at the schools and FE colleges, creating a ready pipeline of apprentices and qualified workers with the necessary theoretical and practical skills to help local businesses to grow and thrive.
Doncaster College and University Centre has some of the best higher and further educational facilities in the UK . This modern campus is in a central location, and many of the courses allow students to gain direct experience working on placement with local businesses.
Key Documents
-
- Job Description Strategic Housing Property and Safer Communities (doc.) [79 KB]
- Leadership Role Profile (doc.) [62 KB]
- Structure Chart - Doncaster Council (doc.) [50 KB]
- Working for Doncaster Council - City of Doncaster Council
- Leger Homes | St.Leger Homes | Home (stlegerhomes.co.uk)
- 2024 2025 Corporate Plan (pdf.) [2 MB]
- Doncaster Delivering Together - Team Doncaster
- Doncaster Economic Strategy 2030
- Local Plan - City of Doncaster Council
- Neighbourhood plans - City of Doncaster Council
- Doncaster Housing Need Study 2019 - City of Doncaster Council
- Doncaster Housing Strategy Update 2020 to 2025 (pdf.) [2MB]
- Executive Summary - Doncaster Housing Strategy Update 2020 to 2025 (pdf.) [309KB]
Contact Us And Apply Now
For an informal confidential discussion about these opportunities, please contact either Penny Keatings on Penny.Keatings@northyorks.gov.uk / 07811 411462 or Sarah Hunter on Sarah.Hunter@northyorks.gov.uk / 07816 251271.
Apply
To apply please send your CV including a personal statement in one Microsoft Word document to Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk
It is important that your written application fully addresses the experience criteria as detailed in the person specification. You should include contact details for at least two referees, one of whom must be your current / most recent employer/engager. If you specifically do not wish referees to be approached without your permission, please indicate this.
We will not accept applications from agencies.
This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Key Dates
Closing date: Midnight Monday 23 September
Shortlisting date: Wednesday 25 September
Technical interview/ One to one: Tuesday 1 October (virtual)
Please note, an Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) & an Executive Scenarios assessment will be issued to shortlisted candidates following the outcome of the one to one session.
Stakeholder Panel Interview – Thursday 10 October (virtual)
Final panel Interview – Thursday 24 October (in person at the offices of Doncaster Council)
Your privacy: Doncaster Council is committed to protecting your privacy when you use our services. Please refer to our Privacy Statement which explains how we use information about you and how we protect your privacy.
DONCASTER, 2024
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