Head of risk and assurance jobs in myatts field south, greater london

Job Role

Reports to: National Director 

Budget responsibility: Yes 

Line management: 3 direct reports (Community Outreach Coordinator,Empty Spaces to Homes Programme Manager, Head of Construction & Delivery). Manage the relationship with the Upcycling Programme consultant.  

Post: Permanent 

Location: Home-based with frequent travel and some overnight  stays to internal and external events and project sites across England, Wales and Scotland.  All staff meetings are held in our ReStore, Romford.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain 

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance. 

Job Purpose 

To support Habitat GB’s vision of a decent home for everyone, the organisation has recently completed a strategic review, resulting in a new National Strategy and an organisational restructure, to ensure the organisation is able to deliver the Strategy impactfully, efficiently and effectively. 

As a result, a new team has been formed, which will focus on developing and delivering high quality programmes in England, Wales and Scotland. The Director of Programme Delivery will be accountable for consolidating and supporting the new team to flourish. And for co-leading (with the Director of Retail) the development and performance of one out of two Strategic Goals, to: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

Key responsibilities include the design, delivery and performance of Habitat GB’s domestic programmes and to support the effectiveness of a joined-up UK housing advocacy strategy. The Director of Programme Delivery will also act as an external representation on behalf of Habitat GB, working with the National Director, Housing Advocacy Manager and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. The role will also work collaboratively across Habitat GB and the Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) network, including working with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Programme Delivery works to ensure the impact, sustainability, diligence and productivity of the organisation, including engaging in organisational transformation, within the framework of a values-led approach to people and culture approach. 

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities: 

Strategic development and programme delivery: 

• Accountable for co-leadership (with the Director of Retail) of the strategic leadership, development and performance of Habitat GB’s Strategic Goal: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

• Responsible for overseeing and ensuring the high-quality design, delivery and performance monitoring of programmes under this strategic goal, including Habitat GB’s flagship Empty Spaces to Homes programme which aims to provide solutions to Great Britain’s critical affordable housing need through the conversion of empty commercial and retail properties into homes and through researching, advocating and collaborating in coalition with others to foster a wider uptake of the Empty Spaces to Homes approach. 

• Working in collaboration with other teams, responsible for the delivery and performance of other GB-based programmes and the development of new strategic initiatives. 

• Source and manage contractors/consultants to work on individual projects in line with our procurement and finance policies. Be responsible for effective contract management including quality assurance of their work and ensuring value for money. Proactively work with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the organisation prioritises and delivers successfully across the 5 Strategic Enablers, including: taking proactive leadership to deliver high quality programmes and projects; increasing capacity and capability for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; technical and thought leadership; increasing visibility and leadership of our mission in GB; ensuring we are a thriving organisation; and championing One Habitat approaches. 

• Maintain awareness of the relevant trends to inform organisational and team strategic planning. Create and maintain a learning culture which identifies opportunities to innovate and adapt. 

• Engage with HFHI and the wider sector to inspire, innovate and influence the development of Habitat GB partnerships and programmes. 

• Ensure programmes are accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to provide the best possible support to target communities. 

External representation and strategic partnerships development: 

• Represent Habitat GB in Great Britain and, where required, internationally. Work closely with the National Director and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. 

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support or lead high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

• Work closely with other teams to ensure the development of high-quality proposals, propositions and reports which leverage opportunities across institutional and non- institutional prospects and contribute to our credibility as a trusted and impactful organisation. 

• Be proactive in responding to external challenges as well as opportunities to raise the profile and impact of Habitat GB. 

• Ensure the organisation, its mission, strategic aims, services and products are consistently presented positively to relevant stakeholders. Act as an advocate for the organisation. Promote and enhance the charity’s position externally and develop and maintain good relations and effective networks with relevant stakeholders 

Performance management, reporting and monitoring: 

• Set quality standards and meaningful KPIs to encourage ownership and accountability with direct reports, team, and contractors and effectively monitor progress towards agreed targets. 

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to oversee the active management of the National Strategy through the co-development of a new Performance Framework for the organisation, ensuring it is robust, strategically aligned, and balances prioritisation and focus with innovation and adaptability. Represent relevant areas of performance in governance forums, including Board level. 

• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance to track performance, and contribute to high quality reporting, income forecasting and budget management. 

Leadership and management: 

• Lead a high performing and ambitious team, inspired to implement and grow the strategy and with a core focus on positive impact for Habitat GB’s community and strategic partners. 

• Develop, lead and focus the Programme Delivery Team, its budget, activities and performance, to ensure the delivery against funding and impact targets. 

• Manage, motivate and develop team members. Ensure regular 1-2-1s are held, set individual objectives, encourage a culture of giving and receiving feedback, where kindness and ambition support the progression of people and plans. 

• Role model our values in line with Habitat GB’s inclusive approach to people and culture. 

Organisational Leadership: 

• Support the National Director in delivering Habitat GB’s strategy and vision, acting as a collaborative and supportive member of a shared leadership team. 

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide oversight of organisational priorities, productivity, performance, risk and due diligence. 

• Be an active leader across the organisation, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to organisational wide initiatives and opportunities. 

• Co-create ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing organisational team. 

• Deputise for the National Director when required and represent Habitat GB in external meetings and forums. 

Person profile: 

• Expert knowledge of programme and project design, delivery and monitoring. It would be helpful (but not essential) if this was in a thematic area related to Habitat GB’s vision and mission of ‘working in partnership to create housing solutions, and break down the barriers to decent, safe and affordable homes for all - in Great Britain and around the world’. 

• Proven track record of developing and leading innovative programme or project delivery strategies, community-development or partnership strategies which deliver ambitious targets. 

• Experience of working in a similar organisation, collaborating across teams and operating in a highly effective way across a diverse, networked structure. 

• Significant and successful experience in senior management roles, encompassing strategic management and team leadership. 

• Strong understanding and experience of complex organisational change projects, including the ability to support new teams to develop and thrive. 

• Strong budget and financial management skills. 

Skills and competencies: 

• You have excellent interpersonal, influencing and networking skills and can communicate with impact across diverse audiences. 

• You are a strategic, analytical and entrepreneurial thinker who is focussed on increasing impact in line with Habitat GB’s mission and a clear vision for how strategy translates into delivery 

• You are resilient, able to lead positively in a role which carries significant responsibility and requires you to prioritise effectively across multiple areas of work, problem solve and demonstrate strong organisational and planning skills. 

• You are a values-led leader, who demonstrates integrity, respect for others and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Strong leadership skills and commitment to the highest levels of integrity, honesty, openness and good governance with the capacity to inspire and motivate others 

• You are an experienced manager, able to lead and inspire others, offering kind and constructive support to others enabling them to improve their impact and performance. 

• You are confident and able to work across different and competing priorities 

• Business planning acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Excellent negotiation skills. 

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects: 

• Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy. 

• A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach. 

• A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures. 

• If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack here.

  Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

  Start your Habitat journey here…

  We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat GB in return. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with Henrietta Blackmore (please see website>vacancies for this email address) before submitting an application.

  To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4) telling us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying.

  Send by email referencing the job title in the subject line to our recruitment email > website>vacancies

  The deadline for applications is Sunday 4th January 2026 (at 11:59 pm).

  Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

  At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

  We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role. 

We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services located at our Head Office in Islington .

£44,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

What you'll do:
Referral & Assessment Coordination
* Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
* Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
* Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
* Work with managers on person-centered assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management, and transition planning.
* Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
* Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
* Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
* Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
* Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of sector
* Ability to manage staff effectively

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
* Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
* Ability to write reports for the senior management team
* Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
* Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
* Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing
* Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health

Desirable:
* Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
* Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice.
* Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description