Croydon is one of London’s largest and most diverse boroughs, with a strong sense of identity, ambitious communities and a huge amount of creative energy. The Council is working in a demanding context, with real financial constraints and the need to keep rebuilding trust through better day-to-day delivery. At the same time, Croydon’s renewal depends on being a place where people feel safe, connected and proud of their neighbourhoods — and where culture is part of how we support wellbeing, opportunity and belonging.
We are seeking a Director of Culture & Community Safety to lead a portfolio that sits at the intersection of safety, community confidence and Croydon’s cultural life. Reporting to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, you will work as part of the Council’s senior leadership to deliver the Mayor’s Business Plan and Croydon’s wider improvement and renewal priorities, with a clear focus on sound financial management, transparency and meaningful engagement with residents.
This is a broad and influential role. You will lead the Council’s approach to community safety and violence reduction on behalf of the Safer Croydon Partnership, overseeing services that are central to public confidence, including community safety, CCTV, anti-social behaviour, PREVENT and the use of insight and data to target interventions and reduce harm. You will also lead the Council’s resilience and emergency planning arrangements, ensuring Croydon is prepared to respond effectively to major incidents.
Alongside safety and resilience, you will shape Croydon’s cultural and community offer. You will oversee library and leisure services, the Museum of Croydon and archives, and the borough’s music and arts service, helping to ensure they remain relevant, accessible and financially sustainable. You will act as the Council’s client for Fairfield Halls and work with partners including Arts Council England, local cultural organisations and funders to strengthen Croydon’s cultural ecosystem and support inclusive growth.
We are looking for a senior leader with a strong track record in partnership working, service leadership and community-focused delivery, with the credibility to influence across a complex system and the judgement to balance competing priorities. You will bring a clear commitment to equality, ethical leadership and resident voice, and you will lead in a way that builds confidence in teams, partners and communities.
For more information please contact our search partners, Ben Parsonage (ben.parsonage@gatenbysanderson) or Louise Bickley (louise.bickley@gatenbysanderson.com) for a confidential conversation.
Closing date: Sunday 8st February 2026