Role Overview
The HoH will lead the strategic development, operational delivery and regulatory compliance of SWIM’s supported housing provision across London.
The role will manage and support a team of housing staff, overseeing housing operations, property compliance and tenancy management. The postholder will work closely with operational teams, landlords, commissioners and partner organisations to ensure safe and effective supported accommodation.
The HoH will play a central role in ensuring that SWIM’s housing services promote recovery, independence and long-term stability for residents, while maintaining compliance with housing legislation and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
The HoH will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership across SWIM’s supported housing services. The role ensures that housing provision is safe, compliant, sustainable and responsive to the needs of residents while supporting the organisation’s wider mission to promote stability, recovery and independence.
The HoH will lead housing operations, manage housing staff, oversee compliance and property management functions, and work closely with local authorities, housing providers and partner agencies to strengthen supported housing pathways across London.
Housing Regulatory Knowledge
The Head of Housing must demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing supported housing and landlord responsibilities in the UK. This includes a clear understanding of statutory compliance, tenant rights, housing safety obligations, and regulatory oversight. The postholder will ensure SWIM’s housing provision operates in line with national housing legislation, regulatory standards, and local authority requirements while maintaining safe, compliant and high-quality accommodation for residents.
This includes knowledge and practical application of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks including the Housing Act 1985, Housing Act 1988, Housing Act 1996, Housing Act 2004 - (together with associated tenancy management and landlord regulatory frameworks). Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) Consumer Standards, together with emerging reforms including the Renters Reform legislation, and its implications for supported housing providers, tenancy management, and landlord compliance obligations.
Qualifications and Professional Experience
The Head of Housing role requires significant housing sector experience combined with strong leadership capability and knowledge of housing legislation and compliance.
Essentials for the role
* Educated to degree level in housing, social policy, management or a related field, or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
* Minimum 5 years’ experience working within housing services, supported housing, or a closely related sector.
* At least 3 years’ experience in management or senior supervisory role within housing services or supported accommodation.
* Able to demonstrate experience of leading housing services, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing property and tenancy risk, and delivering service improvements within supported housing or social housing environments.
* Strong knowledge of UK housing legislation and landlord compliance frameworks relevant to supported housing provision, as well as understanding of statutory and regulatory frameworks governing housing services and landlord responsibilities.
* Experience and understanding of working with local and regional bodies within the housing sector, including housing providers, local councillors and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
* Experience managing housing services supporting individuals with complex needs, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, offending histories or housing instability.
Desirables for the role
* Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Level 4 or above, or equivalent housing qualification.
* Management or leadership qualification.
* Experience working within Housing First or supported housing programmes.
* Experience working with criminal justice or rehabilitation services.
Why Join SWIM
SWIM is a mission‑driven organisation committed to improving the lives of individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage. Our work focuses on supporting people to rebuild stability through culturally competent services that address housing, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Joining SWIM offers the opportunity to shape and expand supported housing provision across London, working alongside a committed team delivering services that make a genuine difference to communities who often face barriers to accessing support.
The Head of Housing will play a key role in strengthening SWIM’s housing provision and ensuring that residents receive safe accommodation and the support needed to move forward with confidence and independence.
Personal Attributes
This role requires a hands‑on, proactive and values‑driven individual who can operate confidently in complex environments while maintaining SWIM’s commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and community impact, including:
* The ability to build robust and professional relationships with partners and stakeholders.
* Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
* The ability to work across multiple operational sites across London.
* A proactive and solution‑focused approach to housing challenges.
Other Requirements
The role requires flexibility and the ability to work across SWIM sites as housing provision expands.
* Ability to travel across London and work from multiple SWIM locations.
* Flexibility to respond to operational requirements where needed.
* Enhanced DBS clearance.
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