We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join us as Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Culture, Rural and Safer Communities, you will provide strategic direction and leadership for our Regulatory Services and Community Safety teams which includes responsibility for the Safety of Sports Grounds and the Joint Coroner’s Service. You will be required to work effectively in partnership to influence others and will play a key role in shaping and delivering frontline services that keep people safe, protect vulnerable communities, and enable residents to thrive. You will be based in Stafford with the opportunity to work from home subject to business requirements. Main Responsibilities Our Trading Standards service has responsibility for the enforcement of regulation and legislation. The service supports businesses to grow by ensuring a sustainable trading environment through the provision of compliance advice whilst taking enforcement actions against doorstep criminals to keep people safe and protect vulnerable communities in Staffordshire from harm. Our Community Safety team collaborates with partners to ensure Staffordshire is a place where people can live safely and ensure that the County Council meets its statutory responsibilities. You will provide professional support for partnership activity and community safety governance groups including chairing Staffordshire’s Prevent Partnership Board and representing the County Council at the CONTEST Board. You will ensure effective commissioning arrangements for the service and will develop and deliver strategies, policies, and partnership plans to improve outcomes for Staffordshire residents by inspiring and leading high-performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and value for money. The Ideal Candidate You should hold a degree and postgraduate qualifications in at least one of the following: criminology, sociology, community justice, public services, law, business, consumer protection, or have extensive experience in Regulatory Services or Community Safety. An MBA or equivalent management qualification/experience is preferred. You should also be able to demonstrate: Significant senior leadership experience within a local authority. In-depth knowledge of Trading Standards, Regulatory Services legislation, and Community Safety legislation and activities. Excellent financial, analytical, leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and build effective partnerships with a high level of influencing, negotiating, and persuasive skills. Ability to think strategically with a creative and proactive approach to challenges, always operating with integrity and credibility. We’re happy to talk flexible working. If this sounds like a good match to your skills, we look forward to hearing from you. In return we can offer you an exciting and diverse role which is rewarded with a competitive salary and benefits package within the high performing and supportive Culture, Rural and Safer Communities team. We propose holding interviews during the week starting 26 January 2026. Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so for an informal chat about the role please contact Catherine Mann, Assistant Director for Culture, Rural and Safer Communities at: catherine.mann@staffordshire.gov.uk Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role. About Staffordshire County Council We are no ordinary county council: Our Values: The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy: We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too. Our benefits: We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire Our recruitment process: As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.