One of my local government clients is seeking an experienced Interim Housing Register, Allocations & Lettings Manager to support the effective delivery of their housing allocations, re-housing services, and housing register management. This role is crucial in ensuring compliance with statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 (Parts VI & VII) and in driving service transformation within a high-demand environment.
Key Responsibilities:
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Oversee the operational delivery of housing register and allocations services, ensuring timely, accurate casework and customer-focused service.
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Manage and improve void/re-let times, and work cross-functionally to reduce temporary accommodation use.
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Provide strategic input into the delivery of council-wide housing and homelessness strategies.
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Handle complex casework including homeless reviews, judicial reviews, MP enquiries, and Ombudsman cases.
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Support the management and delivery of internal performance targets, KPIs, and service level agreements (SLAs).
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Represent the service in panels, forums, and safeguarding partnerships (MAPPA, LSCB, Care Leavers Panels).
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Collaborate with Adult and Children’s Social Care services to ensure coordinated rehousing outcomes.
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Lead on improvement projects across the service area, using data analysis to drive service redesign.
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Deputise for senior management and contribute to strategic workforce and service planning initiatives.
Essential Skills & Experience:
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Significant experience in housing allocations, lettings, and homelessness services, including operational and strategic oversight.
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Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, homelessness legislation, housing allocations frameworks, and the Homelessness Reduction Act.
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Experience managing high-volume, complex casework with a strong focus on customer service and performance improvement.
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Familiarity with housing IT systems (e.g., Locata) and confident using data to monitor service outcomes.
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Skilled in project management, managing cross-service initiatives and working with multiple stakeholders.
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Able to lead multi-disciplinary teams or projects and deliver improvements in a politically sensitive environment.
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Comfortable dealing with complaints, judicial reviews, member enquiries, and safeguarding responsibilities.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
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Degree-level qualification in a related field or equivalent experience.
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Knowledge of Hillingdon’s housing strategy, safeguarding frameworks, and DWP/housing benefit policies.
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Positive, “can-do” attitude with a focus on delivering results and improving customer outcomes.
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Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
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Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and delivering housing services that meet the needs of a diverse community