Job Description
Interim Start for Life and Family Hub Commissioner
Based in East London, hybrid working
Length: 6-Months (Potential for extension)
Inside IR35
We’re working with a proactive local authority in London to appoint a Start for Life and Family Hub Commissioner to lead the strategic commissioning of early years and family hub services. This critical role supports the delivery of the national Start for Life programme and Family Hub model, ensuring commissioned services are evidence-based, outcome-focused, and tailored to local needs. You will work cross-departmentally to deliver inclusive, community-focused initiatives, developing universal early childhood groups and leading innovative engagement strategies for fathers and harder-to-reach families.
Key Responsibilities of the Interim Start for Life Commissioner:
* Lead the commissioning of early years and Family Hub services to deliver improved outcomes for children and families
* Develop service specifications, contracts, and performance frameworks based on needs analysis and national guidance
* Work strategically with internal teams and external partners (health, education, voluntary sector) to support joint commissioning
* Oversee delivery of borough-wide early childhood groups, ensuring accessibility and avoiding duplication
* Drive male engagement through targeted programmes, including delivery of a borough-wide barber training initiative focused on perinatal mental health
* Monitor performance and service impact; lead strategic reviews and recommend improvements
* Align commissioning activity with local improvement plans, delivering best value and ensuring policy compliance
* Promote strong user voice through inclusive co-production and consultation with parents and carers
Skills, experience and knowledge required of the Interim Start for Life Commissioner:
* Experience commissioning services in local authority, early years, or public health contexts
* Proven ability to lead cross-sector commissioning programmes and manage complex service pathways
* Familiarity with the Start for Life programme, Family Hub models, or early intervention policy highly desirable
To apply for this role or to find out about other jobs, please contact Dan Williams on the London Local Government Recruitment team on or send your CV to
*Venn Group’s “Recommendation Scheme”: if you recommend a candidate who is subsequently placed by Venn Group (for a minimum of 2 weeks) you will be eligible for vouchers from a choice of high street organisations