Title

WORKFORCE

Head of Policy & Performance

Be the force behind our future success.

Things are looking good at Luton. We have a strong management team in place; we've built excellent partnerships with the health sector; and we're achieving impressive outcomes in a diverse, urban area with pockets of deprivation. To maintain our rate of progress, we need to continue innovating and improving, engaging broadly and communicating effectively – which is where you come in.

As Head of Policy & Performance, you'll be instrumental to our future success. You'll take a lead role in our development, driving policy through the Council and improving performance, by challenging, inspiring and influencing departments across the Council to deliver on their strategic policy agendas. It means debating and analysing policy - bringing in new ideas and best practice from areas of work within your direct remit, such as community cohesion, to the entire breadth of what matters to local people and therefore the Council. With the Chief Executive behind you, you'll have all the support you need to push for bigger and better things. Ultimately, your goal will be to meet citizens' needs and achieve best value – all while ensuring the Council remains relevant to all its diverse communities.

Experience in local government policy would be helpful, but it's more important that you're a confident, driven and dynamic leader. A strategic thinker and high achiever (both in academia and previous roles), you'll have the credibility to engage and motivate, so senior figures buy into your vision.

To find out more about this key role within our senior management team, please visit: this link.

WORKFORCE

Flags, free speech and duty of care

By Pam Parkes | 21 October 2025

Pam Parkes says that in a polarised climate, issues of identity and belonging will continue to surface, including flags. The challenge for councils is to fac...

WORKFORCE

A new era?

By Sarah Longlands | 21 October 2025

Sarah Longlands explains why the upcoming Budget is not just for November

WORKFORCE

Dorset is adapting to the needs of its older population

By Natalie Turner | 21 October 2025

Dorset Council has become the 100th Age-friendly Community and joined a growing network of places representing more than 30 million people. This forward-thin...

WORKFORCE

Building teams with the complementary leadership strengths to tackle devolution

By Elle Robinson | 20 October 2025

Elle Robinson explains how Hanover’s Leadership Code and its archetypes can support councils to manage the complexities of devolution.