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

Using below-market land disposals to accelerate social housing

By Mark Cook | 09 June 2026

Councils have greater flexibility to dispose of land for affordable housing than often assumed, but outdated consent rules should be reformed to support deli...

WORKFORCE

Solace steps up lobbying over district exclusion from leadership event

By Dan Peters | 08 June 2026

The organisation representing senior officers has stepped up its lobbying after a Cabinet Office (CO) body excluded a district chief from an event.

WORKFORCE

How we can sort out social care

By Lee Peart | 08 June 2026

Adult social care leaders gathered at The King’s Fund charity to discuss the prospects for finally addressing the fundamental issues facing the sector ahead ...

WORKFORCE

A rights-based case for new homes at Crews Hill and Chase Park

By Holly Lewis | 08 June 2026

Holly Lewis says a rights-based approach to planning can help councils balance local concerns with housing need, ensuring decisions reflect the interests of ...