Senior Change and Social Value Lead
London Borough of Islington
About The Role
Senior Change and Social Value Lead (2‑year Fixed Term)
Shape the future, make an impact, create a more equal Islington
It’s a pivotal time in the Change and Social Value team at Islington Council. As part of the Community Wealth Building directorate, we are strengthening our Change and Social Value function with the introduction of a reshaped team aligned to delivering the councils’ ambitions.
As part of our Progressive Procurement service, you’ll play a crucial role in how we implement the National Procurement Policy Statement to deliver real social impact. Together, we can change the future.
About the Role
We’re looking for a dynamic senior leader to support the Head of Change and Social Value guide the council and our high‑performing team on implementing the National Procurement Policy Statement.
You’ll work across the council and with external partners to deliver a National Procurement Policy Statement programme focused on delivery of training, guidance, interventions and quality assurance on social value and building commercial capabilities across the organisation.
The core programme will cover - Delivering value for money; Driving economic growth; Delivering social and economic value; and Building commercial capability to deliver value for money and stronger outcomes.
Your leadership will directly contribute to community wealth building, delivering value for money, and improved outcomes for the community.
You will play a pivotal role in realising our ambition of building our internal capability by becoming a centre of excellence in Change and Social Value practice.
What You’ll Do
- Lead on the implementation of the National Procurement Policy Statement workstream and act as a trusted advisor on complex procurement policy issues.
- Deputise for the Head of Service and contribute to the senior leadership team.
- Drive high‑quality procurement policy and strategy, governance and risk management.
- Inspire and work collaboratively with a team of specialist professionals.
- Champion social value, fairness and sustainability through every decision.
What You Bring
- Senior experience in procurement policy implementation, change, social value leadership.
- Relevant degree or professional qualification at Level 6 (or higher), or equivalent accreditation. Or, actively working towards Level 6 within 12 months (with Level 5 completed and relevant experience)
- Transforming Public Procurement certification from the Government Commercial College, or willingness to undertake within 3 months of appointment to the role.
- Confidence navigating political and stakeholder environments.
- Excellent leadership, procurement policy and strategy skills.
- A passion for public value, ethical practice and innovation.
Why Join Us?
- Lead high‑profile, strategic change and social value work in a values‑driven council.
- Flexible hybrid “Roaming” workstyle (approx. two days weekly on site).
- Competitive salary at P08 level £66,084 - £69,660.
- Part of an organisation recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, London Living Wage Employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion and more.
Ready to Change the Future?
Apply now and help us build a more inclusive and sustainable Islington.
For an informal discussion, contact Charlotte Rose at [email protected].
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
