Location
Sutton, London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£44,685 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and high street developments.

Sutton is investing continuously in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision is expected to create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. Alongside regeneration projects including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to support independence and balance support with independent living.

The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership, a collaboration of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Through the ‘Ambitious for Sutton’ plan, the borough aims to shape its future and adapt to residents’ needs, making Sutton a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
Sutton is a borough defined by ambition, community, and change. It prides itself on a strong local identity, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a commitment to delivering impactful services. Sutton is one of London’s greenest and safest boroughs, with excellent schools, thriving businesses, and a strong sense of community. Ensuring access to safe, secure, and affordable housing is central to this mission.

About the Role
The Rough Sleeper Lead will be at the forefront of Sutton’s mission to eliminate rough sleeping. This role leads the operational delivery of the Rough Sleeping Initiative, coordinating outreach, assessment, and supported housing pathways for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

Working within the framework of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Homelessness Code of Guidance, the role ensures rapid identification and support for individuals with complex needs, including those with substance misuse histories, mental health issues, or offending backgrounds. The role champions the "Housing First" approach, ensuring accommodation solutions are sustainable and safe.

This position is key to breaking down silos between housing, health, and criminal justice partners. Responsibilities include coordinating multi-agency interventions, managing transitions from temporary accommodation to settled homes, and fulfilling safeguarding duties for vulnerable adults. The role also prepares rough sleeping services for changes under the Renters’ Rights Act, ensuring compliance with new tenancy structures and protections.

The Rough Sleeper Lead combines compassion with legislative expertise, ensuring services are compliant and effective, with housing needs assessments and personal housing plans centred on individual needs.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting your career growth in a friendly, collaborative environment. Your ideas will be encouraged and supported by a dynamic and experienced management team. Benefits include:

- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working options through the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements with Google Chromebooks
- Access to a learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts at local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Application Process
Apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience that make you an ideal candidate. Please refer to the job profile requirements and ensure your CV details are correctly uploaded. Sutton values authenticity and expects personalised responses demonstrating your skills, experience, and motivation, aligned with our PRIDE values. Transparency is essential throughout the application and interview process.

The closing date is indicative; the vacancy may close once sufficient applications are received. Early application is advised to avoid disappointment.

We anonymise applications to reduce bias and encourage diverse interview panels. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.

Additional Information
Sutton is proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, striving to create a workforce reflective of the community. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks to support diversity.

We are a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer, all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract length or type.

Regarding immigration, sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility and budget. We advise checking GOV.UK for right to work guidance. Sponsorship requests are evaluated case-by-case.

Experience
Significant experience in homelessness prevention, specifically working with rough sleepers or adults with complex needs. Strong working knowledge of Part VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended 2002), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and guidance related to rough sleeping and vulnerability.

About you
Skilled in partnership working across mental health services, probation, and the third sector to build holistic support plans. Resilient, politically astute, and committed to equality. Understanding of the specific vulnerabilities of groups such as care leavers, victims of domestic abuse, and modern slavery.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but a strong understanding of relevant legislation and experience in homelessness services is essential.