Head of Strategy & Partnerships (VRU)

An exciting opportunity for a Head of Strategy & Partnerships has opened here at the London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

You will head up a team of programme managers & community engagement leads, working with children & communities to identify what builds resilience, wellbeing & safety and translate that into strategic direction working across partners from young people, parents, youth workers, child protection specialists, police & professionals & directors from government & the voluntary sector.

Keeping Londoners safe is the Mayor of London's top priority. The London VRU was set up by the Mayor in the autumn of 2018 as the first VRU in England and Wales.

We are tasked with focussing on a strengths–based & health & wellbeing approach to reducing violence across the capital, increasing feelings of safety for all Londoners especially children, and ensuring that communities and young Londoners are at the heart of sustainable and long–term change. We also have a Young Persons Advisory Group who guide our activity & play an active role in our governance.

This is a key lead role within an exciting and ambitious multi–disciplinary team, providing heading up a complex portfolio of staff & activity. Partnerships, strategy & a real understanding of what life is like for young Londoners is important in fulfilling this role. You will also have an eye for detail, strong staff management skills, knowledge of financial & grant processes & a can–do attitude.

You will have demonstrable experience in the following areas:

• Ability to galvanise rapid action across a broad programme, with demonstrable experience of delivery.
• Proven expertise in handling crisis/issues real time within a public sector and political environment.
• Experience of implementing change ideally within the public sector.
• Exceptional ability to communicate, build relationships, influence and negotiate with prospective providers stakeholders and partners.
• Committed to quality outcomes and value for money for commissioned and operational services.
• Ability to work in a pressured environment and deliver priorities at pace.
• Experience of managing high performing and multi–disciplinary teams to deliver outcomes and maintain service delivery.

Want to find out what it's like to work with MOPAC?

Read our interviews with Havana Wellings–Longmore (Community Engagement Officer).

You can also find out more about the VRU itself by visiting our website .

If you have a question about this role please contact Rhiannon Sawyer on or phone .

If you have a question about the role or the recruitment process please contact a member of the HR team via email on

Political Restriction

Political Restriction; under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011) all members of staff of MOPAC will be politically restricted without the right to apply for an exemption.

Security Vetting Clearance

The successful candidates will be expected to undergo the necessary security vetting which may take around 8–12 weeks to be completed. Applicants will also need to have resided in the UK continuously for at least the last three years.

Reward and Benefits

In addition to a good salary package, we offer an attractive range of benefits including 32.5 days' annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, civil service pension scheme and flexible working arrangements.

Applying for the role

To view the job description please click here

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate. If this sounds like you, please click on the apply button. Please ensure your Supporting Statement clearly addresses the essential criteria and competency framework.

Where are we based?

We have moved to a hybrid working model with office hubs at Union Street (near London Bridge) and Newlands Park (postcode SE26). Further information on the relocation announcement, can be found here .

To apply, please visit our website.

Application closing date: Sunday 5 December at 23:59 GMT.

Interview date: 10 December 2021.

London's diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects this at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.