Strategic Consultation and Engagement Lead

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

We are looking for a Strategic Consultation and Engagement Lead for – FTC / Secondment (18 months)

The Communications and Engagement and Strategy, Assurance and Private Sector Housing services are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated engagement professional to lead the statutory consultation process for a proposed landlord licensing scheme across the borough.

This high-profile consultation will directly shape local policy, influencing the council’s approach to landlord licensing and improving housing standards in the private rented sector. The role is key to ensuring a robust, transparent and inclusive consultation, gathering views from landlords, tenants, residents, community groups and other stakeholders.

Working alongside a Communications advisor, the post holder will develop and deliver a comprehensive engagement strategy, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, best practices and effective decision-making.

You will lead on the monitoring and evaluation of engagement activities, ensuring that consultation efforts are effective and meaningful. You will be responsible for planning, organising and facilitating consultation events, workshops and meetings – both in-person and online-creating opportunities for a wide range of stakeholders to share their views. Building strong relationships will be key to the success of this role, as you collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, whose work you will oversee to ensure it aligns with the council’s objectives.

You will work with consultants to analyse consultation responses, drawing clear insights and recommendations that will inform the council’s decision-making process. Throughout the project, you will also work closely with the Communications Lead, ensuring that messaging is consistent, consultation materials are accessible, and the engagement process is as inclusive as possible.

This role requires an experienced engagement professional with a strong background in delivering successful public consultations, particularly within local government, housing or regulatory settings. You will have a strong understanding of statutory consultation processes and best practices in public engagement. Experience in organising and managing consultation events, workshops, and surveys will be essential, as will the ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

If you would like to discuss any elements of the role, please contact daniel.barrett@hackney.gov.uk

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 6 April 2025 (22.59)

Interview date: W/C 16 April 2025