Working here

Working at Southwark Council means doing work that matters. You will collaborate with talented colleagues, shape public services, and help put residents at the centre of the borough's future.

Staff member reading a children's book during a Rhyme Time session with young children at Canada Water Library.

How we work

Housing Needs & Support works collaboratively across the council and with partners to prevent homelessness, secure accommodation and support residents to achieve sustainable housing outcomes. Through Prevention & First Contact, Applications & Assessments, Supply & Delivery, and Pathways & Support, we combine resident insight, evidence and innovation to deliver timely interventions, maximise housing opportunities and provide compassionate, person-centred support. We empower our teams to think strategically, continuously improve services and turn ideas into meaningful action that makes a lasting difference to residents' lives.

Hybrid and flexible

We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, balanced with a strong commitment to visible, resident-focused services. Our roles are rooted in Southwark's communities, and we are looking for people who want to be present in the borough, working directly with residents, partners, and colleagues for the majority of the week.

We invest in our people through coaching, training, professional development, and clear career pathways across Housing Needs & Support. We welcome candidates who are passionate about public service, thrive in a fast-paced and complex environment, and are motivated by making a tangible difference to residents' lives. If you value collaboration, enjoy building relationships face-to-face, and want to help prevent homelessness and improve housing outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

Abigail and Pete standing on an outdoor football pitch holding a football.

Our purpose

Delivering for residents:

We focus on practical outcomes that improve lives, from cleaner streets and safer communities to more affordable homes and support for those who need it most.

Investing in place:

Southwark is a world-class place to live, work, and visit. We work with partners to celebrate our heritage, support local business, and shape a greener, healthier borough.

Listening and learning:

We want residents to feel heard. We use insight, engagement, and evaluation to make better decisions and improve how we serve.

Modern public services:

We are redesigning services around the people who use them. That means clearer communications, smarter digital tools, and a stronger focus on outcomes.

Inclusive and fair:

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to how we work. We want our workforce to reflect our communities and our decisions to be fair and transparent.

Housing Needs & Support:

We are committed to helping residents access safe, secure, and sustainable housing. Our work places residents at the centre of everything we do, whether preventing homelessness, supporting people through housing challenges, or helping households build a more stable future.

Our values

These are the principles we work to every day. They guide how we behave, how we lead, and how we serve residents.

  • We are open and honest, and we communicate with clarity.

  • We work together and respect different perspectives.

  • We focus on impact and make decisions based on evidence.

  • We act with ambition and take pride in our place.

Equality & inclusion

We are committed to being an inclusive employer where everyone feels valued and supported. Our workforce should reflect the diversity of Southwark, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

We work with staff networks, community partners, and leaders across the council to build a culture of belonging and to tackle inequality.

Parents and carers with babies and toddlers taking part in a Rhyme Time session at Canada Water Library.