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Policy & Performance Strategic Lead

Full time (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

Permanent Contract

Grade 10 - £66,255 – £73,734

East Hampshire District Council is seeking a Policy & Performance Strategic Lead to drive a culture of evidence-based decision-making, organisational learning and performance improvement.

This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for aligning policy priorities with performance trends and resident feedback. You will lead the Council’s Insight, Performance and Policy teams and work collaboratively across service boundaries ensuring that strategic decisions are informed by robust data, clear analysis, and forward-thinking insights.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution are central to the UK’s current governance reforms. In Hampshire, the current two-tier system, where responsibilities are split between county councils and district or borough councils, will be replaced with fewer, new single-tier unitary councils in April 2028. At the same time, devolution transfers powers from central government to local and regional bodies, enabling them to shape policies on transport, housing, and economic development. A new Mayoral County Combined Authority (MCCA) for Hampshire and the Solent will be established in early 2026 with mayoral elections taking place in May 2026.

A key priority for East Hampshire District Council is to deliver an ambitious transformation programme that delivers real change for residents and businesses. The aim is to keep the organisation viable and delivering for residents whilst proactively preparing for transition to the new unitary authority - ensuring it is designed to deliver maximum benefit, as quickly as possible. This is an exciting opportunity to join our senior leadership team at this crucial time of change across the local government landscape. We’re looking for someone with strong analytical skills, expertise in measuring and reporting on organisational performance and the ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives. If you’re passionate about using insight to make a real difference, thrive on strategic challenges and want to help shape the future of our communities, we’d love to hear from you.

For any specific questions about the role, please contact Lucy Lendon at lucy.lendon@easthants.gov.uk

In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes hybrid working options, training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and more.

Our website has information on our values and the benefits we offer our staff Benefits of working for us | East Hampshire District Council

The closing date for applications is Monday 8th December 2025 with interviews likely to be held the following week.

East Hampshire District Council is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are proud of being a Disability Confident Committed employer and appoint on merit.

The Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans is a commitment that the Council has made to support the Armed Forces Community Covenant – you can find more on this scheme and eligibility here.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.