Head of Library Services

About The Role

If you know libraries, love public service, and can drive innovation without losing the core mission, this is your role. We're looking for a confident, strong willed leader who can modernise a borough wide service: strengthening reading and learning, widening digital access, and building partnerships that make libraries an indispensable game changer in making a more equal borough.

What you'll do

You'll set direction and deliver results across the library service - with real autonomy and visible impact. You will:

• Shape and deliver a clear plan for a high quality, inclusive, modern library offer - and keep improving it
• Lead service innovation: new models, smarter use of technology, and stronger community reach
• Build strong partnerships across the council and beyond to deliver corporate priorities and better outcomes
• Commission and manage contracts - from procurement through to performance and value
• Be the senior voice for libraries with key partners, including Arts Council England, embedding best practice and learning
• Lead and develop managers and teams - setting standards, pace and accountability through change
• Own performance, governance and reporting, and run a significant budget with confidence
• Win and manage external funding, delivering agreed outcomes and targets
• Champion libraries publicly - through communication, consultation and strong stakeholder relationships

What you'll bring

We're looking for a leader who combines sector credibility with delivery grip. Ideally, you'll have:

• Senior management experience in a library service (or a closely relevant setting)
• A strong grasp of the statutory landscape for public libraries, and experience turning strategy into delivery
• A track record of partnership work and community engagement that delivers ambitious outcomes
• Proven ability to lead people: performance, targets, culture change, and tough conversations when needed
• Budget management experience (planning, monitoring, and making smart trade offs)
• Strong communication skills - clear writing, confident influencing, credible presence
• Project leadership experience (planning, controls, delivery and impact)
• Confidence working in a political environment with sensitive, high profile issues
• Bonus: knowledge of innovation and emerging best practice in libraries at national/regional level

The team you'll join

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Community Learning and Libraries, you will lead the Library service. The role sits within Inclusive Economy and Jobs in the Community Wealth Building directorate.

Our offer to you

Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work life balance, as well as a 35 hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone's identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.

For Further Information

Name and Job Title: Akeel Ahmed, Assistant Director, Community Learning and Libraries

Email: