Lead change. Shape lives. Join Newham’s next chapter.

Newham is a borough of energy, enterprise and cultural richness. We’re proud of our progress and ambitious for what comes next. We’re investing in transformation, digital foundations, strategic clarity and community safety so that every resident feels the benefit—every day.

If you’re a collaborative leader who delivers with and through others, this is your platform to make a bigger difference.

Since joining Newham in July 2025, I have known what it is to be part of an organisation and a borough that is bold, ambitious and relentlessly committed to delivering for its residents. What has struck me most is the determination of colleagues at every level to act with social purpose, work for the good of Newham’s communities and to build an organisation that is both resilient and forward looking.

Newham as a borough and as a council faces significant challenges in addressing poverty, inequalities and in particular exposure to the unforgiving London housing market. There is always a big job of work to be done in Newham, in all leadership roles. In recent months we have achieved the hard won financial sustainability that underpins the services and support that our residents depend upon. We have also been able to attract outstanding leadership talent to the council.

According to the Sutton Trust, Newham youngsters experience the highest levels of social mobility in the country – largely due to our outstanding schools. In January 2026 we achieved a perfect OFSTED score – outstanding in all areas – which is a remarkable achievement for any council, never mind one that was rated inadequate five years ago and is one of the most deprived areas in London.

Nevertheless, we also have areas of significant challenge and under performance. This is a place where there is always more to do. We only want to speak to leaders who want to work in such a local authority. In our directly elected mayor governance model, accountability is razor sharp and we need professional leaders who similarly want to be held to high standards and seek innovation and improvement at all times. We have an independent Improvement & Transformation Board in place to provide professional challenge to our work and make sure we avoid complacency and coasting in everything we do.

London borough elections take place in May 2026 and we know we will have many newly elected councillors and a new directly elected Mayor. This will generate a new phase in Newham’s story with a fresh burst of energy, experience and ideas. We  provide opportunities to show what an ambitious and connected  leadership team can achieve for its communities. We are now recruiting to four pivotal Director roles: Digital, Data & Technology; Transformation; Strategy, Policy & Communications; and Community Safety & Integrated Enforcement.

These roles offer the chance to play your part in shaping a modern, high-performing organisation and to deliver meaningful impact for one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the country. If you are a leader who brings vision, energy and a deep commitment to public service we want to hear from you.

The right candidates will know by now if this move could be right for you. I encourage you to speak with me or any of our senior leaders to get a flavour of life in a leadership role in Newham. If you don’t want to mark time, but rather to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Paul Martin
Interim Chief Executive