In Watford, we have been shaping the town in a way that will benefit our community for decades to come. We are very clear about our vision - to create a bold and progressive future for Watford - and this reflects in our ambition, the way we work and in our priorities for action.
We have a philosophy to make things happen for the good of Watford, irrespective of where powers and responsibility sit. Our strength lies in the excellent partnerships we have across the private and public sector, meaning we can achieve our ambitions.
Employer Overview
Watford is a small district but we think big. Over the last five years Watford Borough Council has successfully implemented an ambitious programme of change and transformation. This has delivered major improvements to the town and the quality of life experienced by our residents.
Through strong political and managerial leadership, we have set a clear direction for the organisation and the town. This has involved challenging the way we do things and being receptive to new ways of working, whether partnering with the private sector or the third sector or working collaboratively with other local authorities.
Watford has achieved considerable success as a regional centre for shopping, entertainment, leisure, business and learning. Our residents enjoy the benefits of living in a vibrant, prosperous town with great schools, job opportunities and an exciting and varied range of activities and facilities.
Over the next 10 to 15 years, more than £1.5 billion worth of investment will be leveraged by the council to support the delivery of transformational projects which will create thousands of new homes and jobs, with significantly improved services, transport infrastructure and leisure facilities.
These projects include Watford Riverwell - a £300 million development of 29 hectares of largely derelict and contaminated land around the existing hospital, which will deliver around 1,000 homes, over 1,000 jobs and will enable the provision of new hospital facilities for West Hertfordshire.
In the centre of town, a £100 million new shopping centre will includes an Imax cinema and leisure complex, providing 1,125 new jobs across the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
There are also major investments planned for Watford Junction, Ascot Road and Watford Business Park.
This makes the borough a highly attractive proposition for business and retailers alike, and that is why Watford Borough Council is committed to an ongoing redevelopment programme that is set to secure economic prosperity for the benefit of residents.
Why work with us?
At Watford, we strongly believe we are an employer of choice.
When you work for us, you can expect a great range of benefits. We provide a comprehensive benefits package, high quality training and career opportunities - all supported by our desire to make sure our staff are healthy and happy.
Our salaries are competitive, our holiday allowance generous and we are part of a fantastic pension scheme.
Watford is a growing and prosperous town, with a lot to offer those who work here. It is Hertfordshire’s most significant town and plays a vital role in its economic prosperity as a successful commercial hub and as a desirable place in which to live, work, study and enjoy leisure time.
Working Watford Borough Council, you'll be well placed to enjoy all Watford has to offer.
All this and a host of discounts, initiatives and loans are available to you when you join our friendly team.
Find out more about what we can offer you here.
Apprenticeship, graduate and work experience programmes
Apprenticeships
We offer apprenticeships in different study disciplines and teams, which can last between 12-42 months, depending on the apprenticeship programme.
No matter your age, you can apply to become an apprentice, whether you are unemployed, leaving school, are already in work or wanting to start a new career.
Apprenticeships can offer a real alternative to University and Higher Education, without the fees!
What are the benefits?
A real job with training support from experienced members of staff, 1-2-1 assessments and support from the Training provider, all while you work towards a nationally recognised qualification
View our apprenticeship opportunities and success stories today!
Case studies, testimonials and videos
Employee testimonials
Liam Hornsby - Head of Enterprise Programme Management Office
I am the Head of the council’s Enterprise Programme Management Office, which oversees our programmes and projects from across the council, employing a team of project managers to deliver our ambition programme of activity for the residents and businesses of Watford.
I have worked at Watford for almost thirteen years, in a number of different roles and I enjoy the dynamic culture and friendly environment. Watford might be a fairly small council but it thinks big and the bold and progressive vision is visible in everything we do, from the ambitious capital projects to the daily service delivery for residents and businesses.
The council have invested in me and, as part of our a strong training programme have provided me with the training, skill and knowledge to progress through the organisation. Watford is definitely a place where you can forge a long and successful career.
Barbara Farry - Customer Services
My role is Senior Customer Service Advisor in the Customer Service Centre. I work in a busy friendly talented team in the Customer Service Centre and it’s great to work in a team that are committed to delivering the best service we can to our residents.
The Customer Service Centre are trained to take calls from customers relating to Council Tax, Housing, Environmental Health & Licensing, Planning, Electoral Registration, Building Control along with signposting customers to other organisations either online or by phone. We also deal with the Freedom of Information requests, email/web enquiries and social media responses for the Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
I have been working in the Customer Service Centre for the last 16 years where I have gained most of my experience in local government. I initially started out as a Customer Service Advisor in 2005 and was promoted 4 years ago in 2017 to Senior Customer Service Advisor, which is a role that I was really happy to fulfil as I enjoy helping and training my colleagues across a whole range of queries. I am also a trained first aider and Mental Health First Aider.
I enjoy helping people, I love the positive vibe amongst the staff and members within our organisation and that no two days are the same.
The council also provides opportunities for staff to develop their skills and knowledge, welcomes ideas, embrace new approaches and ways of working, whilst continuing to deliver an excellent service to our customers.
Alastair Napier - Senior Project Manager
I have been the programme manager for six months now for our Sustainable Transport portfolio of projects to ‘improve the availability, awareness and choice of sustainable transport options to make Watford a greener and cleaner town for everyone.’ I am also specifically responsible for delivering a number of individual projects such as our Bike Share scheme and Demand Responsive Transport service. Although highly experienced in project management, local government is a new field for me, but I am really enjoying the change in subject matter and I get to work on interesting subjects that I have not experienced before. Having come from a large organisation, I feel I can embrace the Council’s vision for the future and bring my experience of cultural change to help us serve the people of Watford in a most challenging environment.
Having spent 28 years working for one organisation, coming to WBC had the potential to be a difficult transition. What has helped me enormously is the people here – they are welcoming, supportive and willing to help a ‘newbie’ like me. For me, working in a friendly and people-oriented atmosphere is the priority. The first six months have also enabled me to get involved with the council’s health and wellbeing agenda, training as a Mental Health First Aider and raising awareness of the support that is available to all of us, both in and out of work.
Rupin Shah - Junior Desktop Support Engineer
I have been working at Watford Borough Council since 2018 as a Desktop Engineer. My job role is to provide comprehensive support across the desktop and applications estate, management of third parties and all ICT customers and also assisting in any ICT projects. I enjoy working at Watford Borough Council as I feel I am surrounded by a lot of highly driven and successful people who genuinely care about their work. Every team member has a smile on their face. The council’s visions of becoming digital minded is a great opportunity for me to learn about new technologies and help the council to implement them. Every day we try to implement new ideas for all the staff to work much more easily and stress free. There is opportunity for advancement, and chances to better myself within my department that I look forward to throughout my career. This is a great place to work as I am treated with respect and given daily encouragement.
