At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to improve children's services in Gloucestershire.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council, dedicated to transforming children's social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while growing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex projects in the children's sector is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; inclusive environment for all employees.
The predicted salary is between 30700 - 38400 £ per year.
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
Job Location: Shire Hall
Salary: £36,124 to £45,718 per annum
Hours per Week: 37.00
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 18 months
Closing Date: 09/04/2025
This post is not open to job share.
About The Team & Role
We are looking to appoint two experienced Project Managers into the multi-disciplinary Families First Partnership Programme team. As Project Manager, you will support the Programme Leads and subject matter experts to deliver a comprehensive programme of consultation and co-design, developing innovative new ways of working across early help, child in need, child protection and kinship care.
About You
Are you looking for an opportunity to progress in your project management career, develop experience of supporting whole system transformation and change programmes and contribute to changing outcomes for children in Gloucestershire? The Families First Partnership Programme is a national programme leading reforms of the children's social care and early help system including the introduction of Family Help and Multi-agency Child Protection Teams to deliver against the ambitions of the Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Policy Document and Children Wellbeing and Schools' Bill.
The successful candidate will demonstrate proven experience of delivering complex partnership projects within the children's sector. They will have excellent time management, planning, and reporting skills. They will have a working understanding of partnerships involved in children's safeguarding and be able to work effectively within multi-agency and local authority governance structures, communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
About Us
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
- An option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
- An in-house Occupational Health service
- Employee discount scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&Cs apply)
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network.
How to apply
Please write your application with consideration for the essential criteria on the Job Profile. This should include examples why you should be considered; the experience, skills and knowledge that you would bring to the post.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Clarisse Forgues, Children’s Service Programme Manager (Clarisse.forgues@gloucestershire.gov.uk) 01452 328514 or Becky Lewis, Assistant Director Families First Partnership Programme (Becky.lewis@gloucestershire.gov.uk).
Interviews are likely to be held on 16th / 17th April.
Additional Information
To access the Job Profile for this role, please follow the link below:
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.
Project Manager (Families First), Fixed Term employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Families First), Fixed Term
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Families First Partnership Programme and its objectives. Understanding the programme's goals will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the children's sector, especially those involved in safeguarding and multi-agency work. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by reflecting on your past project management experiences, particularly those involving complex partnerships. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the contacts listed in the job description for an informal chat. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Families First), Fixed Term
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Profile: Carefully read the job description for the Project Manager (Families First) role. Highlight the essential criteria and responsibilities, ensuring you understand what the Gloucestershire County Council is looking for in a candidate.
Tailor Your Application: Craft your application to specifically address the essential criteria mentioned in the job profile. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in project management, particularly within the children's sector.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Include detailed examples of complex partnership projects you have managed, focusing on your time management, planning, and reporting skills. Make sure to highlight any experience with multi-agency collaboration and local authority governance structures.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Understand the Families First Programme
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Families First Partnership Programme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key reforms in children's social care and early help systems, as well as the specific roles of Family Help and Multi-agency Child Protection Teams.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous project management experiences, particularly those related to complex partnership projects within the children's sector. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in time management, planning, and reporting.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for this role. Be ready to explain how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders in past projects, especially in multi-agency settings. This will show your ability to navigate local authority governance structures.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, challenges faced by the Families First Programme, or opportunities for professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the role and organisation.