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- Tasks: Support communities in creating safe, vibrant places to live and thrive.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health care options, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 44075 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: £37,280 - £44,075 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment opportunity for 12 months as Maternity Leave cover
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team
We are looking for a Communities Officer to join our Communities Team. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
We are now looking for a Communities Officer to encourage and support others to take an active part in helping the Councils develop safe, vibrant and healthy places to live. This is a key role that will enable programmes of work within the community to support the wellbeing of our residents and develop place-based community development to help build communities which are safe, strong, cohesive and confident.
The postholder should be effective in:
- Working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver successful wellbeing initiatives, grants and improve performance and monitor outcomes.
- Developing and supporting a programme of activities which provides confidence and guidance to our communities in relation to our planning for growth, communities, grants and wellbeing agendas.
- Co-ordinating and delivering effective engagement activities which are vital to the development of communities in line with the Councils’ Communities and Wellbeing Strategies.
- Building strong relationships in order to understand and gather information on local issues, expectations and need.
About you
We are now looking for a dedicated person to join the Communities Team with the commitment and motivation to make a difference for our districts as maternity cover for 12 months. You will demonstrate a confident, adaptable approach, and excellent communication skills are key for this role. We are seeking someone who has a strong track record and experience of community engagement and working within a political environment.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- two National Landscapes
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
For more information, please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this job opportunity. For an informal discussion or to learn more about hybrid working for this role, please contact Emma Lea.
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 10 May 2026.
How to apply
Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history. Your supporting statement should clearly address how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Communities Officer, Ipswich employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communities Officer, Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with community groups. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Councils and their community initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference and have ideas on how to engage with residents effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or casual chats with friends, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will help you stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Communities Officer, Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. We want to see how you fit into the role, so make sure you understand what we're looking for!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Use examples from your experience that show us you're the perfect fit for the Communities Officer role.
Complete Your Application Form Fully: Don’t skip any sections on the application form! Fill in your employment and education history completely. We need all the info to assess your application fairly, so give us the full picture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific communities in Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Understand their unique challenges and strengths. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of your past experiences in community engagement. Think about how you’ve successfully collaborated with stakeholders or led initiatives that improved community wellbeing. Be ready to discuss these in detail, as they’ll be crucial for this role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable discussing your ideas and experiences.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding community development and wellbeing. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.