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- Tasks: Support communities in creating safe, vibrant, and healthy places to live.
- 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 are looking for a Communities Officer to join our Communities Team. If you share our values and are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role:
This role will 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 needs.
About you:
We are 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.
Benefits:
- 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.
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 (pdf) before applying for this job opportunity. For an informal discussion or to learn more about hybrid working for this role, please contact Emma Lea by either calling or emailing.
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 in Suffolk 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 in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community and local organisations. Attend events, join groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to the Councils or other organisations you’re interested in. A friendly email or call can show your enthusiasm and might just put you on their radar for future openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in community engagement or working with stakeholders, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in past roles – it’ll help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the Councils, making it easier to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Communities Officer, Ipswich in Suffolk
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. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Communities Officer so you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly address how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and commitment to community engagement.
Complete Your Application Form Thoroughly: Don’t skip any sections on the application form! Fill it out completely, including your employment and education history. A well-completed form shows us that you're detail-oriented and serious about the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. 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 you’ll be working with. Understand their needs, challenges, and strengths. This will not only show your commitment but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their wellbeing effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with a wide range of stakeholders, prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with different groups. Highlight your ability to build relationships and engage with diverse communities, as this is crucial for the Communities Officer position.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
The job requires a confident and adaptable approach. Think of situations where you had to adjust your plans or strategies based on feedback or changing circumstances. Be ready to share these examples to illustrate your flexibility and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare Questions About Wellbeing Initiatives
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the Councils' current wellbeing initiatives and community development strategies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can align your efforts with their goals.