Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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.
- Coordinating 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 01449 724714 or emailing emma.lea@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
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 in Suffolk employer: Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
Contact Detail:
Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communities Officer in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with community leaders. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; approach organisations directly. Share your passion for community engagement and how you can contribute to their goals. We love seeing initiative!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Councils’ current projects and initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in making a real impact in our communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
We think you need these skills to ace Communities Officer 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. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Communities Officer and how your skills align with our needs.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Address how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. We want to see how your experience and values match what we’re all about.
Showcase Your Community Engagement Experience: Since this role is all about community, highlight any relevant experience you have in community engagement or working within a political environment. We love seeing real examples of how you've made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. Understand their community initiatives, recent projects, and the specific needs of the residents. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Engagement Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with communities or stakeholders. Highlight any initiatives you've led or participated in that align with the Councils' focus on wellbeing and community development. Be ready to discuss how you can build strong relationships within the community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think about potential challenges a Communities Officer might face and how you would approach them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As excellent communication is key for this role, be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with diverse groups in the past. Share specific instances where your communication skills made a positive impact, whether in community engagement or collaboration with stakeholders.