At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local government policy and partnerships, coordinating meetings and communications.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, an award-winning employer making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and second chances.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in local government leadership and policy-making.
- Qualifications: Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience in administration or policy support.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ per year.
Salary: £31,537 - £34,434
Working Arrangements: Full time, hybrid working available (minimum 3 days in office)
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
This post requires a Basic Criminal Record Check. Prospective employees will be required to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad. When applying, please ensure you are prepared to start work with all the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking. Please be aware that our organisation does not possess a Home Office license and, as a result, is unable to provide sponsorship for anyone seeking a visa as a skilled or temporary migrant worker.
Pensions Regulations have provisions to reduce pension payments in certain circumstances for those who return to work within local government service. If you are in receipt of a pension upon commencing employment with the authority, this may affect your pension entitlements and you should therefore seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.
At Barnsley Council, you can start a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping our council and residents to be the best they can be. We’re an award-winning council and one of the biggest employers in the borough, supporting around 243,000 people. We put people at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our employees. As part of the team, we offer lots of benefits and rewards to support you to thrive and grow, like flexible working, employee discounts, support for your health and wellbeing, and opportunities for training and development to grow your career and develop your skills.
Key to our success is working with our residents, partners, businesses and organisations and building these partnerships to bring about change in Barnsley.
About The Post
Are you highly organised, politically aware, and looking to build a career at the heart of local government policy, partnerships, and strategic influence? We are seeking a motivated and capable Partnership and Policy Support Officer to provide policy, communications, and partnership support across two influential local government organisations: the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) and Yorkshire & Humber Councils (Y&H Councils). This unique role sits at the centre of regional and national local government activity, supporting collaboration between council leaders, Chief Executives, and senior officers from across Yorkshire and Humber and England's major urban authorities.
Hosted by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council within the Office of the Chief Executive, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with senior decision-makers, gain exposure to major policy issues, and support collaborative programmes that influence regional and national policy. At a time of significant local government reform, devolution, and debate around the future of council funding, you will help support organisations that are shaping discussions and advocating on behalf of local authorities across the country.
Role
As Partnership and Policy Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the effective operation of both organisations by:
- Delivering policy, research, and partnership activity for SIGOMA and Yorkshire & Humber Councils.
- Coordinating meetings, events, and appointments, including agendas, briefing papers, and reports.
- Contributing day-to-day communications activity across websites, social media, media relations, and press enquiries.
- Producing briefing notes, reports, minutes, and analysis to inform discussions and decision-making.
- Managing relationships with elected members, senior officers, local authorities, and external partners.
- Providing administrative and organisational coordination to help deliver the priorities of both organisations.
About You
We're looking for someone with excellent organisational skills who can work accurately and confidently in a fast-paced environment.
You Will:
- Hold a relevant Level 5 qualification or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.
- Have experience in an administrative, business support, policy, or partnership environment.
- Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Be able to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Maintain high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Have an interest in policy, public affairs, communications, or local government.
Why join us?
This role offers a rare opportunity to gain first-hand experience of local government leadership and policy-making at both regional and national levels.
You Will Have The Opportunity To:
- Work directly with senior elected politicians, Chief Executives, and local government leaders.
- Contribute to SIGOMA's new strategy and manifesto, helping shape the debate on fairer local government funding.
- Support the Yorkshire Leaders Board and Yorkshire & Humber Chief Executives' Group during a period of significant regional change and devolution.
- Develop experience across policy, research, communications, stakeholder engagement, and partnership working.
- Benefit from flexible working, generous leave entitlement, and a competitive local government pension scheme.
- Enjoy varied, high-profile work with opportunities to develop and progress.
About SIGOMA and Yorkshire & Humber Councils are hosted by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council within the Office of the Chief Executive. Barnsley is a double award-winning Council of the Year (LGC and MJ Awards 2023), recognised nationally for its innovation, leadership, and commitment to delivering for communities.
Further information For An Informal Discussion About The Role, Please Contact Josh Keeling, Policy and Strategy Manager, SIGOMA joshuakeeling@barnsley.gov.uk or Peter Ollerenshaw, Regional Policy Officer, Yorkshire & Humber Councils peterollerenshaw@barnsley.gov.uk
Help with your application form. Why work for us? We welcome the opportunity to have a chat about the role and are happy to address any questions you may have about flexible working arrangements, including as a result of caring responsibilities. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know. At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We're committed to fairness and do not discriminate. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Partnership & Policy Support Officer in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in social work, particularly within the supportive environment of the Hospital Social Work Team. With a strong emphasis on collaboration with health professionals and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements, staff are empowered to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with complex care needs. The council fosters a culture of inclusivity and professional development, making it an attractive place for qualified social workers to thrive.
