Children’s Services Policy Officer in Barnsley

Position reference: 50146494

Directorate: Children’s Services | Service: Quality Assurance and Service Improvement

Working Arrangements: Full time Monday-Friday

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.

About the Post

Are you an experienced policy professional with a strong understanding of Children’s Services and the drive to turn national reform into meaningful local impact? We are looking for a Policy Officer to provide expert policy support across our Children’s Services directorate, helping Barnsley Council respond to legislative change, updated statutory guidance and other emerging reforms. This is a key role during a major period of change for Children’s Services. We’re looking for an outstanding individual to lead on research, horizon scanning and analysis of public sector reform, inspection expectations and policy developments, turning complex information into strategic advice and informing decision making. Working closely with senior leaders, elected members and partners, you will help ensure our services are informed, prepared and focused on improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

Your role

• Lead the Children’s Services policy function, translating national reform, emerging statutory guidance and legislative change into clear local policy, plans and strategies.
• Provide strategic policy advice, briefings and updates to senior leaders and elected members, supporting effective decision‑making that ensures the best outcomes for our children and young people.
• Lead on research, horizon scanning and analysis of emerging policy and legislative change, identifying local risks, opportunities and actions for Children’s Services.
• Use local and national data, performance and intelligence to inform policy and strategy development and shape service improvement.
• Manage relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including elected members, local partners, government departments and other policy professionals.

What we offer

• A chance to take on a high‑profile role at a time of significant change, directly shaping how Children’s Services respond to reform and deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and families.
• The opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, elected members and partners, giving you real influence across an important area of changing council policy and service improvement.
• Interesting, varied work that offers the chance to develop your expertise across Children’s Services policy, reform, strategy and partnership working.
• A supportive and collaborative working culture at an award‑winning Council, where your contributions are valued, and your ideas are heard.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, generous leave and access to learning and development opportunities.

Requirements

• You are a proactive, responsive and flexible individual, with a passion for driving positive change for children, young people and their families.
• You have strong experience of working in a policy, strategy or improvement role, ideally within Children’s Services or a related public sector environment.
• You have a good understanding of the issues, reforms and statutory framework across Education, Health, Social Care and Early Years and are confident interpreting what national change means locally.
• You possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders across a complex multi‑agency environment.
• You are comfortable working with data, performance information and wider intelligence to identify key messages, shape recommendations and support service improvement.
• You have exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage competing priorities effectively.
• You will hold a Level 6 qualification in a relevant subject, or can demonstrate extensive equivalent experience supported by a relevant Level 3 qualification.

Deadline: Friday 10th July at 11:59

Interview date: Tuesday 21st July, in person only.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of Children’s Service, supporting decision‑making and driving strategic initiatives. You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team committed to excellence and innovation in public service.

To find out more, contact William Shaw at WilliamShaw3@barnsley.gov.uk or Florence Drew at florencedrew@barnsley.gov.uk, or complete the online application. Please note: CVs are not accepted for this role.

At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We are committed to fairness and do not discriminate. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.