At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commissioning projects for Children's Services, focusing on SEND and ensuring quality service delivery.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and understanding of the SEND sector is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to supporting all employees and fostering career development.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 46142 ÂŁ per year.
The pay range for this role will be £38,220 - £46,142 (pro rata for part time colleagues). We are looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward‑thinking team.
This is a unique and rare opportunity to join the Children’s Commissioning Team as a Senior Commissioning Officer. The post holder will ensure commissioning decisions are robust for all services procured on behalf of Children’s Services, with a particular emphasis on the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) sector.
An understanding of the Children’s Services and or the Alternative Provision / SEND sector is desirable but not essential. The ideal candidate will have previous experience of the commissioning cycle, assessing needs, recommending priorities, commissioning services and managing provider performance, so that care needs are met and demand is managed.
The role requires the co‑ordination of commissioning projects, creating flexible, outcome‑based contractual arrangements with an aim to deliver the changes required by new and emerging local and national policy and financial frameworks. The post holder shall take a lead role in the development of contractual arrangements and tendering services for Children’s Services, Education and Skills Directorate, ensuring that they are delivered in accordance with procurement regulations, and deliver value for the Council.
The post holder will regularly stimulate stakeholder involvement in service re‑design and development, ensuring proper involvement in decision‑making is undertaken by the relevant partnership or governance groups. Regularly monitor and evaluation of commissioned services is required which shall ensure providers deliver value for money and quality. The identification of any service issues is key alongside developing plans and actions for remedial action, this shall ensure that performance and service users’ safety and wellbeing maintained.
There will be a supportive management and learning environment where there will be opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills in the contracting, procurement and social care sector.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise - it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive. From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer - and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly - we’re here to help.
About BCP Council: BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world‑renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits: At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package.
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
Senior Commissioning Officer in Bournemouth employer: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Contact Detail:
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Officer in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Children’s Services sector, especially those involved in commissioning. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Senior Commissioning Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on the commissioning cycle and current SEND policies. We want you to shine, so practice answering questions about how you’d handle service evaluations and stakeholder involvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to speak about your past roles, highlight specific projects where you’ve successfully managed provider performance or developed contractual arrangements. We love seeing real examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about our inclusive recruitment process there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Officer in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Commissioning Officer role. Highlight your experience in commissioning cycles and any relevant work with SEND services. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage provider performance and coordinate commissioning projects. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more info about the role and our benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
✨Know Your Commissioning Cycle
Make sure you brush up on the commissioning cycle and how it applies to Children's Services. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in assessing needs and managing provider performance, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Understand SEND Sector Nuances
Even if you don't have direct experience in the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) sector, do some research. Familiarise yourself with current policies and challenges in this area, so you can speak knowledgeably about how you would approach commissioning services for these needs.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare examples of how you've previously involved stakeholders in service redesign. This is crucial for the role, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to facilitate collaboration and ensure that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
✨Showcase Your Monitoring Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've monitored and evaluated commissioned services in the past. Highlight any specific metrics or outcomes you've used to assess value for money and quality, as this will illustrate your capability to maintain high standards in service delivery.