At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive transformation in Children’s Services and Adult Social Care through strategic commissioning.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to improving community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working model with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping essential services.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector commissioning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Commissioning Officer to support the delivery of key transformation and financial priorities across Children’s Services, SEND, Education, and Adult Social Care. This is a fixed-term role for up to 12 months, reporting to the Strategic Commissioning Manager (Children and Young People). The postholder will play a critical role in service redesign, commissioning strategy, contract management, and delivery of savings and improvement programmes across complex service areas. The role is aligned to the postholder’s expertise, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes, improved service quality, and financial sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Children’s Services / SEND / Education
- Support delivery of the Council’s long-term strategic financial plan, focusing on service sufficiency and demand management.
- Develop and implement SEND sufficiency strategies, ensuring appropriate placements and provision.
- Review and strengthen independent special school contracts, including provider assurance and due diligence processes.
- Lead commissioning input into joint SEND priorities, including therapies such as Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy under the Local Area Reform Plan (LARP).
- Review and improve alternative education provision, ensuring robust contracts, quality assurance, and governance.
- Adult Social Care – Working Age Adults
- Lead a commissioning review of volunteering services, assessing current models and future commissioning intentions.
- Support service redesign across Adult Social Care, Communities and Culture, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and demand pressures.
- Adult Social Care – Older Adults
- Support annual fee setting and cost of care processes, working closely with providers and Corporate Finance.
- Contribute to budget setting and market engagement for 2026–2027 financial planning.
- Support implementation of a new home care contract, transitioning from time-and-task models to outcomes-based commissioning.
- Ensure robust systems for contract monitoring, risk management, and provider performance.
- All Age / Cross-Cutting Work
- Support development and delivery of the Autism Strategy implementation plan, working across partner agencies and internal stakeholders.
- Lead on improvements to self-directed support, including: Direct payments, Individual Service Funds (ISFs), Development of the Personal Assistant (PA) market.
- Work with operational and finance teams to improve uptake, consistency, and governance of personalised care arrangements.
Key Accountabilities
- Deliver commissioning activity that supports financial sustainability and transformation goals.
- Ensure commissioning decisions are evidence-based, outcome-focused, and legally compliant.
- Manage competing priorities across multiple service areas.
- Engage effectively with providers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Contribute to market development and service innovation across children’s and adult services.
Key Skills and Experience
- Significant experience in public sector commissioning, ideally within local authority or NHS settings.
- Strong knowledge of SEND, children’s social care, and/or adult social care commissioning.
- Experience of contract management, service redesign, or market shaping.
- Ability to work in complex systems with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
- Strong analytical skills with a focus on financial and performance outcomes.
- Experience working with providers and managing commissioning relationships.
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working model supported.
- Occasional travel to Gateshead Civic Centre required.
- From September 2026: expectation of 2 days per week on-site attendance.
Reporting Line
Reports to: Strategic Commissioning Manager – Children and Young People
Strategic Commissioning Officer – AR in Gateshead employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a Strategic Commissioning Officer with us, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming Children’s Services, SEND, and Adult Social Care in Gateshead. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for meaningful impact in the community. Join us to contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance service quality and financial sustainability while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises your development.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Commissioning Officer – AR in Gateshead
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Commissioning Officer – AR in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Carrington Blake Recruitment that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
