At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commissioning activities in adult social care, focusing on older people's services.
- Company: Central Bedfordshire Council, committed to improving local community outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a 'Good' rated team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable adults while shaping essential services.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and a passion for enhancing adult social care.
The predicted salary is between 41042 - 44296 £ per year.
Team: Adults Strategic Commissioning
Job Family: Providing - CBG11
Salary: £41,042 - £44,296 per annum pro rata
Hours: 37 hours per week - Full-time
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location and other sites as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 26th June 2026
Interview Date: w/c 6th July 2026
More about the role: As a Strategic Commissioning Officer, you will be expected to lead a portfolio of commissioning activity in adult social care. This role will initially focus on commissioning and market shaping for older people accommodation services and home-based support.
The post holder will need to develop an understanding of the local context to effectively commission services that meet local need. The post holder will need to make use of data, best practice and relevant legislation to design and commission services that achieve the best outcomes for local people through market shaping, innovation and collaboration.
Co-production is a vital part of the work we do and is considered within all commissioning workstreams. The post-holder will work with partners, providers, and local people to ensure best value and continuous improvement.
Central Bedfordshire recently received a rating of ‘Good’ in our CQC Inspection and we expect the post-holder to uphold this quality and be part of our work to improve further.
What are we looking for? We are looking for an experienced commissioner who is passionate about improving outcomes for older people and vulnerable adults. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable knowledge of commissioning processes and an understanding of the adult social care market.
You will be able to work collaboratively across the system and develop positive relationships with stakeholders to inform commissioning strategy and service development.
Our Offer: We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack. Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.
For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Kate Ayres at Kate.Ayres@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.
Our National Careers Service team offer a free monthly workshop covering CV writing and how to complete the statement sections of the Central Bedfordshire Council online application form. This MS Teams workshop is open to anyone from the UK and lasts around 1.5 hours.
More information about this service can be found here: Support getting into work or learning | Central Bedfordshire Council
Career opportunities Strategic Commissioning Officer employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in strategic commissioning, particularly in the adult social care sector. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values flexibility and professional growth. The council's recent 'Good' CQC rating reflects its commitment to quality service delivery, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals dedicated to enhancing outcomes for older people and vulnerable adults.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career opportunities Strategic Commissioning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local context! Research Central Bedfordshire and its adult social care needs. Understanding the community will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the field, attend workshops, and engage with local stakeholders. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights into the commissioning landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've improved outcomes for older people or vulnerable adults. Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the only way we consider applications, so make sure you follow the process. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Central Bedfordshire Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Career opportunities Strategic Commissioning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what a Strategic Commissioning Officer does. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make it personal by tailoring your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Use the language from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on examples that demonstrate your knowledge of commissioning processes and adult social care. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our online system. So, make sure you submit your application there. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the commissioning processes and the adult social care market. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices, as these will likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles will really impress.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Central Bedfordshire's current services and the needs of older people and vulnerable adults in the area. This will help you demonstrate your ability to tailor commissioning strategies to meet local needs effectively. Showing that you’ve done your homework will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
As a Strategic Commissioning Officer, you'll need to work closely with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with partners and providers in the past. Highlighting your ability to build positive relationships will show that you're a team player who can drive co-production.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific commissioning scenarios. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.