At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape high-quality services for children and young people with SEND through strategic commissioning.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council’s supportive Specialist Commissioning Team.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, career development, and family-friendly support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of SEND legislation and experience in commissioning or procurement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Gloucestershire County Council’s Specialist Commissioning Team and play a key role in shaping high‑quality services for children and young people with SEND. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference through strategic commissioning, partnership working and improving outcomes across the county.
About the Role
In this role you will support the commissioning of high‑quality services for children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will work closely with colleagues, providers and partners to ensure sufficient, effective and outcome‑focused provision across Gloucestershire.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with education settings and specialist providers
- Support the commissioning of bespoke education and support packages, including pathways into employment such as supported internships
- Lead and support procurement activity, ensuring value for money and high‑quality provision
- Manage and monitor contracts, driving performance and continuous improvement
- Produce contracts and Individual Placement Agreements for specialist placements
- Analyse and manage key commissioning data, including High Needs place planning
- Work collaboratively across education, health and care, including with regional partners and other local authorities
- Contribute to service development, SEND sufficiency planning and continuous improvement
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy and best practice
About You
- Knowledge of SEND legislation and processes
- Experience of commissioning, procurement, or working within a provider environment
- Experience managing complex or high‑risk pieces of work
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership working skills
- Ability to analyse information and present clear, evidence‑based recommendations
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A proactive, solution‑focused approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Benefits
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part‑time staff)
- Family friendly employer offering benefits to support you and your family
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone
- In‑house Occupational Health service
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&Cs apply)
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network
Legal Information
The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have the right to work that enables them to commit to at least six months' employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer. It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Commitment to Safeguarding
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Specialist Commissioning Officer employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Join Gloucestershire County Council as a Specialist Commissioning Officer and be part of a dedicated team that is committed to enhancing the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With a supportive work culture, flexible working options, and a strong focus on career development, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying generous benefits such as increased annual leave and access to employee support programmes. Located in Shire Hall, you will collaborate with passionate colleagues and partners to drive high-quality service provision across the county.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Commissioning Officer
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We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Commissioning Officer
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 Gloucestershire County Council
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council.
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council 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.
