Consultation & Engagement Officer (12 months fixed term contract)

Job Advert

Havant Borough Council is dedicated to delivering our vision for the borough—where communities are resilient, engaged, and proud of their place; where people and families want to live, work, and enjoy; and where decision‑making is informed by meaningful participation.

Our Strategy Unit plays a vital role in shaping the future of the borough by supporting evidence‑led policy, strategy, and engagement. We believe that genuine consultation and collaboration with residents, businesses, and stakeholders are central to making informed, inclusive, and transparent decisions.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Consultation and Engagement Officer to join our Insight team. This role will support the design and delivery of the council’s public consultation and stakeholder engagement approach, ensuring residents, communities, and partners have a meaningful voice in shaping local priorities and services. You will lead on the Community Governance Review consultations next year, ensuring residents are informed, engaged, and able to contribute to shaping the future governance arrangements of their local areas.

You will be confident advising services and Members on best‑practice consultation methods, analysing complex information, and communicating insights clearly. You’ll bring creativity, analytical thinking, and strong interpersonal skills to help us strengthen relationships and embed a culture of meaningful engagement across the council.

Key skills and experience

• Has experience in consultation, engagement, and stakeholder management in a public or community‑facing role.
• Understand the principles of good consultation, including inclusivity, transparency, and statutory compliance.
• Can design, deliver, and evaluate consultation and engagement activities using a range of digital and in‑person methods.
• Has strong analytical skills to interpret data and translate findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Communicates complex information simply and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Can manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality and accuracy.
• Is politically astute, adaptable, and collaborative, with experience working across services and with external partners.

What you’ll be doing

You will play a key role in supporting the council’s strategic objective to empower stakeholders to influence and shape local decision‑making. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading on the Community Governance Review consultations, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and maximising engagement across all communities.
• Designing, managing, and delivering public consultation and engagement activities across a range of policy and service areas.
• Providing professional advice and support to services and Members on consultation design, stakeholder mapping, and engagement best practice.
• Using data and insight to target and tailor engagement approaches for different audiences.
• Analysing consultation responses and preparing clear, accessible reports and recommendations for decision‑makers.
• Supporting the development and improvement of corporate approaches to stakeholder relationship management and engagement.
• Working collaboratively across teams, including the Communications team, to ensure consistent and inclusive engagement activity.

What we offer

• The opportunity to lead high‑profile, borough‑wide consultation projects that will directly influence local democracy and service delivery.
• A flexible hybrid working model to support your work‑life balance.
• A diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where your creativity and contributions are valued.
• A comprehensive benefits package—find out more on our website: www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers.

How to Apply

Please click apply and complete the short application process (3‑4 minutes). Attach your CV and a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile. Applications are submitted on our recruitment platform Hireful – www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now.

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Caroline Harvey, Communications, Engagement & Insight Manager on 02392 446048 or via email caroline.harvey@havant.gov.uk.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on 2 November 2025 and interviews will be held on 11 November 2025.

Equal opportunities

We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. www.havant.gov.uk/our-organisation/equality-and-diversity

Disability and Veteran

Havant Borough Council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

Safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.

Emergency response

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.