Change and Social Value Specialist (2‑year Fixed Term)
It’s a pivotal time in the Change and Social Value team at Islington Council.
As part of the Community Wealth Building directorate, we are strengthening our Change and Social Value function with the introduction of a reshaped team aligned to delivering the councils’ ambitions. As a Change and Social Value Specialist within our Progressive Procurement service, you’ll play a crucial role in transforming how we use our change and social value expertise to improve our services, drive positive change through innovative processes, and deliver social value.
About the Role
We’re looking for a driven individual to join our friendly and ambitious Change and Social Value team at Islington Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to help us realise our ambition of becoming a centre of excellence in Change and Social Value practice.
As a key member of our team, you’ll support and deliver a range of Change and Social Value projects that leverage our spending power by collaborating with suppliers to drive innovation and social value impact across the council. You’ll work closely with colleagues from across the organisation, providing expert advice, supporting innovative projects, and helping us to shape processes that are fit for the future and deliver impact.
What we’re looking for:
- Solid experience in fast paced roles including procurement, change and social value / responsibility / sustainability, preferably within the public sector.
- Ofqual Level 4 (i.e. HNC or higher); and/or equivalent professional, vocational or technical qualification; and/or equivalent assessed professional accreditation.
- Transforming Public Procurement certification from the Government Commercial College, or willingness to undertake within 3 months of appointment to the role.
- Active on the CIPS Professional Register: Professional Register | CIPS or willing to apply plus maintained annual assessed supply chain ethical assessment such as CIPS Ethical Procurement and Supply annual certificate, or a willingness to undertake assessment within 3 months of appointment to the role.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge.
- Experience developing / reviewing guidance and providing advice to remove barriers to participation.
- Confidence to provide advice, solve problems and manage competing priorities.
- Commitment to our values: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering.
Your focus will include:
- Providing expertise on change and social value projects but also be able to provide advice and guidance across statutory requirements brought about in legislation, the National Procurement Policy Statement and Procurement Policy Notes.
- Working on projects focused on leveraging our spending power by collaborating with suppliers to drive innovation in social value, maximising both financial and in-kind contributions, fostering innovative strategies and technologies to continuously improve and pioneer how social value is defined, measured, and achieved.
- Engaging with legal colleagues to create robust mechanisms for enforcing remedies if contracts fail to meet social value commitments, safeguarding the Council’s interests.
- Supporting the development of robust section 106 agreements and monitoring implementation so agreements deliver positive outcomes for the local community and enhance local infrastructure.
- Working on elements of the National Procurement Policy Statement programme to deliver training, guidance, interventions and quality assurance on social value and commercial capabilities across the organisation.
- Contributing to a positive, supportive team culture.
Why Join Us?
- Flexible hybrid “Desk-based” workstyle (minimum one day per week on site).
- Full time 35 hours per week with a competitive salary at PO2 level (£45,852–£47,925).
- Commitment to championing your professional development.
- Part of an organisation recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, London Living Wage Employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion, and more.
If you’re ready to take on varied and meaningful projects and make a lasting impact, apply today!
For an informal discussion, contact Jessica Brennan at [email protected]
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.
About You
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Change and Social Value Specialist in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Islington Council.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Islington Council.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Islington Council.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Islington Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Islington Council. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Change and Social Value Specialist, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Islington Council. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
