At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects to improve care for children and young people in our community.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, dedicated to making a difference in social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree and experience in project management and commissioning required.
The predicted salary is between 44075 - 48226 £ per year.
Do you want your work to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our care? This is a brilliant opportunity to join a new team in a new role where your focus will be on ensuring children and young people in our care get the right support at the right time, while securing the best value for money. This post is temporary for 2 years, however there is the possibility of it being extended beyond this point in the future.
What is involved? You will be joining our small Durham Cares Sufficiency Programme Team, a brand new team with a clear purpose. As Sufficiency Delivery Lead, you will lead on the delivery of projects within our complex improvement programme, with the aim of reducing our reliance on costly placements. You will drive forward work to review our current arrangements and develop a detailed understanding of the provider market. You will explore new partnership opportunities, work in partnership with commissioning colleagues to assess and review existing frameworks and develop innovative internal and external solutions. You’ll also support us to find better ways to plan and develop care options that meet the needs of children and young people.
You will:
- Lead and deliver projects within the Durham Cares Sufficiency Programme, including planning, risk management and progress tracking
- Monitor and track impact, supporting the development of systems and reporting to measure outcomes and cost improvements
- Produce reports, strategies and business plans to support informed decision-making
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, partners and providers to develop solutions and improve services
- Support and deputise for the Programme Manager, helping to guide and coordinate team activity
If you would like to know more, we encourage you to contact Lindsey Herring, Durham Cares Sufficiency Programme Manager by e‑mail at lindsey.herring@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
What will I need? To apply for this fantastic new post you will need a relevant degree and/or professional qualification and experience of:
- Commissioning within local authority or health services
- Planning/managing/co‑ordinating large projects or programmes
- Budget monitoring and cost control
- Working effectively with senior managers, stakeholders and colleagues
- Working collaboratively in a multi‑professional/multi‑agency environment
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
Our offer to you: We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. We are committed to providing a culture where you can flourish. We will ensure you are highly supported and we encourage flexible working to achieve a good work‑life balance. You will benefit from a range of training opportunities and professional development.
Hybrid working: Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro‑rated for part‑time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion: We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Interview details: Interviews are expected to be held on 30 June 2026 at Spennymoor Council Offices, DL16 1JQ. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
Durham Cares Sufficiency Delivery Lead in Spennymoor employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in our care. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer a competitive rewards package, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to vital community services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Durham Cares Sufficiency Delivery Lead in Spennymoor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Durham Cares. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the Durham Cares Sufficiency Programme and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Durham Cares Sufficiency Delivery Lead in Spennymoor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Sufficiency Delivery Lead. We want to see how you can make a real difference in the lives of children and young people, so be specific about your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves leading projects, it’s crucial to demonstrate your project management expertise. Share examples of large projects you've coordinated, focusing on your planning, risk management, and tracking progress. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact!
Highlight Collaborative Experiences:Collaboration is key in this role, so don’t forget to mention your experience working with various stakeholders and teams. We’re looking for someone who can work effectively in a multi-professional environment, so share those stories that show your teamwork skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Sufficiency Delivery Lead and the specific challenges faced in children's care. Familiarise yourself with the current provider market and any recent developments in local authority commissioning. This will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in managing large projects or programmes, especially within health or local authority settings. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully monitored budgets and improved services, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully partnered with internal teams or external providers to develop solutions. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in a multi-professional environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Durham Cares Sufficiency Programme and its goals. Inquire about the team's dynamics and how success is measured. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values and career aspirations.
