At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with teams to design and deliver inclusive support for children with SEND.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to positive change in children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or children's services, with strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on creativity and impactful service development.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 40777 £ per year.
Salary £36,363-£40,777 Per annum | Permanent | Full Time, 37 hours per week
This role is not open to international sponsorship. As part of the ongoing transformation of our Inclusion and SEND services, we’re creating a new opportunity to help shape high quality, inclusive support for children and young people with SEND and those accessing Alternative Provision. We’re recruiting a Commissioning Officer, a key role that will help strengthen service design, delivery and impact across Lancashire.
About The Role
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, schools, AP providers, health partners and wider organisations to ensure services are safe, inclusive and outcome focused.
- Support the development of commissioning plans, strategies, protocols and service redesign.
- Contribute to writing specifications, supporting tender processes and monitoring provider performance.
- Support effective referrals, placements, contract management and performance oversight.
This is a varied role within a supportive, forward-thinking team where you’ll influence service development and drive positive change for children and young people.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Understands commissioning, contract management and quality assurance.
- Uses data confidently to support decision‑making and improve services.
- Builds strong, collaborative relationships across the SEND and AP system.
- Has experience in education, SEND, children’s services or a related field.
- Is calm under pressure, solution‑focused and effective in both independent and multi‑agency work.
- Brings creativity, insight and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Contact
For an informal discussion, please contact: Maxine Smith, Commissioning Manager, at Maxine.Smith@lancashire.gov.uk, or Lisa Taylor, Senior Commissioning Manager, at Lisa.Taylor2@lancashire.gov.uk.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on the LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Commissioning Officer| Permanent| Full-Time employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Officer| Permanent| Full-Time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and SEND sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to commissioning and service delivery. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their goals, so be ready to share specific examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. So, don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Officer| Permanent| Full-Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Commissioning Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've used data to make decisions or improve services in your previous roles. We want to see your creativity and insight in action.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like commissioning and contract management.
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 to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key aspects of commissioning, contract management, and quality assurance. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in SEND and Alternative Provision. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in building strong relationships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or external partners to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Data is Your Friend
Familiarise yourself with how data can drive decision-making in commissioning. Be prepared to talk about how you've used data in past roles to improve services or support your recommendations. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to outcome-focused service delivery.
✨Stay Calm and Solution-Focused
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to stay calm and focused on solutions. Think of scenarios where you've faced challenges and how you overcame them. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities and resilience, which are crucial for this role.