At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives on Violence Against Women and Girls, building partnerships for community safety.
- Company: Join the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner’s team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, flexible working, and access to wellbeing support.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Be a voice for victims and drive impactful change in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in partnership work required.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside is looking for a confident, collaborative and highly motivated Portfolio and Partnerships Officer to lead the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's work on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This is a busy, varied and high-profile role at the heart of partnership working across Merseyside. You will support delivery of the Police and Crime Plan by building strong relationships with statutory, policing, local authority, political, community and voluntary sector partners, championing victim and survivor voices and helping to drive evidence-led improvements that make communities safer.
The Role
As the OPCC VAWG Lead, you will take responsibility for developing and maintaining the Commissioner's VAWG portfolio, ensuring it is informed by local need, partnership insight and the best available evidence. You will represent the PCC at Community Safety Partnership meetings and other strategic forums, provide briefings and advice to senior leaders, and support the development and delivery of projects, initiatives and commissioning activity. You will also play an important role in communications, community confidence and critical incident response, helping to ensure the PCC's work on VAWG is visible, credible and responsive to the needs of victims, survivors and communities across Merseyside.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, lead and maintain positive relationships with VAWG organisations, third sector agencies, Community Safety Partnerships, local authorities, political leads and Merseyside Police.
- Represent and promote the PCC's VAWG work at relevant local, regional and national meetings and strategic bodies.
- Provide regular briefings, options and advice to the PCC, Chief Executive and senior OPCC leaders on developments, risks and opportunities within the VAWG agenda.
- Coordinate and support VAWG partnerships, projects and initiatives, encouraging joint working and avoiding duplication across the system.
- Where required, support commissioning approaches, including specification, selection, management and evaluation of commissioned services within value for money frameworks.
- Lead engagement with victims and survivors, including panel development, consultation activity, surveys and community engagement to ensure the Police and Crime Plan reflects local need.
- Support media and digital communications by providing updates, intelligence and draft content that reassures communities and promotes the work of the OPCC and Merseyside Police.
- Act as the PCC representative following relevant critical incidents and help guide partners and community organisations during periods of heightened tension.
About You
You will be an effective communicator and influential partnership professional with the confidence to work across complex systems and with senior stakeholders. You will bring resilience, political awareness and the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-profile environment. In-depth knowledge of VAWG issues and the ability to apply that knowledge in a strategic partnership setting. Strong relationship-building and influencing skills across policing, local authority, community safety and voluntary sector partners. Experience of preparing clear, succinct reports and delivering presentations to partners, community members and senior leaders. A collaborative approach, with the ability to integrate activity, reduce duplication and drive practical solutions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify key risks, issues and areas for escalation. Confidence representing an organisation internally and externally, including in politically sensitive and public-facing environments. Good social media communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, increasing to 30 days plus 8 bank holidays after 5 years' full service.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible, hybrid or agile working arrangements, subject to the needs of the role.
- Access to wellbeing support and workplace benefits, including Blue Light Scheme discounts and cycle to work options.
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and particularly encourage applications from women and candidates from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds. We also offer flexible working and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.
How to Apply
Please ensure you have approval to apply by your Ch Supt/Head of department before submitting your application. Please consider the Job Description Questionnaire and submit your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience meets the requirements of the role. Applications should be submitted via the Merseyside Police careers portal when the vacancy is live.
Portfolio & Partnership Officer VAWG Lead employer: MERSEYSIDE POLICE
Merseyside Police is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact community safety and well-being. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, all while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and innovation. Working in this role not only provides job security but also the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others within the vibrant Merseyside area.
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We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio & Partnership Officer VAWG Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
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How to prepare for a job interview at MERSEYSIDE POLICE
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✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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