Contract Support Officer in Preston

Accountable to a designated Senior Contract Manager (SCM), the Contract Support Officer (CSO) provides secretariat, data handling, research and operational audit support across Commissioned Rehabilitative Services contracts. The role involves working with service users, contract managers and providers to ensure effective delivery of services in the community.

Responsibilities

• Provide secretariat support to the Senior Contract Manager and Service Manager, coordinating Service Management Board, Contract Strategy Board, Change Management Board and other meetings.
• Arrange and distribute agendas and papers, prepare first‑draft minutes and action logs, and maintain formal documentation including terms of reference, membership lists and distribution lists.
• Follow up with action owners, file, archive and enforce version control on all relevant documentation.
• Support the local contract management team and OSAG in delivering the annual assurance programme, including operational audit of provider delivery data and sample testing of provider performance information.
• Review and monitor performance data for designated providers, supporting ongoing contract management activities and follow‑up on provider requests for information.
• Conduct research and analysis activities such as reviewing stakeholder surveys, analysing data trends, developing case studies, reporting on risk and monitoring third‑party commissioned services.
• Collaborate with the National Strategic Contract Management team and national supplier level management to ensure consistency across guidance and information sharing.
• Provide information to Director/MoJ and other stakeholders as required.
• Ensure changes to data requirements are approved by the Data Gateway Services protocol.

Qualifications and Experience

• Good understanding of HMPPS strategic direction and contractual framework.
• Confidence and ability to represent the organisation professionally to a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage effective relationships in a contractual and political environment.
• Experience in project and programme management techniques.
• Strong analytical, research, evaluation and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong numerical and IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and Power BI.
• Strong attention to detail, networking capabilities and presentation skills.
• Experience of secretariat duties, including coordinating, organising and taking minutes of high‑level meetings.
• Commitment to valuing and promoting diversity and excellence within a changing landscape.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and deliver to deadlines.
• IT skills including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reports.
• Experience in business support, governance or contract environments.
• Minimum educational requirement: Foundation Certificate in Contract Management (or equivalent).
• Travel to London and other locations as required.
• Standard security checks and probation period apply.

Benefits and Working Conditions

• Hybrid working arrangements where business need allows; flexible work from home, MoJ sites or base location.
• Standard full‑time working hours of 37 hours per week (excluding unpaid breaks).
• Annual leave granted on a pro‑rata basis, calculated in hours if non‑standard work patterns are used.
• Pension: choice of two designated Civil Service pension schemes.
• Season ticket advance available after two months’ service.
• Training and development opportunities across Equality and Diversity, handling challenging behaviour, and other staff development programmes.
• Standard civil service benefits including bank, public and privilege holidays.