At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in transforming and improving Children's Services through project management and stakeholder coordination.
- Company: Oldham Council, dedicated to creating vibrant and safe communities.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, gym discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, research, and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 38220 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to assist in delivering Children’s Services transformation and improvement programmes, working closely with senior officers and members. You will manage small projects, co-ordinate key governance arrangements, research, and collate information, and produce briefings, presentations and highlight reports. You will effectively manage internal and external stakeholders to deliver change and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver tracking tools which show progress across transformation and improvement programmes in Children’s Services, providing information about strengths, opportunities and areas for improvement that need to be addressed to ensure programmes deliver on time and to specification.
- Undertake a wide range of project management tasks at all stages of the project lifecycle.
- Manage and deliver small task and finish projects as commissioned.
- Support governance arrangements.
- Support regulatory inspection preparation, delivery and post-inspection planning and implementation.
Key Requirements
- Experience and ability to assist and deliver a range of programmes and projects including the setting up of programme/project dashboards and governance arrangements to track progress.
- Experience and ability to undertake research, investigating information, producing reports and presentations which can be understood by a range of audiences.
- Experience and ability to support key business planning improvement activity including analysing and interpreting information, data and intelligence to identify patterns and trends.
- Experience in motivating staff and senior officers and overseeing work undertaken to ensure it is completed to deadlines and required quality standards.
- Experience of process mapping and revising or introducing office systems or procedures for efficiency.
About Us
We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. We have identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact: A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing.
Our Values and Behaviours
We drive innovation, invest in our people, and champion our communities to ensure Oldham remains a place where everyone can live their best life. Our three core values are Proud, Ambitious, and Together, which guide our culture and decisions. We have five behaviours: Work with a resident focus, Support local leaders, Committed to the borough, Deliver high performance, Take ownership and drive change.
Our Benefits Package
Oldham Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 25 days annual leave (increasing after 5 and 10 years of service).
- Option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Attractive LGPS pension with the option to contribute additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, dining, travel, and more.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for home electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme.
- Staff recognition and celebration events.
- Peer support groups.
Inclusive Recruitment
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Equality, Safeguarding and Compliance
If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details on obtaining Certificates of Good Character. Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the “About You” or “Supporting Statement” section of your application. If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer, someone who has served in the Armed Forces, or you’ve participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Data and Privacy
For details of how we use your data please see our Privacy Notice.
Important Information
Please note that vacancies released for internal or external recruitment can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Strategy and Improvement Co-ordinator
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Oldham Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Oldham Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Strategy and Improvement Co-ordinator
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.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Oldham Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Oldham Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨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.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Oldham Council.
