Policy Officer

Policy Officer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Influence policy and drive improvements in safeguarding practice across Oxfordshire.
  • Company: Oxfordshire County Council, dedicated to creating strong, safe communities.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, 30 days holiday, health support, and great learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a tangible difference in safeguarding vulnerable adults every day.
  • Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong analytical skills required.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is a forward-thinking organisation committed to improving the lives of residents and creating strong, safe communities. Our Safeguarding Adults Board plays a vital role in protecting adults at risk and ensuring that safeguarding remains a priority across all partner organisations. We work collaboratively with health, social care, voluntary and community sectors to deliver meaningful change. Our values – always learning, being kind and caring, acting with integrity, taking responsibility and daring to do things differently – underpin everything we do. We also embrace agile working, offering flexibility and support to help you succeed.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to influence policy and drive improvements in safeguarding practice across Oxfordshire. As Intelligence & Research Analyst, you will be part of a small, dedicated team responsible for developing and implementing policies that support the strategic priorities of the Safeguarding Adults Board. Your work will span the entire intelligence cycle – from shaping ideas and designing intelligence-gathering tools, to translating political objectives into practical solutions and finally to ensuring that changes are embedded and deliver real benefits. You will lead on complex projects, analyse legislation and guidance, and provide expert advice to senior leaders. The role also involves building strong partnerships with external organisations, including voluntary groups and the civilian-military community, to ensure a joined-up approach to safeguarding. Every day will bring new challenges and opportunities to make a tangible difference.

About you

You will be an experienced policy professional with a proven ability to deliver results. Your background will include analysing intelligence and developing policies that have had a measurable impact, and you will be confident managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills are essential, as is the ability to interpret complex information and communicate it clearly to a range of audiences. You will be politically astute, able to navigate sensitive situations and influence stakeholders effectively. A Level 7 qualification is required, and experience in local or national government would be advantageous. Above all, you will share our commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable adults.

Our Rewards & Benefits

  • Culture of flexible working
  • Technology to support agile working where role permits
  • 30 days holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
  • Option to β€˜buy’ additional holiday
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
  • Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
  • Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to: Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to: Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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Policy Officer employer: Oxfordshire County Council

Oxfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and extensive learning and development opportunities. Our collaborative culture empowers staff to make a meaningful impact on safeguarding practices while promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all levels of the organisation.
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Contact Detail:

Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Policy Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the safeguarding and policy sectors, especially those connected to Oxfordshire County Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and achievements in policy development. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your ability to deliver results.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current policies and legislation related to safeguarding. Being knowledgeable about recent changes will not only impress interviewers but also show your commitment to the field.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Oxfordshire County Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer

Policy Development
Analytical Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Legislation Analysis
Partnership Building
Political Acumen
Intelligence Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Agile Working
Adaptability
Research Skills
Fast-Paced Environment Management

Some tips for your application 🫑

Show Your Passion for Safeguarding: When writing your application, make sure to express your genuine commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable adults. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission.

Tailor Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience in policy development and analysis. Be specific about the projects you've led and the impact they've had. We love seeing concrete examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements!

Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications without getting lost in complex language.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council

✨Know Your Policies

Before the interview, dive deep into the policies related to safeguarding and adult protection. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation and how it impacts local practices. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully analysed complex information in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific projects where your analytical skills led to measurable improvements. This is crucial for a Policy Officer position.

✨Build on Collaboration

Highlight your experience in working with various stakeholders, especially in a collaborative environment. Discuss how you’ve built partnerships with external organisations and how that has influenced policy development. This aligns perfectly with the council's values.

✨Embrace the Values

Familiarise yourself with Oxfordshire County Council's core values: always learning, being kind, acting with integrity, and taking responsibility. Prepare to share how you embody these values in your work, as they are central to the organisation's culture.

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