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- Tasks: Lead policy development to improve outcomes for children and families in Plymouth.
- Company: Plymouth City Council, committed to equality and community engagement.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive salary, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful policy work.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in local government policy and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Plymouth City Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in developing high-quality policy that improves outcomes for children and families across the city. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of Children’s Services, leading the development, implementation and review of policies that are grounded in best practice, informed by the lived experience of children and families, and aligned with Plymouth’s values and priorities. Working in the context of the national Families First Partnership reforms, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in defining future services for children, young people and their families, and in ensuring the success of this important programme.
About The Role
- Lead the reviewing and updating of policies and guidance and be the lead for updating and liaising with our electronic policy providers.
- Lead on the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies, plans and policies across Children’s Services.
- Review and update existing policy.
- Liaise with external electronic policy providers to publish the Plymouths procedure manual.
- Analyse complex legislation, research and intelligence to inform evidence-based policy development.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders, managers and partners in Children’s Services and across the Plymouth Safeguarding Children’s Partnership.
- Work collaboratively across service areas to ensure policies are coherent, inclusive, effective and embedded in practice.
- Design and deliver consultation and community engagement activity to ensure policies reflect the needs of children, families and communities.
- Prepare high-quality reports, briefings and presentations for leadership teams and partners.
- Support service improvement, performance management, project evaluation and self-assessment activity.
About You
- A degree in a related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
- Strong knowledge of local government policy, legislation and national priorities, particularly within Children’s Services.
- Proven experience of policy analysis, research, and developing clear, impactful policy documents.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information to diverse audiences.
- Experience of collaborative working, stakeholder engagement and consultation with communities.
- Strong analytical, evaluative and change-management skills.
- Confidence in influencing, facilitating meetings and presenting to groups.
- Advanced or intermediate skills in Microsoft Office and analytical tools.
What We Offer
- Excellent induction.
- Supportive team and working environments.
- Access to an excellent learning and development offer, building knowledge and skills to support staff to develop at every stage in their professional career.
- Commitment to high quality reflective supervision and support from an experienced management team.
- Generous annual leave entitlement and competitive salary.
- Provision of a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality, we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or have been an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years. We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role. Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact David Neal by email at David.neal@plymouth.gov.uk.
Policy Officer in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your colleagues and connections within Plymouth City Council. They might have insights or even know about internal opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of local government policy and the specific needs of children and families in Plymouth. We want you to shine when discussing how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with diverse teams or engaged with communities. This is key for a Policy Officer, so let us see your teamwork in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and priorities of Plymouth City Council, especially in relation to Children’s Services.
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in policy analysis and development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to create impactful policy documents and your understanding of local government legislation.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Avoid jargon and keep your sentences straightforward. This will help ensure that your ideas come across effectively, especially when explaining complex information.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Policies
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the current policies and legislation relevant to Children’s Services. Familiarise yourself with Plymouth City Council's values and priorities, as this will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in policy analysis and development. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and communities to inform policy decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex information in a straightforward manner. Since the role requires excellent communication skills, consider rehearsing how you would present your ideas to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and impact.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the role and the team. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the environment is right for you. Engaging with the interviewers can also create a more conversational atmosphere.