At a Glance
- Tasks: Support thriving town centres and strengthen local economies through innovative projects.
- Company: Join the Forest of Dean District Council, dedicated to vibrant community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Agile working with opportunities for career growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your skills in economic development.
- Qualifications: Experience in economic development or community engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 36363 £ per year.
About the role
Are you passionate about supporting thriving town centres, strengthening local economies, and making a real difference to communities? We're looking for two enthusiastic and proactive Market Towns Officers to join our Communities and Sustainable Economy Service. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with our Town Councils, businesses, community organisations and partners to help create vibrant, resilient and sustainable market towns across the Forest of Dean.
As Market Towns Officer, you'll play a leading role in delivering projects that enhance town centres, support local businesses, encourage community participation and secure investment for regeneration. You'll help turn our Sustainable Economy Strategy into action, working collaboratively to ensure our market towns continue to prosper while meeting the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.
Some of your responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver initiatives that increase town centre footfall, visitor spend and business confidence.
- Work with businesses, traders and Town Councils to support business growth and improve the vitality of high streets.
- Support the development of local markets and town centre events that drive economic activity and community engagement.
- Build strong partnerships with businesses, community organisations, public sector partners and elected members.
- Identify funding opportunities and contribute to successful funding bids.
We have two positions available for up to 37 hours, pending Town Council Contributions. 37 hours per post are guaranteed until April 2027. From April 2027, any hours above 20 hours will be subject to availability of external funding/Town Council Contributions.
You will need:
- Experience in economic development, regeneration, town centre management, or community development.
- Demonstrate understanding of how town centres work, their issues and what makes them successful.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrates understanding of the needs of citizens, businesses and visitors in town centres.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. economic development, geography, planning, community development).
(Desirable) Special Conditions
- Ability to travel and Full UK Driving License.
- Hybrid working with regular presence in market towns.
- Some evening and weekend work to support events and stakeholder engagement.
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification. Vacancies can close earlier than stated if a high number of applications have been received. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
What we can do for you:
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working.
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service.
- In addition, you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice.
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care.
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars.
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.
About The Organisation
Forest of Dean District Council is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Our priorities are centred on fostering thriving communities by empowering and engaging residents, enhancing infrastructure, promoting community well-being, and ensuring social equity. We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, focusing on renewable energy transitions, energy efficiency, transport transformation, nature recovery, and food resilience. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Forest of Dean District Council is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Market Towns Officer in Coleford employer: Publica Group Ltd
Publica Group Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and personal development. As a part-time Civil Enforcement Officer in Cirencester, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in your local area while developing your skills in a dynamic outdoor environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Market Towns Officer in Coleford
✨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 Publica Group Ltd, 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 Publica Group Ltd and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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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 Market Towns Officer in Coleford
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 Publica Group Ltd 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 Publica Group Ltd
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Publica Group Ltd, 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 Publica Group Ltd.
