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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower communities and tackle inequality through innovative programmes and strong relationships.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, committed to diversity and positive community change.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and on-site nursery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities and help shape a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Experience in community projects and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating equal opportunities for all.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
About the role
Are you passionate about creating positive change in local communities? Do you have the drive to build strong relationships, empower residents, and help shape programmes that tackle inequality? If so, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the Council's objective of creating more equal communities within Reading. As a Community Improvement Programme Officer, you'll help deliver our innovative Place-Based Programme, focused on improving outcomes for residents within specific areas of the borough. Working closely with local partners, voluntary groups, community organisations and internal services, you'll act as the central point of coordination to support real, sustainable improvement in areas that need it most.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
Responsibilities
- Build relationships with local residents, voluntary groups, partners and internal teams
- Coordinate activities within the pilot wards to support the Tackling Inequality Strategy
- Engage with the community, including leading targeted work with young people
- Gather, analyse and use local data to understand needs and track impact
- Map local assets and identify opportunities for regeneration and service improvement
- Plan and deliver community and stakeholder engagement events
You'll also play a key role in promoting inclusive and collaborative working across all partners.
Qualifications
- Experience delivering community-based projects from inception to completion
- The ability to build trust and work positively with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Strong analytical skills, able to gather and interpret community intelligence
- A proactive, can-do attitude and confidence working independently
- Political awareness and experience working with elected members
- Background experience in community development, youth work or similar
Team and values
You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision and values
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Community Improvement Programme Officer in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Improvement Programme Officer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before applying, spend some time understanding the local issues and the people you’ll be working with. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with local organisations, attend community events, and engage with stakeholders. Building relationships now can give you a leg up when it comes to landing that Community Improvement Programme Officer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive community projects in the past. Bring examples to the table that highlight your ability to gather insights and make impactful decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Improvement Programme Officer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for community improvement! Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in local communities, and why this role excites you. We want to feel your drive through your words!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how they fit the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the local community issues and initiatives. Familiarise yourself with the Council's Tackling Inequality Strategy and think about how your past experiences can contribute to these goals. This will show your genuine passion for making a difference.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves building strong relationships, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders in the past. Think about specific instances where you’ve fostered collaboration or resolved conflicts, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've gathered and interpreted data in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've used community intelligence to drive project outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to analyse needs and track impact effectively.
✨Embrace Inclusivity
As the role emphasises diversity and inclusion, be prepared to talk about how you’ve promoted these values in your work. Share any experiences where you’ve worked with underrepresented groups or led initiatives that empowered residents, showcasing your commitment to inclusive practices.
