Engagement & Change Partner

As the Engagement & Change Partner in Organisational Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing a dynamic and collaborative culture within the council. At the heart of this role is the opportunity to craft and deliver a comprehensive engagement strategy, ensuring that all voices across the organisation, especially from non-desk-based teams, are heard and valued. You will partner with the wider communications team to influence, inform, and inspire staff, using your expertise to drive change that resonates throughout the council.

You will lead the way in organising and facilitating key engagement activities and events that foster connection and understanding. From internal events like the Staff Expo and Long Service Awards to strategic communications on organisational changes, you’ll be at the forefront of ensuring staff engagement is not only maintained but elevated. The aim is to cultivate an environment where information flows seamlessly, and all stakeholders, from frontline staff to senior leadership, are engaged in meaningful ways.

About Southwark Council: Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with many social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.

Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality, underpins all that we do.

Benefits and more information:

• Salary Range: £44,430 - £51,663

The role will collaborate between the Organisational Development, Communications, HR and project delivery teams to ensure consistency and clarity in messaging. Your ability to blend strategy with hands-on execution will ensure that engagement initiatives align with broader organisational goals, making sure that no one is left behind during transitions. Moreover, you will take ownership of analysing engagement outcomes, constantly seeking creative ways to enhance staff involvement and improve communication channels.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver strategic engagement plans, ensuring seamless communication across departments, especially for non-desk-based teams.
• Provide expert advice on engagement strategies, collaborating with the wider communications and HR teams to influence complex issues.
• Lead and support engagement activities like events and campaigns, ensuring all staff and our staff networks are involved, informed, and their voices are heard.
• Assist in change management and team building techniques, supporting teams to navigate transitions smoothly and effectively.
• Ensure consistent messaging and support across the Council, aligning internal and external communications to organisational goals.
• Analyse engagement data to continuously improve communication strategies and enhance overall staff experience.
• A good understanding of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity and how to put these at the heart of how we work.

Experience in communications or engagement, or transferrable skills, with a proven ability to deliver successful strategies and plans. Knowledge in engagement methods, using innovative approaches to involve and communicate with diverse stakeholders. Skilled in data analysis, interpreting feedback to continuously improve engagement efforts. Strong relationship management skills, able to build effective connections across all levels of the organisation. Excellent communication abilities, crafting clear, engaging messages for a wide range of audiences. Experience working with non-desk-based staff, ensuring consistent communication and engagement for all teams. Proactive and strategic thinker, able to anticipate challenges and provide solutions in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a can-do attitude.

Recruitment timetable:

• Application Closing Date: 11.59pm on the 22nd of April 2025
• Interview Date: W/C 7th of May 2025

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition