Systems Liaison Officer in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council

Address: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU, Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX or Riverside, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ - Hybrid

Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available

Contract: Fixed term/Secondment to cover an absent post holder, expected to end 31 March 2028, subject to change.

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Systems Liaison Officer (Early Years and Childcare), you’ll see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.

Your role and responsibilities

• This is a varied and rewarding role focused on making best use of systems and data to support the delivery of Early Years and Childcare Services.
• You will help ensure that colleagues, providers and families can access clear, accurate and timely information, supporting the Council to meet its statutory responsibilities.
• You will act as a key link between service teams and the systems they use, helping to ensure data is accurate, processes are effective, and systems meet operational needs.

You will:

• support the effective use of information systems to meet statutory and reporting requirements
• maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners
• provide guidance and support to colleagues on data quality, systems and information processes
• contribute to service planning, performance monitoring and reporting activities
• support the sharing of clear and accurate information with providers, partners and families
• work with colleagues and system providers to improve processes and ensure systems are fit for purpose
• manage the Childcare Brokerage Service.

You will need

• a suitable professional qualification at graduate level or equivalent experience in a relevant field
• experience of working with data, systems or digital tools to support service delivery
• the ability to interpret and communicate complex information clearly
• strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills
• evidence of continuing professional development
• knowledge of early years, childcare or children’s services (or the ability to develop this knowledge).

We will offer you

• a supportive and collaborative team environment
• opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge, including in early years and data systems
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we would welcome your application.

The Team

The Early Years and Childcare (EYC) Service plays a vital role in improving the quality of early years provision across Suffolk, helping to deliver better long-term outcomes for children. By ensuring access to high-quality, inclusive childcare, the service supports families, meets statutory sufficiency duties, and helps reduce inequalities for disadvantaged children.

With increasing demand for funded childcare, the service works closely with providers to ensure children benefit from safe, effective environments that support learning and development. This includes supporting providers to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and investing in workforce development to strengthen practice across the sector.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Carolyn Heyburn or Christina Lewis for a casual conversation. You can reach Carolyn by calling 01473 264003 or emailing carolyn.heyburn@suffolk.gov.uk. You can reach Christina by calling 01473 265360 or emailing christina.lewis@suffolk.gov.uk.

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
• Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
• Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

Describe a time when you used a data system or digital tool to support service delivery, reporting, or decision-making.
Tell us about a time when you identified an issue with a system, process or data and took steps to improve it.
Give an example of when you communicated complex information, data or systems to others.
Describe a time when you worked with internal or external partners to achieve a shared outcome.
Tell us about a time when you handled sensitive information or identified a risk.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 14 June 2026

Interview date: 23 June 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.