At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Active Suffolk as a Project Officer and help people get back to work through physical activity.
- Company: Be part of East Suffolk Council, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and access to health initiatives.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Empower individuals to overcome barriers and improve their employability through sport and activity.
- Qualifications: Experience in the employment sector and knowledge of health-related barriers is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
East Suffolk Council, Active Suffolk
Location: East Suffolk House, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1RT
Salary: £28,598 - £31,022 per annum, plus car allowance
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2028
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We currently have an exciting opportunity to join the Active Suffolk Team as a Project Officer (Get Suffolk Working).
Active Suffolk is an independent, not for profit organisation, hosted by East Suffolk Council and is committed to increasing the number of people taking part in physical activity and sport to improve health and wellbeing. This role recognises the benefits of being physically active in relation to employability and economic wellbeing.
Your role provides an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate individual to take on this newly created position as Project Officer – Get Suffolk Working. Working collaboratively with a wide range of partners across sectors, you will play a key role in reducing health-related barriers to employment, particularly for individuals who are economically inactive due to long-term health conditions or low levels of physical and mental wellbeing.
This role involves developing and delivering training and support for employment sector staff, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to have positive, person-centred conversations with clients about physical activity as a tool for improving employability. By integrating physical activity into employability pathways, you will help create inclusive opportunities for individuals facing multiple disadvantages.
Experience and knowledge of the employment sector, particularly in relation to economically inactive groups and health-related barriers to work, is highly beneficial. The position will include building strong relationships across employment services, health organisations and local delivery partners to ensure a joined-up and effective approach. The focus for this work will be in Ipswich, with a hyper local focus in priority areas.
The role is funded by Sport England’s Place-based expansion investment and is in partnership with key local organisations – Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich & East Suffolk Alliance, Suffolk County Council – Public Health & Communities, the Department for Work and Pensions, SEETEC (Connect to Work) and Active Suffolk.
Active Suffolk's core principles and values:
- Integrity: We commit to make decisions aligned to our organisational aims, values and principles.
- Inclusivity: We recognise that listening to, capturing and engaging with differing views and experiences allows us to continue to grow and learn.
- Collaboration: We will put partnership working at the heart of everything we do.
- Adaptability: We recognise that the barriers to physical activity are complex and changeable.
- Informed: Data and insight will drive our decision making to ensure we maximise impact in areas of most need.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion:
We have a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, whilst fully recognising that as an organisation and individuals we are committed to continue learning and evolving. We welcome and actively encourage applications from all sections of the community and all job applicants will receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.
We know that diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, interests, and skills are essential to connecting with the communities of Suffolk and so when recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your lived experiences.
We are positive about employing disabled people and as part of our commitment to the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of the role.
Why work for us?
Active Suffolk is hosted by East Suffolk Council which is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access.
Here are some of the main benefits:
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
- Local government pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
How you'll work:
Active Suffolk has adopted a hybrid approach to give staff more flexibility on working arrangements. We work countywide and so some travel will be involved in this post and a flexible approach to working hours is required.
Your office base is located at Riduna Park, Melton and is directly opposite Melton train station with direct train links to Lowestoft and Ipswich. There are bike shelters and showers available on site.
Joint working arrangements with key partners in the Ipswich locality will be confirmed once the post holder has been appointed.
To find out more, we would be open to considering applications from candidates working at key partner organisations who may be interested in a secondment opportunity.
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Suzannah Challis, Development Officer (Workforce), by calling 07989 571281.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 2 August 2026.
Interview date: 20 August 2026.
How to apply:
Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf).
Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template (Word). Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification.
Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs (Curriculum Vitae) are not accepted.
For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our career site.
Project Officer in Woodbridge employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth of its employees and the communities they serve. As a Senior Planning Officer, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and encourages professional development through mentoring opportunities. With flexible working options and a commitment to meaningful impact, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of Suffolk while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer in Woodbridge
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer in Woodbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Suffolk Jobs Direct. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Project Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Suffolk Jobs Direct. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
