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- Tasks: Lead commissioning services for children’s care and education placements.
- Company: Join the Westmorland and Furness Council team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible interview options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 39152 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: REQ00000019281
Date posted: 02/12/2025
Application closing date: 04/01/2026
Location: Various Locations
Salary: £38,220 - £39,152
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Location: Barrow, Kendal or Penrith
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity:
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Commissioning Team for a highly motivated individual to join our team to work as a Commissioning Officer. Our broad objective is to commission services which meet the identified needs of residents, deliver improved outcomes, achieve value for money and support the Council Plan. Commissioning Officers are responsible for taking the lead on aspects of commissioning within the areas of Adult Services, Children’s Services and Public Health. This role focuses on commissioning services to provide high quality homes for cared for children and education placements for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will work closely with colleagues in Children’s Services and alongside a range of stakeholders and independent providers to commission services that meet the needs of individual children. You will work with Commissioning’s External Placements Team, which searches for and secures placements in homes for cared for children with fostering, residential and supported accommodation providers and education placements for children with SEND. The work is busy and fast paced but is really rewarding.
What you will be doing:
- Commission services and contracts to secure high-quality provision
- Operationally review services and processes for continuous improvement
- Implement contracts and manage contractual change
- Manage and develop relationships with providers
- Be involved with market development, quality and contractual compliance
- Work closely with the Commissioning Manager
Who we are looking for:
You will be highly organised, a confident communicator and able to work effectively under pressure. You don’t require a background in social care or commissioning, although knowledge of these areas would be helpful. The successful candidate will:
- Have knowledge and experience of leading and managing projects
- Be highly IT literate
- Able to analyse and interpret data
- Have excellent problem-solving skills
- Be a good networker and negotiator
What can we offer you:
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Sarah Page on 07785 293 596.
Application and Interview information:
Interviews: W/C 12/01/2026. We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Safer Recruitment & DBS:
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Commissioning Officer - WMF2482e in Penrith employer: The Cumbria County Council
Contact Detail:
The Cumbria County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Officer - WMF2482e in Penrith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the commissioning field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the Council's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve tackled challenges effectively. This will help you shine during the interview when they ask about your approach to managing projects and relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Westmorland and Furness Council. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Officer - WMF2482e in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Commissioning Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality services for children and families.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Commissioning Officer, you'll need to be a confident communicator. Use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively. This is your chance to shine!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have direct experience in commissioning or social care, think about transferable skills from previous roles. We’re looking for project management, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities, so make sure to showcase those!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Know Your Commissioning Basics
Familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of commissioning, especially in relation to adult services, children's services, and public health. Understanding how these areas interconnect will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading and managing projects. Prepare specific examples that highlight your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are key traits for a Commissioning Officer.
✨Data Analysis is Key
Brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to explain how you've used data to inform decisions or improve processes in past roles. This will show your analytical capabilities, which are crucial for this position.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've successfully developed relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of your networking and negotiation skills, as building strong partnerships is essential for a Commissioning Officer.
