At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and improve services for children and young people in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Walsall Council, dedicated to enhancing outcomes for families and communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on community well-being and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping inclusive services that impact children's lives positively.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Join our Children’s Commissioning Team in Walsall. We are looking for two experienced commissioning professionals to design and improve services for children and young people, working across the Council and with partners to deliver high-quality, inclusive services that improve outcomes for children and young people and their families.
Roles
- Senior Commissioning Officer – Lifelong Learning and Inclusion: This role leads commissioning activity across education‑related provision and inclusive pathways, including:
- Alternative Provision (AP)
- Independent day and residential school placements
- Transitions and preparing for adulthood
- Sufficiency, market development and cost control across education and learning provision
- Senior Commissioning Officer – Early Intervention and Communities: This role focuses on commissioning across prevention and community‑based pathways, including:
- Family Hubs and early intervention systems
- Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), including SEND inclusion and discretionary access
- Development of Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) provision
- Wider prevention, youth, early years and parenting support
You will play a critical role in securing high‑quality, inclusive local provision and reducing reliance on out‑of‑area and high‑cost placements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead service reviews and commissioning activity across the commissioning cycle, ensuring services are outcome-focused and deliver value for money
- Shape and develop provider markets to improve quality and local sufficiency
- Co‑create joint commissioning strategies with education, health and social care partners
- Champion co‑production so lived experience informs service design
- Use data and insight to inform decision‑making
- Monitor provider performance, quality and risk across our commissioned services
- Prepare reports, business cases and recommendations for senior leaders and elected members
- Represent the Council at local, regional and national forums
- Deputise for Commissioning Managers where required
About You
You are a confident system leader with experience of commissioning in complex environments, shaping markets, working across organisational boundaries and turning strategy into delivery. You are comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, using data to inform and drive decisions, and confident holding providers to account while building strong relationships. Most importantly, if you are motivated by improving outcomes for children, young people and families, then this is the role for you.
Legal Requirements
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English. Walsall Council takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and expects all staff to share this commitment. All staff will undergo a baseline professional security standard (BPSS) check and any post requiring an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time lived, studied or worked abroad and provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate or Statement of Good Conduct.
Senior Commissioning Officer employer: Walsall Council
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people through innovative commissioning practices. With a strong focus on collaboration, professional development, and community impact, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values their contributions and encourages growth. Located in Walsall, this role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in local services while working alongside passionate professionals committed to positive outcomes for families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Officer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the field! Attend local events, workshops, or seminars related to children's services. The more you mingle, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and successes in commissioning. Use specific examples that highlight how you've improved services for children and young people – this will make you stand out.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills and connect with others in the commissioning space. Follow relevant organisations and engage with their content. This can help you stay updated on industry trends and job opportunities.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers who are looking for passionate candidates like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Commissioning Officer role. Highlight your experience in commissioning, especially in children's services, and how it aligns with the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the outcomes you've achieved. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to improve services and drive results. We love seeing how you've made a positive impact in your past positions!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through. We appreciate clarity and want to quickly understand what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Senior Commissioning Officer role. Brush up on your knowledge about commissioning cycles, service reviews, and how to use data for decision-making. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in commissioning within complex environments. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully shaped markets or influenced senior stakeholders. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Understand the Community Focus
Since this role is centred around improving outcomes for children and families, be ready to discuss your understanding of community-based pathways and early intervention systems. Show that you’re passionate about making a difference and can think critically about how to strengthen local services.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the Council’s current challenges in commissioning or how they measure success in their services. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into their priorities and culture.
