Senior Policy Officer (Bolton)

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Policy Officer in Bolton

Pay rate: PAYE 15.90 per hour

Contract duration: Temporary ongoing

Purpose:

We are looking for someone driven and passionate to join the team. An exciting career development opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our Policy and Partnership team. As the Senior Policy Officer you will work as part of a dynamic team to help us shape our key strategy and plans.

Working in a fast-paced environment you will be supporting the council’s approach to performance management and use of intelligence in decision-making, wide ranging partnership working, working with the voluntary and community sector and supporting a new and developing approach to policy, design and delivery, improving how we work within the council, with key external partners and with our residents and communities.

Please note that this post is designated as politically restricted. The holder of a politically restricted post is unable to have any active political role either in or outside the workplace. Politically restricted employees will automatically be disqualified from standing for or holding elected office. This means you are not permitted to stand for office as a local councillor or MP. In addition, you are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate. You are also restricted from speaking to the public at large or publishing any written or artistic work that could give the impression that you are advocating support for a political party.

Duties: 

• Supporting the Principal Policy Officers to ensure that there is an effective performance management framework for the council, Bolton Vision Partnership and other identified stakeholders. This will include:
• Supporting the delivery of Directorate, Corporate and Vision Plans as required.
• Activities that ensure that performance management systems are meaningfully delivered and remain fit for purpose.
• Activities that promote the better use of performance/intelligence data.

• Support the Principal Policy Officers to engage and work with the voluntary, community and faith sector in Bolton. This will include:
• Activities that support the delivery of the Voluntary Sector Strategy.
• Activities to support the smooth operation of the Bolton’s Fund and any other funding relationships with the sector.
• Maintaining strong and effective relationships with key groups and individuals in the sector.

• Provide support for improvement and development activity that the team undertakes. This will include:
• Assisting with Local Government Association reviews or similar when they are overseen by the team.
• Support the Principal Officers with any transformation projects that they are responsible for and this is likely to include supporting them with research and benchmarking activities.
• Support the Principal Officers with any work they are tasked with around the evolving our client’s agenda and wider regional and national policies.

• Provide support for the team with any procurement exercises that they are responsible for and the subsequent contract management activity.
• Where appropriate contribute to a learning culture within the Division and be prepared to share your learning.
• Ensure that you have up to date knowledge and understanding to articulate how the work of the team contributes to the objectives of the Division, Department and Council.
• Be willing to deputise for the Principal Policy Officers and represent them at meetings as required.

Skills and Knowledge: 

• Detailed understanding of the national, regional, and local policy agenda facing local government and the public sector.
• Good understanding of business planning and performance management principles and approaches.
• Good understanding of the complex issues around securing better outcomes and the relationships between prosperity, deprivation, inequality, and community cohesion.
• The ability to think strategically, analyse complex issues and develop practical effective solutions.
• Good understanding and knowledge of the political, leadership and management issues facing large and complex councils.
• Well developed inter-personal and communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with managers and staff from the council and partners.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to deliver on agreed deadlines.

Experience/Qualifications/Training:

• Experience of business planning and performance management in a similar organisation.
• Appropriate degree, professional qualifications, or equivalent experience.

Apply online or contact Terri O’Keefe on 01925 377 878. You can also email terri@peelsolutions.co.uk for more information on this role.