Children’s Services Policy Officer

Position Details

Position reference:

Directorate:
Children’s Services | Service:
Quality Assurance and Service Improvement

Salary: £47,181 - £50,269

Working Arrangements:
Full time Monday-Friday

Hours per week: 37

Contract type:
Permanent

Closing date: 10/07/2026 23:59

Are you an experienced policy professional with a strong understanding of Children’s Services and the drive to translate national reform into local impact? This role requires you to provide expert policy support across the Children's Services directorate, responding to legislative change, statutory guidance and emerging reforms.

• Lead the Children’s Services policy function, translating national reform, emerging statutory guidance and legislative change into clear local policy, plans and strategies.
• Provide strategic policy advice, briefings and updates to senior leaders and elected members, supporting effective decision‑making that ensures the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Lead on research, horizon scanning and analysis of emerging policy and legislative change, identifying local risks, opportunities and actions for Children’s Services.
• Use local and national data, performance and intelligence to inform policy and strategy development and shape service improvement.
• Manage relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including elected members, local partners, government departments and other policy professionals.

• A chance to take on a high‑profile role at a time of significant change, directly shaping how Children’s Services respond to reform and deliver improved outcomes.
• The opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, elected members and partners, giving you real influence across an important area of council policy.
• Interesting and varied work that offers the chance to develop expertise across policy making, reform, strategy and partnership working.
• A supportive and collaborative working culture at an award‑winning council where your contributions are valued.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, generous leave and access to learning and development opportunities.

• Proactive, responsive and flexible, with a passion for driving positive change for children, young people and their families.
• Strong experience in a policy, strategy or improvement role, ideally within Children’s Services or a related public sector environment.
• Good understanding of the issues, reforms and statutory framework across education, health, social care and early years and ability to interpret national change at a local level.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders across a complex multi‑agency environment.
• Comfortable working with data, performance information and wider intelligence to identify key messages, shape recommendations and support service improvement.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Hold a Level 6 qualification in a relevant subject, or demonstrate extensive equivalent experience supported by a relevant Level 3 qualification.

We welcome applicants with past convictions and promote diversity and inclusion. All applicants will be considered fairly and without discrimination.