Project Officer

Project Officer – Get Suffolk Working

This newly created position involves working collaboratively with partners across sectors to reduce 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering training and support for employment sector staff, equipping them with skills and knowledge to have positive, person‑centred conversations with clients about physical activity as a tool for improving employability.
• Integrating physical activity into employability pathways to create inclusive opportunities for individuals facing multiple disadvantages.
• Building strong relationships across employment services, health organisations and local delivery partners to ensure a joined‑up and effective approach.
• Reporting and ensuring effective use of the Sport England Place‑based expansion investment, in partnership with local organisations such as Ipswich Borough Council, East Suffolk Alliance, Suffolk County Council Public Health & Communities, Department for Work and Pensions, SEETEC (Connect to Work) and Active Suffolk.

Additional responsibilities:

• Collaboration within a hyper‑local focus in priority areas, primarily Ipswich.
• Providing support and facilitation as required for the delivery of the project.

Qualifications and experience:

• Experience and knowledge of the employment sector, particularly with economically inactive groups and health‑related barriers.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training.
• Strong communication, relationship‑building and collaborative skills.
• Behaviour that reflects integrity, inclusivity, adaptability, and data‑driven decision‑making.

Desired personal characteristics include:

• Integrity – making decisions aligned with organisational aims and values.
• Inclusivity – listening, capturing and engaging with differing views and experiences.
• Collaboration – partnership working at the heart of all activities.
• Adaptability – meeting complex, changing barriers to physical activity.
• Data‑informed approach – using evidence to maximise impact.

Benefits:

• Salary £28,598 to £31,022.
• Full‑time contract, fixed‑term until 31 March 2028.
• Generous leave entitlement (25 days a year, increasing to 31 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays).
• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid work approach.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Access to staff support networks, health and wellbeing initiatives, and programmes.
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services.

Equality, diversity and inclusion:

• Active Suffolk is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and offers opportunities to all candidates regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.
• Disabled people can expect interview opportunities under the Disability Confident scheme.