The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job reference REQ00000019281 Date posted 02/12/2025 Application closing date 04/01/2026 Location Various Locations Salary £38,220 - £39,152 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank
Location: Barrow, Kendal or Penrith
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Have you ever considered working in Commissioning? 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.Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
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.
Westmorland and Furness Council are now able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee the eligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would like more information on roles that may be eligible please visit the government website - Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK .
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 (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
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