This vacancy is only available for applications from existing Internal Plymouth City Council employees and Agency Workers who are in an active placement and have 12 weeks continuous service. Applications submitted by external candidates who do not meet this criteria will not be considered and will be rejected.
Plymouth City Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in developing high‑quality policy that improves outcomes for children and families across the city.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of Children’s Services, leading the development, implementation and review of policies that are grounded in best practice, informed by the lived experience of children and families, and aligned with Plymouth’s values and priorities.
Working in the context of the national Families First Partnership reforms, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in defining future services for children, young people and their families, and in ensuring the success of this important programme.
About The Role
As a Policy Officer, you will: leading the reviewing and updating of policies and guidance and being the lead for updating and liaising with our electronic policy providers.
* Lead on the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies, plans and policies across Children’s Services.
* Review and update existing policy.
* Liaise with external electronic policy providers to publish the Plymouths procedure manual.
* Analyse complex legislation, research and intelligence to inform evidence‑based policy development.
* Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders, managers and partners in Childrens Services and the across the Plymouth Safeguarding Children’s Partnership.
* Work collaboratively across service areas to ensure policies are coherent, inclusive, effective and embedded in practice.
* Design and deliver consultation and community engagement activity to ensure policies reflect the needs of children, families and communities.
* Prepare high‑quality reports, briefings and presentations for leadership teams and partners.
* Support service improvement, performance management, project evaluation and self‑assessment activity.
About You
* A degree in a related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
* Strong knowledge of local government policy, legislation and national priorities, particularly within Children’s Services.
* Proven experience of policy analysis, research, and developing clear, impactful policy documents.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information to diverse audiences.
* Experience of collaborative working, stakeholder engagement and consultation with communities.
* Strong analytical, evaluative and change‑management skills.
* Confidence in influencing, facilitating meetings and presenting to groups.
* Advanced or intermediate skills in Microsoft Office and analytical tools.
What We Offer
* Excellent induction
* Supportive team and working environments.
* Access to an excellent learning and development offer, building knowledge and skills to support staff to develop at every stage in their professional career.
* Commitment to high quality reflective supervision and support from an experienced management team.
* Generous annual leave entitlement and competitive salary.
* Provision of a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality, we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or have been an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact David Neal by email David.neal@plymouth.gov.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr