Project Officer – Surrey County Council
Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF
Salary: £41,585 per annum, 36 hours per week. This is a fixed term contract/secondment until 31 August 2026.
Overview
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Project Officer to join our Adults Health and Wellbeing (AWHP) Disabilities and Direct Payments Team. This role supports the delivery of the Surrey County Council Direct Payments Strategy 2023, with its predominant focus. You will work within a political environment and bring a good understanding of project management, national legislation, and policy for Adult Social Care, with a focus on the Care Act 2014 and the health and social care integration agenda.
This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. The role involves collaboration with staff and partners to deliver projects and service improvements, working with senior managers to identify and address risks or issues during projects.
Contract details: fixed term/secondment until 31 August 2026.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 19 October 2025, with interviews planned to follow.
Responsibilities
* Prepare and update Highlight Reports to provide progress updates on the implementation of the Direct Payments Strategy and the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment (PDSI) Strategy.
* Share updates with relevant boards and the Directorate Leadership Team (DLT).
* Maintain and revise project plans to support the integration of a new Direct Payment Offer into standard operations and the ongoing delivery of the PDSI Strategy.
* Engage with stakeholders effectively and communicate consistently to support project success.
* Provide administrative support, including organising meetings, preparing agendas, and taking minutes.
Shortlisting Criteria
* Lead projects and reviews within a defined area of work to support and enhance service delivery.
* Analyse complex situations, present results, and make recommendations to support decision making.
* Sound understanding of project management and national legislation for Adult Social Care, particularly the Care Act 2014 and health and social care integration.
* Ability to plan workloads and secure resources to enable the team to achieve a quality service.
* Understanding of the values and behaviours of the organisation and ability to work inclusively with a diverse range of stakeholders, promoting equality of opportunity.
Application Questions
* What strategies have you employed to support matrix teams/colleagues in remaining on track with their project plans and targets? (300 words)
* Please describe a project you have managed that required collaboration across internal and external stakeholders. How did you ensure effective communication and coordination? (350 words)
* How do you maintain, develop, and review systems, processes, and procedures to maximise delivery? Provide an example of when you improved a system or process. (350 words)
* Provide an example of how you have supported a number of projects or the delivery of a range of support services amid changing and sometimes conflicting priorities. How did you ensure teams achieved objectives? (350 words)
* How do you ensure initiatives you support embody a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity? (150 words)
Benefits
* 26 days’ holiday (pro rated for part-time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years’ service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for health and wellbeing
* Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* Local government salary-related pension
* Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping, and more
* 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Learning and development hub with resources
Additional Information
Local Government Reorganisation: Surrey County Council is moving to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for communities.
We are a disability confident employer. If you have disclosed a disability and meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee an interview. We are committed to inclusion and welcome applicants with adjustments as needed.
To apply, please submit your CV and respond to the application questions. For questions about the role, flexible working, transferable skills, or barriers to employment, please contact the hiring team.
Location includes Reigate, UK; this is a permanent opportunity in the Surrey County Council region.
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