Could you inspire peers, managers, providers and partners, and influence and transform our adult social care offer in Durham? We’re the largest local authority in the North East and we’re re-modelling and re-framing our adult social care offer. We’re looking for a number of inspiring and dynamic officers to support our transformation journey. We’re looking for innovative and creative Commissioning Policy & Planning Officers who can influence the development of commissioned services primarily for adult social care working closely with stakeholders, including local NHS partners through our partnership arrangements. In the role, you will lead on key service areas, using co-production to ensure that services are both service user/ unpaid carer-led and outcome focused, in line with our strategic priorities. You’ll be supported by our existing Strategic Commissioning Team and enjoy excellent working relationships with our Adult Care and Public Health service. This is a temporary post until 31st March 2029. WHAT IS INVOLVED? Lead on project management work, market shaping activity and effective provider engagement, supporting our work to deliver quality services, deliver efficiencies where required and meet local need and statutory requirements. Undertake activity related to all elements of the commissioning cycle. Strategically analyse, plan, design, deliver, manage and review specific areas of commissioning activity, including joint commissioning with other statutory agencies Ensure services meet people’s needs and outcomes, as well as providing value for money using budget management / financial skills Effectively communicate with and write reports for senior leaders and partners, present information and work with people at all levels both within and outside the organisation. WHAT WILL I NEED? Degree or recognised professional qualification in social care / health / housing / social policy / research / management / education Energy, enthusiasm and ideas Substantial experience in a relevant commissioning role (including some policy or project work) Knowledge of social care, housing or health policy and practice A commitment to partnership working with other agencies / stakeholders and to co-producing commissioned services with Service Users / unpaid carers to achieve better outcomes.This is an opportunity to truly shape the future of adult social care. You’ll be at the forefront of practice and service change, helping to create an adult care offer where people can thrive — staff and service users alike. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, drive transformation and make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. We encourage you to contact Neil Jarvis – Deputy Director of Delivery / Head of Commissioning via email at neil.jarvis@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. INTERVIEWS Interviews will be in held in person Week Commencing Monday 18th May 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. OUR OFFER TO YOU We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. HOW TO APPLY Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. CONNECT WITH US Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website CUSTOMER SERVICE – ENGLISH SPEAKING Where our roles are customer facing and you are required to speak to members of the public, you will be required to demonstrate the ability to speak fluent English. This is a requirement under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016. VPRS/161