Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us .
Placements Commissioning Officer
We are proud to share that children's services in Kingston have achieved an OUTSTANDING rating from Ofsted in December 2024, receiving the highest judgement rating in all five assessment areas. This marks Kingston's second consecutive OUTSTANDING rating, a true reflection of the commitment to ensuring children and young people across the borough have a fairer start in life, and providing the support and services they and their families need to live happy, healthy and successful lives. To find out more click .
If you would like to be part of our success story, take a look at the below opportunity to see if it's the right fit for you.
Operational area Kingston and Richmond Primary place of work Guildhall 2, Kingston upon Thames KT1 Appointment type Permanent Business area Children's Social Care Full time/Part time Full-time Salary from £41,442 (SCP29) Salary to £44,331 (SCP32) Hours 36 Estimated Interview date/s TBC Closing Date 20/10/2025 Ref No 1866 Documents
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About the role
As a leading placements commissioning officer you will be expected to support the establishment of relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and organisations that deliver services and support that meet the needs and outcomes of children and young people.
Main responsibilities will include;
2. Acting as a single point of access for commissioning placements.
3. Contribute to the delivery of strategic commissioning intentions identified as part of the Commissioning Service and its partners.
4. Deliver delegated activities or products in relation to commissioning, contract management, policy and planning activity as identified.
5. Undertake quality assurance tasks (including visits) to ensure compliance with agreed processes and standards including regulatory and inspection frameworks.
6. Utilise contract management tools to ensure data and information is timely, accurate and complete. Assist in the coordination with a range of providers/organisations and individuals, researching and drafting correspondence.
7. Collating data as required and providing up to date statistical information on a monthly and annual basis.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Wells at:
About you
The right candidate should have:
8. Must experience in a similar setting
9. Ability to influence others to gain support, trust and collaboration using highly developed interpersonal and presentation skills.
10. Advanced experienced of applying in practice, the principles of child care legislation relating to child protection, looked after children and the provision of services to children in need.
11. An understanding of issues relating to children’s, education, health and social care services.
12. Awareness of relevant Care Quality Commission policies and policies of other public bodies relating to Children’s Services and Adults Services.
13. Excellent organisational skills, able to work in a fast paced environment where priorities can change in a short period of time.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
14. 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
15. Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
16. Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
17. Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
18. A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
19. A range of staff benefits and discounts
20. An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children. For our social work offer. For our Recruitment Journey,
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.