Commissioning Assistant

TN United Kingdom; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Commissioning Assistant to play a vital role in strategic commissioning and policy for children and families. This exciting position involves supporting commissioning activities, engaging with various stakeholders, and ensuring high standards in project delivery. You will be part of a dynamic team focused on improving services for children with special educational needs and disabilities. With a commitment to innovation and transformation, this role offers opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about making a difference in the community.

Benefits

Flexible Working Options

Career Development Opportunities

Support for Unpaid Carers

Qualifications

• Educated to Level 3 NVQ or equivalent with excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of commissioning cycle or coordination of SEND services.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day activities within a matrix-managed team.
• Assist with project planning, development, and monitoring.
• Maintain good relationships with families, providers, and local councils.

Skills

Communication Skills

Project Coordination

Relationship Building

Problem Solving

Report Writing

Education

Level 3 NVQ or equivalent

Job description

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Please note that this position is being offered as a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment for a period of 18 months. It will require occasional working until 6pm on Fridays.

Interviews will take place on 13th & 14th May 2025.

The Opportunity

This role plays a very important part within Strategic Commissioning and Policy across Children, families’ portfolios, and the wider Essex County Council structures, aligning with the Council’s approach to outcome-focused and evidence-based commissioning. The programme of work mainly involves the commissioning and delivery of Short Breaks registrations and bookings for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

As a Commissioning Assistant, you will support a broad range of commissioning activities that ensure robust strategic planning and commissioning arrangements for the Children and Families Strategic Commissioning team.

The role is critical for coordinating, facilitating, and participating in activities led by Commissioning Managers and Heads of Commissioning. These include needs analysis, market development, coproduction, co-design, impact analysis, solution design, and monitoring. Knowledge of the commissioning cycle, relationship-building skills, and a problem-solving, innovative mindset are essential.

Accountabilities

• Support day-to-day activities within a matrix-managed team, including report writing, governance reporting, project coordination, engagement event organization, and administrative duties.
• Assist Heads of Commissioning and managers with project planning, development, and monitoring to ensure high standards.
• Maintain good relationships internally and externally, collaborating with families, providers, schools, social care teams, and local councils.
• Respond to new challenges and opportunities, managing risks and opportunities, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Deliver projects that promote continuous improvement, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of services.
• Support flexible sourcing and resourcing strategies within the Children, Families, and Adults teams.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure value for money and sustainable outcomes.
• Develop and utilize tools and techniques for consistent, effective activity with an audit trail.
• Meet specific targets and objectives set annually.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to Level 3 NVQ or equivalent, with excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of the commissioning cycle or coordination of SEND services.
• Experience engaging and developing projects with families, practitioners, providers, and partners.
• Experience managing or delivering commissioning projects.
• Strong influencing, networking, and report-writing skills, with adaptability to fast-paced environments.
• Understanding of Social Care and subject matter expertise in children and families.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and expertise.

Why Essex?

Essex offers a dynamic public service environment, covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents. Committed to transformation and innovation, Essex provides flexible working options and career development opportunities. The county is progressing towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026, following its inclusion in the Government’s devolution programme.

Essex County Council is a proud Disability Confident Leader and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We encourage applicants to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet minimum requirements and require reasonable adjustments. We also prioritize veterans and care leavers in our recruitment process.

Once employed, staff benefit from various employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements.

We value integrity and ethical behavior, and we ask all applicants to uphold our code of conduct throughout the recruitment process to foster a positive, respectful workplace.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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