Commissioning Officer - Childrens

Swindon Borough Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Swindon Borough Council is seeking an experienced Commissioning Officer to support Children's Services in delivering high-quality commissioning. You will undertake commissioning reviews, analyse needs and develop options, producing reports and business cases for senior leaders.

You will engage with children and families, work closely with providers and partners to improve services, and ensure safeguarding is at the heart of decision-making. 37 hours per week, fixed-term for 12 months.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of commissioning cycles, procurement processes and contract monitoring arrangements.
• Ability to analyse complex data, needs assessments, market intelligence and performance information to inform decision-making and service improvement.
• Experience of developing business cases, reports, presentations and recommendations for senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timescales.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including providers, partners, children, young people and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to different audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and influence stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently when required.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking commissioning reviews and analysing needs to inform service improvements.
• Developing commissioning options, reports and business cases for senior leaders.
• Engaging with children, young people and families to inform commissioning decisions.
• Working closely with providers and partners to improve services across Children's Services.

Skills

Commissioning cycles

Procurement processes

Contract monitoring

Data analysis

Needs assessment

Market intelligence

Performance information

Business cases

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Commissioning Officer - Childrens

Ref: 178394

Salary: £40,777 p.a. plus benefits

Please note: 3.3% national pay award increase to be applied in October

37 hours per week

Fixed term contract - 12 months

Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery. We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that's who we're doing it for - the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you'll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It's all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

Your next role

The Commissioning Team is at the centre of children's services in Swindon, driving change and innovation with a focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families. We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team.

You will support the delivery of commissioning projects across Children's Services. Responsibilities include undertaking commissioning reviews, analysing needs, developing commissioning options, preparing reports and business cases, engaging with children and young people, and working closely with providers and partners to improve services.

Essential skills and experience

• Knowledge of commissioning cycles, procurement processes and contract monitoring arrangements.
• Ability to analyse complex data, needs assessments, market intelligence and performance information to inform decision-making and service improvement.
• Experience of developing business cases, reports, presentations and recommendations for senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timescales.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including providers, partners, children, young people and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to different audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and influence stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently when required.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of working within Children's Social Care, Education, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Family Help or related services.
• Experience of undertaking consultations, engagement activities or co-production with children, young people and families.
• Understanding of market management and sufficiency planning within children's services.
• Experience of analysing financial information and assessing value for money.
• Knowledge of partnership working across local authorities, health organisations and voluntary sector providers.
• Experience of using data and evidence to evaluate service effectiveness and improve outcomes for children and young people.

A sound understanding of children's services, commissioning processes and the importance of safeguarding and placing children at the centre of decision-making is essential.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act "for the effective performance of a customer-facing role").

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It's why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you'll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We'll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we'll achieve our vision of a prosperous, revitalised Swindon together. And you'll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Please see our Vision and Values page for more details and our new Swindon Plan.

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we'd love to hear from you.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.

For further information about the role please contact Laura Boyce, Service manager. [e-mail]

Closing date: 8 October 2026

Interview date: w/c 19 October 2026