LCN Link Officer

Somerset County Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS pension

Hybrid working arrangements

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council is seeking an LCN Link Officer to support Local Community Networks by bringing together residents, councillors and partners to identify needs and deliver community projects. You will turn local priorities into actionable plans using partnership and data-driven insights.

The role requires a degree-level qualification or equivalent experience, strong community development knowledge, and ability to operate across strategic and operational levels with councils and partners.

Qualifications

• A degree-level qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of community development and a passion for working with local communities.
• Understanding of how councils and partner organisations operate at strategic and operational levels.
• Knowledge of Town and Parish Councils, the VC-FSE sector and local businesses.

Responsibilities

• Lead Local Community Networks (LCNs), working groups and projects that support positive change across Somerset.
• Bring together councillors, communities and partner organisations to identify local priorities and deliver better outcomes for residents.
• Work with LCN Chairs and Vice Chairs to turn priorities into action through planning and collaboration.
• Use data and local insight to support a place-based approach to community development.

Skills

Community development

Stakeholder engagement

Place-based approach

Partnership working

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject

Job description

Salary: Grade 10, ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term contract until 31/03/2027

Closing date: 6 September 2026

Help shape stronger, more connected communities across Somerset.

Working with a wide range of partners, including City, Town and Parish Councils, Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Groups, businesses, the Police, the NHS and colleagues across Somerset Council, you'll support communities to identify local priorities and help develop local services and projects that make a real difference to residents.

About the Role

As an LCN Link Officer, you'll support Local Community Networks (LCNs) by bringing together residents, councillors and local partners to identify community needs, develop action plans and deliver projects that improve outcomes for Somerset communities. Through partnership working, community engagement and local insight, you'll help turn local priorities into meaningful action.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead Local Community Networks (LCNs), working groups and projects that support positive change across Somerset.
• Bring together councillors, communities and partner organisations to identify local priorities and deliver better outcomes for residents.
• Work closely with LCN Chairs and Vice Chairs to turn local priorities into action through effective planning, collaboration and community-led solutions.
• Use data, local insight and engagement techniques to support a place-based approach to community development and help shape local services and projects.

What You'll Bring

• A degree-level qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.
• A strong understanding of community development and a passion for working with and supporting local communities.
• An understanding of how councils and partner organisations operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Knowledge of Town and Parish Councils, the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, and local businesses, including the opportunities and challenges they face.

Why Join Us?

• 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• This is a fixed-term role while further development of the service takes place.
• Your contractual work base is open to discussion and can be based at one of our offices across Somerset.
• The role involves regular attendance at evening meetings at locations across Somerset; therefore, the ability to travel is essential.
• We encourage all applicants to review the job description and person specification carefully before applying, ensuring their application demonstrates how they meet the essential criteria for the role.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interviews are due to take place week commencing 14 September.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Chris Phillips, Head of Strategic Partnerships, via email: [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: AG1293 LCN Link Officer.pdf

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