Strategy and Policy Development Officer

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Weston-super-Mare is seeking a dedicated Strategy and Policy Development Officer to join their Contracts and Commissioning Team. In this pivotal role, you will shape adult social care services through innovative strategies and commissioning initiatives, ensuring high-quality outcomes and value for money. This position offers the opportunity to work with stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels, driving transformations that meet community needs and committing to continuous improvement. A background in adult social care and strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategy design and policy development.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects.
• Strong background in adult social care.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the design and delivery of commissioning strategies.
• Ensure services deliver measurable outcomes and best value.
• Build relationships with stakeholders in adult social care.
• Manage high-profile commissioning initiatives.
• Represent the council at regional and national forums.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Strategy and Policy Development Officer to join our Contracts and Commissioning Team. Our Contracts and Commissioning Team play a vital role in shaping the future of adult social care. We are the bridge between strategy and delivery, ensuring that the services people rely on every day are high-quality, sustainable, and responsive to changing needs. We design and procure care and support services that empower adults to live independently, safely and with dignity; we work closely with providers, community organisations, and stakeholders to co-create solutions that reflect local needs. Through robust contract management, we make sure services deliver excellent outcomes while offering value for money; we explore new models of care, pilot fresh approaches, and use data and insight to inform smarter commissioning decisions. Our work influences how adult social care evolves, ensuring services are future-proof and aligns with national and local priorities.

Joining our team means being at the heart of transformation. You will help shape services that directly improve lives, contribute to policy that sets the direction for care, and collaborate with like-minded colleagues who are committed to making a difference.

In this role, you will lead ambitious work streams and projects that transform adult social care services by delivering innovative strategies and commissioning initiatives that improve outcomes for individuals; You will provide expert guidance and technical advice to colleagues and partners across the sector and have the opportunity to influence policy and service redesign at local, regional and national levels, ensuring services are sustainable, high-quality, and deliver real value for money.

You’ll be at the heart of prevention, early intervention, and service transformation – helping us meet national and local commitments while driving forward new ways of working.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape strategy and policy: Lead on the design and delivery of innovative commissioning strategies, service improvements, and policy development projects that transform adult social care and improve outcomes for service users
• Drive Value and quality: Ensure services deliver excellent standards, measurable outcomes, and best value for money through robust market analysis, contract performance monitoring, and quality assurance.
• Engage and influence stakeholders: Build strong relationships with people with lived experience of Adult Social Care including their carers, providers, community organisations, and partners across health, and local government – enabling meaningful co-production and removing barriers to engagement.
• Lead complex projects: Take ownership of high-profile commissioning and service redesign initiatives, managing resources effectively and embedding new ways of working across teams and partner organisations
• Champion best practice: Provide expert technical advice, share knowledge, and represent the council at local, regional, and national forums – influencing policy, promoting innovation, and ensuring our work reflects the latest evidence and research.

This is more than just a role – it’s a chance to shape the future of adult social care; As a Strategy and Policy Development Officer, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation, collaboration and impact. You’ll have the opportunity to influence policy at local, regional, and national levels, while working alongside passionate, like-minded colleagues and partners who share your commitment to improving lives.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please see our full advertisement for further details.