Strategy Policy and Performance Officer - Ref: RT05125

Walsall Council; Walsall; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Walsall is seeking a Strategy Policy and Performance Officer to support strategic development across council services. The ideal candidate will have strong research and communication skills, a good understanding of local government, and a commitment to reducing inequalities. This role provides an opportunity to influence key policies and work closely with senior officers and local partners, contributing to ambitious council objectives. Join a diverse and flexible team committed to professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of local government operations.
• Ability to produce high-quality briefing notes and reports.
• Experience with equality, diversity and inclusion frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Support strategy development across various council services.
• Assist in embedding a policy framework for organisational delivery.
• Collaborate closely with senior officers and local partners.

Skills

Excellent research skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Understanding of local government

Commitment to reducing inequalities

Job description

Strategy Policy and Performance Officer – Ref: RT05125

Salary G9 Banding: £42,839 – £46,142 per annum

Contract type: Fixed‑term basis of 18 months

The Policy & Strategy Unit was established in 2022 and we’ve already embedded ourselves at the centre of Walsall’s strategic landscape. We work directly with elected members and senior officers across all directorates to shape our corporate priorities through high profile pieces of work such as our new Council Plan and associated performance reporting process. We play a vital role in supporting Walsall’s relationship with the West Midlands Combined Authority. And we’re strengthening relationships with our local partners too through the development of our borough strategy – We Are Walsall 2040.

But we have even more to do! Over the next year we’ll be busy embedding a performance and policy framework for the organisation that underpins delivery against our corporate ambitions, including developing a robust service planning process. Working at the heart of the local authority, you could find yourself supporting strategy development across the full range of services – from public health to grass cutting. The Unit also leads the Council’s strategic Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, so your awareness of the Public Sector Equality Duty and a commitment to reducing inequalities will be a tremendous benefit.

The role provides the opportunity to be at the heart of the Council’s thinking. Therefore, we’re looking for someone with a good understanding of local government, excellent research skills, and the ability to produce briefing notes and reports to the highest standard. You’ll have an aptitude for thinking strategically about the Council’s work and the way it’s delivered. And your enthusiasm for an intelligence‑led approach to Council priorities will also be a real asset. You’ll regularly work closely with senior officers, elected members, local partners and residents; your professional attitude and adaptable communication skills will help us to do that in a positive and effective way.

Positioned at the heart of Walsall Council to support and influence strategic thinking across council services, this role will involve working closely with senior leaders, elected members, local and regional partners towards our long‑term vision to reduce inequalities and deliver meaningful change for the borough.

We are a diverse, supportive and flexible team, committed to professional development, and this role provides a great platform upon which to build your career in local government.

Read more about our benefits at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers-/benefits-of-working-for-us

If you would like to know more about this role, please contact: Liz Connolly, Senior Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer via email at: [e-mail]

View Job Description and Employee Specification

Closing date for applications: 11:55pm on Sunday 4th January 2026.

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.