JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE Policy Officer POST NO.
SERVICE AREA Policy and Communications
GRADE/SALARY
RESPONSIBLE TO Policy and Communications Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR Assistant Policy Officer
MAIN PURPOSE OF POST
To assist the Policy and Communications Manager to provide the Council with a strategic corporate policy service.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Policy
Community engagement
Equality, diversity and social inclusion
Research and information
Performance management and improvement
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The postholder must, at all times, carry out their duties and responsibilities to comply with Council policies/procedures.
1. To assist and where appropriate lead in the development, adaptation and implementation of corporate policies, procedures, strategies and action plans.
2. To co-ordinate and respond to consultation documents.
3. To support and lead where appropriate on projects and reviews.
4. To keep under review new developments in central government and local government and policy, practice and legislation that may have an effect on the key areas of responsibility and to make recommendations as appropriate.
5. To prepare reports, briefing notes and presentations for a variety of audiences including Scrutiny, Executive Members, Cabinet and the Corporate Management Team and to attend meetings as necessary.
6. Representing the service and Council at a range of internal and external meetings related to the areas of key responsibility.
7. To act as an adviser to employees, managers and elected members in relation to all aspects of the council’s responsibilities under equality legislation. This includes Equality Impact Assessments, accessibility requirements and reasonable adjustments.
8. To develop and implement robust processes and procedures to ensure that the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion agenda is fully embedded across the Council and that all relevant legislative obligations are met.
9. To work with members, partners, the community and voluntary sector and the public to develop and enhance the Council’s community engagement and events programme.
10. To develop and deliver training programmes for elected members, officers, volunteers and where appropriate partner agencies and community groups in relation to the key areas of responsibility.
11. Supporting the Council’s sector-led improvement programme including data management, knowledge sharing, benchmarking activity and assisting with the preparation for external challenge/inspections.
12. To manage the Council’s central community engagement service, working with CBC services and partner agencies in the design and development of questionnaires, focus groups, events and other engagement methods with the public, Members and Council employees to deliver the Council’s Community Engagement Strategy.
13. Sourcing, capturing, and presenting a range of data to support the information and research needs of the Council.
14. Providing research, analysis and evaluation support for Council and partnership activities and initiatives.
15. To manage and develop the Council’s performance management framework and act as an advisor for employees, managers and members on performance management techniques and best practice.
16. Supporting the development of and directing human resources including staff, apprentices and work/study placements supporting the key areas of responsibility.
17. Utilising skills, knowledge and experience to assist other the wider Policy and communications service and other services on specific projects and during peak demand periods.
18. Any other duties which are similar/equal to the responsibility and grade of the post.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF POST
You may be required to carry out your duties at your present workplace or at another Council site.
Due to the need to work closely with a range of stakeholders and to attend evening meetings, training and events it will be necessary for the postholder to regularly work outside normal office hours.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE SERVICE AREA
Policy Officer Policy and Communications Manager
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/EXPERIENCE
Essential
1. A thorough knowledge of the equality, diversity and social inclusion agenda including the Equalities Framework for Local Government and equalities and human rights legislation.
2. A thorough knowledge of the structure and functions of local government and the new initiatives being pursued by the Government, and how these will affect local government and other stakeholders.
3. A thorough knowledge of community engagement and consultation related legislation and best practice.
4. Advanced communication skills and an ability to communicate at all levels.
5. Strong negotiation and persuasion skills in order to encourage changes in policy and behaviour.
6. Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills
7. The ability to carry out research and analyse and interpret complex information, present findings and make recommendations.
8. The ability to prepare well-structured reports, briefing notes and presentations suitable for a variety of audiences including Cabinet, Scrutiny and the Corporate Management Team.
9. The ability to develop and project manage a range of projects including innovative community engagement activities and events.
10. The ability to use a range of IT packages including word, excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Mosaic and survey design software.
11. The ability to deliver training/briefing sessions to elected members, employees, volunteers, partner agencies and the public.
12. Ability to manage your own workload, prioritising where necessary.
14. Ability to effectively line manage and develop a small team.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
1. Extensive experience of implementing Public Sector Equality frameworks and meeting Equality legislative requirements.
2. Experience of providing an advisory role for the equality, diversity and social inclusion agenda including Equality Impact Assessments, accessibility requirements and reasonable adjustments.
3. Co-ordinating and negotiating consultation responses for Government proposals.
4. Developing and delivering training programmes for a wide variety of audiences.
5. Experience of directing and developing human resources to maximise delivery in key areas of responsibility.
6. Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information and to distinguish between political and non-political activities.
7. Developing and delivering innovative community engagement programmes and events.
8. Experience of developing policy documents and procedures.
9. Experience of developing and implementing performance management and improvement initiatives.
10. Experience of co-ordinating Council-wide initiatives.
11. Project managing projects, events and activities including budget and risk management
Desirable
1. Developing and implementing strategies and action plans.
2. Working in cross cutting project teams on major projects.
3. Working in the policy area of Local Government.
4. Experience of using financial information systems
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
Degree or equivalent (demonstrable equivalent skills and experience will be considered in appropriate cases).
Management qualification e.g. ILM, DMS
Desirable
Project Management qualification
1