Temporary or Secondment position
Policy and Research Manager
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Contents
Overview
The role
Remuneration
Working hours
Annual leave
Pension
Location
Term of the assignment
Candidate Eligibility
How to apply
Overview
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is an independent body that deals with complaints into the services delivered by local authorities and adult social care providers. We offer a free and fair service direct to the public - and in cases where we find fault, we recommend remedies for any injustice that the service-user has suffered.
Further information about us can be found on the website
The role
Reporting to the Head of Policy and Communications the key duties during the period of the assignment will be:
- Lead on policy development, shaping policy on issues relevant to our work.
- Scan the external environment for new and emerging policy, documentation and any other information such as relevant frameworks and legislation to develop appropriate responses and make recommendations on how best to position the organisation and inform its publications.
- Understand the implications of policy developments which are relevant to our activities, in order to prepare and advise the organisation in the best possible way.
- Write concise, impactful briefs and summaries on policy and legislative documents and other sources of information, identifying how key issues might interact with and affect our work.
- Develop relationships with policy contacts within central and local government as well as key associations in order to represent the position of the organisation, gather information that might impact its work and influence relevant policy agendas.
- Lead on Select Committee liaison to develop the relationship and integration of our casework into committee programme.
- Work closely with colleagues to ensure key policy positions are translated into meaningful communications that will deliver key messages to the required audiences.
- Understand and operate effectively within a range of agendas from different governmental and associated organisations to build the organisation’s reputation, develop relationships with key stakeholders and influence and operate in ways that further our objectives. This includes leading on consultation responses.
- Utilise project management skills and matrix management of colleagues to lead and deliver business plan projects and priorities.
- Lead on stakeholder relationship management to ensure the clear identification, engagement and risk management of key stakeholders. This will include horizon scanning, insight, mapping, segmentation and evaluation.
- Manage and lead two members of staff.(one based in Coventry office and one based in the York office)
- Oversee the organisation’s approach to interpreting and using its data to full potential.
- Oversee the organisation’s research and user insight programme.
- Build and maintain close professional relationships with the Ombudsman, Executive Team and Assistant Ombudsmen, providing advice on policy and stakeholder engagement and reputational risks/opportunities on key issues.
Knowledge and experience skills
- Understanding of public bodies, and local or central government
- Understanding of the policy and legislative environment in which we operate
- Significant analytical and research skills
- Ability to grasp complex issues quickly, across a wide range of policies
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels within and outside an organization
- Excellent written English and an ability to take complex policy and translate it into simple material for a range of audiences
- Strong strategic thinking skills
- Ability to use evidence, break down complex problems identify underlying issues and distil into simple, clear briefs, reports and consultation responses
- Proven ability to deliver timely performance, taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes
Remuneration
London£47,917 to £50,744
Outside London £44,448 to £47,265
Salary offered will be dependent on experience.
Working hours
35 hours per week. Standard working hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday with one hour for lunch.
Annual leave
There are 25 days annual leave in a full leave year with three additional concessionary days usually at Christmas.
Pension
The Commission operates the Local Government Pension Scheme which is administered by the London Pension Funds Authority. This is a contributory career average scheme.
Location
The Policy and Communications team is based in Coventry.
The LGO has offices in Coventry and London and, for the right candidate, can be flexible in base location. However, if based in London regular travel (two day per week) to Coventry will be required.
Coventry Office 53-55 Butts Road, Earlsdon Park, Coventry, CV1 3BH
London Office 2 Marsham Street, London SWlP 4DF
There may also be occasional travel to our York office.
York Office Foss House, King’s Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York ,YO1 7PX
Term of the assignment
We are looking for someone to join us to cover maternity leave for up to 12 month period, it is envisaged that the assignment will start in early September with a two week handover with the post holder.
Candidate Eligibility
Applicants must not be employed by or be an elected member of a local authority or an employee or board member of any other body within the jurisdiction of the LGO (this includes registered adult social care providers)
How to apply
If you are interested in applying you are asked to submita comprehensive CV together with a covering statement, of no more than two sides setting out what you will bring to the role. The letter should address how you meet the requirements of the role.
Applications should be sent to
If you would like to discuss the assignment before applying please contact Jayne Spence, Head of Policy and Communications, on 0330 403 4048.
We are a diverse organisation and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
In order to find out if our Equality and Diversity is working and to take steps to ensure further progress is made towards achieving equality of opportunity, we are asking you to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. Your answers will be treated in confidence and will not affect your job application in any way.
The closing date for applications is 0900 hrs on Monday 7 August 2017.
Interviews will be held on Thursday 17 August 2017.