Barnsley Council
Children’s Services Policy Officer
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Position: Children’s Services Policy Officer
Position reference: 50146494 Directorate: Children’s Services | Service: Quality Assurance and Service Improvement
Core Information
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Salary: £47,181 - £50,269 per annum
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Contract: Permanent
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Working Arrangements: Full-time (Monday–Friday), with flexibility available (please inquire)
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Closing Date: 10 July 2026 at 23:59 (Note: Application review begins Friday 10 July, 11:59—interviews scheduled for 21 July, in person only)
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Legal Requirements:
- Basic Criminal Record Check mandatory
- Reasonable account required for significant periods living abroad (e.g., ≥6 months internationally in last 3 years)
- Applicants must hold valid work permits/visas (Current employer cannot sponsor visas).
Note: Returning pensioners in local government service may face reduced pension entitlements under UK Pensions Regulations.
Why Join Barnsley Council?
A career at Barnsley Council delivers transformative impact, placing people at the heart of services for 243,000 borough residents. As an award-winning council (2023 LGC & MJ Council of the Year), we provide:
- Impactful work: Shape policy for children, young people and families, driving reform and innovation.
- Flexibility: Supportive working arrangements, including role-sharing or pattern-of-work adjustments.
- Rewards:
- Generous pension and competitive salary
- Free childcare, salary sacrifice schemes (e.g., cycle-to-work), and employee discounts
- Wellbeing support (coach mental health resources, fitness classes).
- Career growth: Upskill via training programmes or university funding via the Higher Skills College.
- Commitment to aspirational work environments with a culture of openness and second-chance opportunities.
About the Role: Children’s Services Policy Officer
SAVE LIVES THROUGH POLICY. This strategic policy role is pivotal during a critical phase of reform for Children’s Services, demanding policy excellence to drive transformative changes.
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Primary Responsibilities
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Research & Analysis:
- Conduct horizon scanning and trend analysis to anticipate legislative changes (e.g., safeguarding reforms, SEF inspections, education improvements).
- Translate national/ministerial directives into clear local policy and strategy for Children’s Services.
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Leadership & Accountability:
- Provide unbiased, data-driven policy advice to senior leaders, elected Members, and external partners.
- Engage with children’s trusts, government departments, and statutory agencies to ensure alignment with uggestion frameworks, benchmarking, and joint working models.
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Collaboration:
- Facilitate wholesale multi-agency involvement, shaping safeguarding, care transitions, and outcomes-based deliverables.
- Build trust-based relationships with Service Improvement Canvas stakeholders, customers, and families to foster a culture of improvement and compliance.
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Data-Driven Decision-Making:
- Utilise local children’s outcomes indicators, performance metrics, and inspection data to audit risks and model service improvements.
- Analyze emerging intelligence to influence internal strategy and response priorities.
About Barnsley: The Place of Possibilities
A double Council of the Year-winning borough, Barnsley excels through innovation, partnership, and pride. Join our quest to deliver exceptional services—fostering young lives, protecting families, and ensuring no child is left behind.
Role Requirements
Essential Criteria
❏ Dear passion: Driven by a mission to improve child protection, social care, or education outcomes. ❏ Relevant Experience:
- Demonstrated expertise in children’s services, with a track record in policy strategy/testing or improvement cycles (public sector preferred).
- Understanding of statutory changes in childcare, education health transitions (e.g., new assessments, safeguarding reforms). ❏ Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to advocate and collaborate across agencies, families, and government bodies. ❏ Data Skills: Analytical proficiencies with inspection findings, performance data, and statutory reporting frameworks. ❏ Communication: Unwavering precision in crafting briefings, reports, and recommendations for diverse audiences. ❏ Education: Level 6 degree/certificate (e.g., law, social policy, public administration) OR Level 3 qualification with level 6-equivalent professional experience (e.g., validated policymaking courses).
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Nice-to-Have
✅ Prior experience in advanced policy design, Change Management, or rotational improvement functions. ✅ Knowledge of Fundamental British Values application inside Children’s Services.
How to Apply
- Review: Download the Job Profile and Exposure Profile for guidance.
- Complete: Our online application, ensuring you map your experience to the criteria above.
- CVs not accepted.
- Submit by: Friday 10 July 2024, 11:59 (for interviewing on 21 July).
Contact: For role queries, email William Shaw (WilliamShaw3@barnsley.gov.uk) or Florence Drew (florencedrew@barnsley.gov.uk).
Support & Diversity
Barnsley Council embraces second chances. We are committed to equality and flexible support for applicants such as:
- Assistive technology/hospitality
- Adjustments for interviews
- Open and transparent feedback on recruitment decisions.
Visit Barnsley Council Jobs for updates.
Our Promise: A Culture Where People Thrive 💙 Join us in making meaningful change—one child at a time.
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