Commissioning & Relationship Lead

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To apply for this role click on the ‘Apply Online’ button below. If you already have a JGP account you will be asked to login, or alternatively if you don’t have an account you will be guided through the set up process.

Access to an account is necessary as all updates regarding your application will be sent via the JGP site to the email you have registered.

Once you have access to your JGP account you will be able to complete the application form in stages, saving and amending it until you are happy to the submit your completed application. You should use the Personal Statement section to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set out in the role profile attached.

If you are experiencing problems or have any queries about the application process please call us on 01572 758291 or email us at recruitment@rutland.gov.uk

Our vision is for all children and young people in Rutland to be happy, safe and successful. They will be supported and empowered to be the best they can be.

If you’re looking for an opportunity where your skills and experience can make a significant difference to both your team members and children and families, and where there is an encouraged work life balance, then Rutland is the place for you.

Do you have experience in commissioning and want to take the next step in your career. Are you able to work independently and want to ensure children and young people have access to the right placements at the right time to meet their needs. This post is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to lead and shape the effective commissioning of children’s placements.

Our latest Ofsted report recognizes that we are a ‘good’ provider (April 2024) and highlights:

“Rutland has some exceptionally skilled practitioners, who are kind and compassionate. These practitioners, who have manageable workloads, spend time with children and families, and they build positive relationships with them. This is having a positive outcome for many children and their families.

Most practitioners in Rutland are positive about the benefits of working in a small county. They feel very well supported by their managers, and they appreciate the learning and development opportunities afforded to them.”

About you…

To be successful in the role you will need to have:

• Knowledge and understanding of commissioning within children’s services
• Knowledge of and understanding of quality assurance required in a commissioning role
• Ability to prepare reports and analyse information to ensure best practice
• Ability to communicate with stake holders and present in a variety of forums
• Ability to be able to lead fee and price negotiations to meet the needs of the service

About the role…
As the Commissioning & Relationship Lead your duties will include:

• Supporting the development of in-house services – fostering in particular, learning from our commissioned placements and supporting RCC to bring this in house
• Ensuring the delivery of the Children’s Services strategic commissioning priorities and agreed outcomes, and that these are aligned with other work across the Council and external partners
• Producing key strategic documents such as needs assessments and Market Position Statements to support commissioning and drive their implementation across the relevant Directorate
• Establishing and overseeing market management activity, including the development and implementation of service provider consultation (Soft Market Testing) to align the market with identified needs and with gaps in provision
• To undertake strategic reviews of areas of business, informed by Children and families’ feedback, provider/supplier engagement, and identified service gaps and unmet needs

This is a varied role that will suit an individual who has a sound knowledge and experience in children’s commissioning.

Please note the postholder will need a driving licence to travel around the county.

The successful applicant for this post will be subject to an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The costs for the DBS are paid by us.

The Commissioning & Relationship Lead interviews will be held in week commencing 20 October 2025. Please be advised this could be subject to change, in which case we will give appropriate notice.

We will be reviewing applications on a regular basis and inviting those who meet our essential person specification criteria to interview. If you’re interested in this role, we strongly encourage you to apply without delay.

Our offer to you:

Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service.

We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice. As well as working from home, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to spend time in the workplace with your colleagues to help you learn, develop and engage.

Find out more:

To learn more about working with us visit https://jobs.rutland.gov.uk or if you have any queries about this role please contact Sarah Gill, Principal Social Worker and Service Manager on 01572 758204 or at sgill@rutland.gov.uk

If you are experiencing problems or have any queries about the application process, please call us on 01572 758291 or email us at recruitment@rutland.gov.uk

Please be aware that in the event of a high volume of applications, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date.

All recruitment correspondence, including interview details, will be sent out via email from the Jobs Go Public site. If you require documentation/correspondence in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.