Community Development Officer - 22.5 hours per week (Maternity Cover)

Job Introduction

Starting salary for this role is £32,061 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)

This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.

Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.

Role Purpose

BCP Council is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents through innovative and inclusive community activities. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Community Development Officer to join our team and help drive positive change across Poole Town, Hamworthy and Turlin Moor.

This role will also support the local voluntary sector and other community groups to grow by helping them to build capacity.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement community development programs and projects that address local needs and priorities.
• Engage with residents, community groups, and stakeholders to foster strong relationships and encourage active participation.
• Liaise with local groups, council services and Councillors on issues specific to the community.
• Conduct needs assessments and gather feedback to inform program planning and improvement.
• Coordinate events, workshops, and activities that promote community cohesion and well-being.
• Collaborate with other council departments and external organisations to maximise resources and impact.
• Contribute as a member of the Public Health and Communities Team, keeping abreast of new developments and undertaking research in order to make recommendations where appropriate to help produce effective results.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of community initiatives and report on outcomes.

The Ideal Candidate

• Passionate about community development and social justice.
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Empathetic and approachable, with a genuine interest in helping others.
• Enthusiastic about combating health and wealth inequalities.
• Able to bring different members of the community

For an informal chat about the role, please email Jack Blankley (jack.blankley@bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

With over 15 miles of beautiful, world-renowned coastline, the area has excellent transport links, with rail and road connections nationally and to London, as well as international flights from Bournemouth Airport.

BCP Council has ambitious plans for growth to meet its housing and other development needs. This therefore represents one of the most exciting planning opportunities in the country where you will perform a key role in helping to deliver outstanding planning outcomes that achieve the appropriate balance between meeting growth ambitions and respecting the area’s outstanding natural and historic built environment.

We are looking for people who want to prepare the Local Plan for the BCP area from the beginning - shaping development for the next 15 years. We have a big challenge ahead, with the potential for big opportunities: significant housing growth to support more affordable housing and transport options that will need to address the movement requirements of a growing conurbation. We have opportunities to regenerate both Poole and Bournemouth Town Centres in particular.

As we continue to modernise, we are looking for people to support our digital journey and help us to find new and better ways to work.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP

Note - We are not offering relocation expenses for this role.

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP