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Senior Commissioning Officer for the VCSE and BCF (Ref: ASC/26/041/LLS)

Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)

Department: Adults’ Services

Salary: MPR6 Level A (£45,795 per annum / pro rata)

Hours: 37 per week

Location: Gun Wharf

Working style:

Hybrid – Works part from Gun Wharf and part from home.

Closing Date: 02/08/2026

The Adults Partnership Commissioning team are a forward thinking and experienced service, that coordinate a wide portfolio of projects for Medway Council and Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board.

We are looking for an experienced Commissioner and contract manager with a can-do attitude and capacity to manage a multitude of projects.

The successful applicant will work closely with the programme lead for The Better Care Fund and VCSE contracts as well as identify and develop innovative new services with taking them through the commissioning cycle, including but not exclusive to service specification design, market stimulation and engagement, stakeholder management, key performance indicator design and contract mobilisation/management.

This exciting opportunity will give the successful applicant the ability to contribute extensively to commissioned adult social care services across Medway. They will gain knowledge and experience from highly skilled team members and will also be given the opportunity to showcase their own skills and competencies in commissioning, contract management, and project management. They will be expected to work in partnership with providers, other agencies, and strategic networks.

The successful applicant will need to ensure these are applied using the principles of good practice including ethics and probity and take account of safeguarding policy and standards.

We are looking for applicants with an enthusiasm to keep developing their existing project/contract management and commissioning skills. We are keen to hear from potential applicants with commissioning experience or with experience as a provider of adult social care services.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please email Joanna Friend at joanna.friend@medway.gov.uk to schedule a call.

The successful post holder will be subject to an Enhanced Adults’ DBS check.

In return we will offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme package
• Access to wider training and development qualifications
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel plan discounts
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Level A

Adults Partnership Commissioning are seeking a Senior Commissioning Officer for the VCSE and BCF to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria which are essential for appointment to the role.

• For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

• Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

• Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

• We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.