Community Engagement Officer

Community Engagement Officer

Job Title: Community Engagement Officer - Pride in Place

Place of Work: Bridgwater Town Hall

Salary: SCP 18-23 (£31,537 - £34,434 per annum), plus NJC annual pay award and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Hours of Work: Full time – 37 hours per week

Leave Entitlement: 23 days per annum, two statutory days plus public holidays (Plus 3 additional days after 5 years’ service)

Reports To: Bridgwater Town Council - Fundraising and Development Manager (day-to-day line management)

Accountable to: the Neighbourhood Board, through the Communications and Engagement Working Group, for delivering the programme's engagement objectives

Contract: Fixed-term for 18 months, with the potential to extend for a further 18 months, subject to funding.

Closing Date: 20th November 2026

Interview Date: 26th November 2026

Before You Apply

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to get in touch before applying to find out more about the Pride in Place programme and the role. For an informal conversation, please contact helen.astill@bridgwater-tc.gov.uk, who can provide advice and guidance on the position and if helpful, put you in touch with a Neighbourhood Board Member or the Pride in Place Chair.

Our HR Team at Bridgwater Town Council is available to support applicants throughout the recruitment process and discuss any adjustments or assistance you may need. To get in touch, please email hradmin@bridgwater-tc.gov.uk.

We particularly welcome applications from people with a strong connection to the local community.

Purpose of the Role

We're looking for someone who enjoys making things happen. A positive and proactive person who enjoys a chat with a local resident, takes part in community groups and can get organisations involved in their area to make the most of this opportunity for Bridgwater South. You'll be good at spotting opportunities, finding solutions to challenges and helping turn ideas into projects that have a real impact.

While the role will support the work of the Neighbourhood Board and help turn its priorities into action, this is primarily a hands-on community role. You’ll be out in the community, going to where people are and building trusted relationships. We're looking for someone who can think creatively, build relationships and work with local people to deliver projects and activities that make a visible difference.

Main Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Community Engagement and Relationship Building

· Lead the delivery of community engagement activities across Bridgwater South, ensuring local people have meaningful opportunities to shape the Pride in Place Programme.

· Utilising Bridgwater Town Council’s existing network to build and maintain trusted relationships with residents, community groups, voluntary organisations, local stakeholders and service providers.

· Act as a visible and accessible presence based out in the community, engaging residents and encouraging participation in the programme.

· Develop targeted engagement approaches to reach seldom-heard and underrepresented groups ensuring activities are inclusive and responsive to build diversity of thought and remove barriers to participation.

· Support residents to identify priorities, develop ideas and turn them into practical projects and activities.

· Support residents, community groups and volunteers to develop skills, confidence and capacity to participate in local decision-making and community-led initiatives.

· Develop and deliver creative projects, events and activities that encourage participation and strengthen community pride.

· Identify opportunities to address local issues through community-led solutions and innovative approaches.

Programme Coordination and Governance Support

· Work with residents and local organisations to overcome barriers and find practical solutions to local challenges.

· Support community groups and volunteers to develop and deliver ideas that make a positive difference in their neighbourhoods.

· Maintain momentum across programme activity by coordinating actions, monitoring progress and supporting the implementation of agreed priorities.

· Support conversations between residents, stakeholders and partners and help manage differing views and expectations.

· Ensure community feedback and priorities are captured, shared and considered within programme planning and decision-making.

Understanding and Engaging Communities

· Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data to measure community participation, programme outcomes and social impact.

· Working with the Communications Officer for Pride in Place, develop effective methods for collecting community feedback and measuring engagement.

· Record and share project outcomes, learning and community feedback to demonstrate impact.

· Support the development of approaches that demonstrate how community feedback has influenced decisions and outcomes.

· Contribute to programme monitoring, evaluation and learning activities.

· Use local knowledge and community insight to identify opportunities for future projects and activities.

· Partnership Working

· Develop positive working relationships with community organisations, schools, local groups and residents to create and deliver projects and activities.

· Identify opportunities for collaboration that strengthen community involvement and programme impact.

· Work collaboratively with the Communications Officer for Pride in Place and wider programme partners to promote engagement opportunities and programme activity.

General Responsibilities

· Monitor and report engagement activity, outcomes and participant numbers against the programme's five objectives: awareness, participation, trust, inclusion and impact.

· Help establish and maintain the baseline these are measured against and report progress regularly to the Communications Task and Finish Group, the Neighbourhood Board and Corporate Advisory Group.

· Collect, store and report data, consent and impact stories in line with data protection requirements.

· Support budget monitoring and the effective use of programme resources.

· Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post.

· Ensure engagement activities are delivered in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER - PRIDE IN PLACE

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Qualifications & Training

Relevant qualification or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience

Commitment to further professional development where required.

Desirable

Relevant professional membership or training in community engagement or participation methods.

Understanding of local government decision-making processes and the importance of political neutrality.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Experience of delivering community engagement, consultation, outreach or community development activities.

Experience of building positive relationships with residents, community groups and partner organisations.

Experience of organising and coordinating meetings, events or projects.

Experience of gathering and using feedback to inform plans or service delivery.

Experience working directly with diverse communities.

Experience identifying opportunities and developing practical solutions to challenges.

Experience turning ideas into successful projects or initiatives.

Desirable

Experience working within regeneration, neighbourhood development or place-based initiatives.

Knowledge of community engagement best practice and participatory approaches.

Knowledge of the communities and organisations within Bridgwater and Somerset.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a wide range of people.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and activities.

Ability to build trust and maintain positive working relationships.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to overcome barriers and find creative solutions.

Creative and innovative thinker with the ability to develop engaging ideas and activities.

Strong project delivery skills and the ability to take ideas from concept through to completion.

Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.

Desirable

Experience using social media, websites or digital engagement platforms to support community participation.

Experience producing reports, presentations or funding updates.

Experience using surveys, consultation tools or engagement software.

Personal Attributes

Essential

Enthusiastic, approachable and community focused.

Self-motivated and able to work independently whilst contributing as part of a team.

Creative, proactive and solutions-focused, with the confidence to develop new ideas and take initiative.

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Ability to act with integrity, professionalism and discretion.

Desirable

Confidence in working with senior stakeholders, councillors and community leaders.

Other Requirements

Essential

Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support community engagement activities and meetings.

Willingness to work flexibly and spend significant time based within the community.

Understanding of health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities.

Desirable

Full UK driving licence and access to transport.