Policy Officer

Are you ready to take on a role making a significant impact to the future of Medway Council and it’s residents? We have an exciting opportunity for three Policy Officers that will assist the Head of Policy and Partnerships within a brand new department that will guide Medway Council through a pivotal period of transition under local government reorganisation and wider public sector reform.

Reporting directly to the Head of Policy and Partnerships. These roles will support a range of policy projects across the Council directorates in areas including, but not limited to:

• Transportation
• Waste Management and Environmental Services
• Children’s Services
• Health and Social Care
• Corporate services (including local government reform and devolution)

Political Restriction:

Both posts are politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. Staff in these posts are obliged to observe the restrictions on political activity as detailed under this legislation.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead policy development: Develop and support complex policy initiatives, ensuring Medway Council's voice is heard at the government level. Provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members.
• Project management: Prepare programmes and projects, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of objectives.
• Policy documentation: Assist in producing comprehensive briefing papers and policy documents, facilitating the publication of guidance and reports.
• Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including Members, Corporate Management Team, external partners, and residents.

The people we are looking for:

Policy Officer x3: We are looking for an experienced policy or project professionals, preferably from within the public sector with a track record in designing and developing policies and change programmes that have brought about a successful change or outcome. The successful candidate will thrive in a varied and fast paced environment and be able to able to multi-task and work under pressure. You will need be an excellent communicator with highly developed organisational and project management skills.

Interested? For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Carolyn Ruston, Head of Policy and Partnerships: carolyn.ruston@medway.gov.uk

Interviews will be held week commencing: 21 July 2025, in person at our offices in Gun Wharf, Chatham

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.

We are seeking a Policy Officer 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 essential requirements as listed in the job profile

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 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.

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