Strategic Policy and Project Lead

Job Information

Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us

We are responsible for the entire range of children’s education, health and social care services in all three boroughs. We use a Signs of Safety practice model and approach which ensures the voice of the child is at the heart of everything we do. There’s never been a better time to join AfC, we are growing our workforce, implementing new flexible working arrangements and have increased our virtual wellbeing offer.

Do you have policy development and project management experience? Do you want to make a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people? Do you want to be part of a brilliant, high-performing but extremely supportive team? If so, then this is the role for you

We’re looking for two hard working, enthusiastic and committed individuals to come and join our Strategy, Policy and Programmes team and lead a range of exciting and interesting projects.

About the role

The Strategic Policy and Project Leads will be responsible for taking a lead on the implementation of priority projects. This includes developing project plans and keeping progress reports updated, writing policy documents, and taking responsibility for data analysis and evaluation.

The postholders will work across Achieving for Children, liaising with senior officers and colleagues, and working with flexibility to achieve what is needed. These are high profile posts with a lot of responsibility but equally, a lot of opportunity to make a big difference to the lives of children and young people through the successful delivery of our key projects.

The postholder will be required to task manage colleagues as part of project delivery and to support the work of the wider Strategy, Policy and Programmes team. On occasion, the postholder may be expected to deputise for the Head of Strategy, Policy and Programmes.

About you

We are looking for people who are willing to take responsibility and work independently, but also as part of a team. More specifically we are looking for two people with:

- significant experience of project management and policy development
- excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences and build strong relationships
- strong organisational ability and IT skills
- the ability to write clearly and concisely and avoid jargon
- an interest in and knowledge of children’s services

About our benefits

We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:

- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years.
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Stable and supportive leadership
- Hybrid and mobile working (between home and work) with latest technology to facilitate this
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway

To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children

Important Information

**Right to work**: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.

**Safeguarding**: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).