Policy, Partnership and Commissioning Manager

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Avon and Somerset is looking to recruit a Policy, Partnerships and Commissioning Manager to join our Policy, Partnerships and Commissioning Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver services that support some of the most vulnerable people across Avon and Somerset, while contributing to the wider delivery of the Police and Crime Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan. The successful candidate will lead on the commissioning, performance management and development of services supporting victims of exploitation, including close partnership working with local authorities, commissioned providers and criminal justice partners. They will also oversee the management of significant grant funding programmes, including the Police and Crime Grant and the PCC Community Fund, ensuring investment delivers positive outcomes for communities across Avon and Somerset.

Alongside these core responsibilities, the postholder will provide policy and partnership support across a range of victim and prevention priorities, including modern slavery, exploitation and other emerging areas of work. The role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, work with senior stakeholders across multiple sectors and help shape innovative approaches to crime prevention, victim support and community safety.

The core responsibilities of this interesting and varied role are:

• Leading the management, performance oversight and continual development of commissioned Exploitation Services delivered by local authority partners.
• Managing a portfolio of grant funding arrangements with partner organisations, ensuring effective governance, performance monitoring and delivery of agreed outcomes.
• Overseeing the Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Fund, including grant
• Managing the commissioning, contract oversight and performance of the Young Victims Service, ensuring high-quality support for children and young people affected by crime.
• Providing policy, partnership and strategic support across the PCC's Crime Prevention and Supporting Victims priorities.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with local authorities, criminal justice agencies, voluntary sector organisations and other key partners to deliver shared objectives.
• Using evidence, insight and performance information to inform commissioning decisions, service improvement and policy development.
• Supporting the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan through collaborative working across the wider Policy, Partnerships and Commissioning Directorate.

What we are looking for:

This role would suit someone who enjoys working at the intersection of policy, partnerships and commissioning. You'll be equally comfortable managing funded services and grant programmes, analysing performance information, developing policy, and building strong relationships with partners across the public, voluntary and community sectors.

You will be proactive, organised and solutions-focused, with the confidence to work independently while also collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. You'll be motivated by improving outcomes for victims and communities, and by using evidence, insight and partnership working to support crime prevention and community safety across Avon and Somerset.

We're particularly looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience of commissioning, contract management, grant management or service oversight.
• Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across organisational boundaries.
• Experience of monitoring performance, managing risk and ensuring services deliver agreed outcomes.
• The ability to analyse information, interpret evidence and use insight to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, brief senior leaders and influence a range of audiences.
• Experience of supporting policy development, strategy delivery or organisational priorities.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, priorities and deadlines.

What we can offer you:

• A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits. Including:
• Flexible working and hybrid approach
• Access to a gym at HQ for a minimal monthly subscription
• Continuous professional development
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is run by a dedicated team who support the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is to be the voice of local people in policing and to hold the Chief Constable to account. The aim of all PCCs is to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service within their force area.

We are looking for someone that will embrace our purpose to lead improvement in efficiency and effectiveness of policing, victim support and criminal justice services on behalf of local people and our values of Openness, Partnership, Compassion and Courage.

Please refer to the Role Profile document when completing the application form. In section 3, you are required to provide evidence with specific examples for each of the Essential and Desirable criteria included in the Person Specification section of the Role Profile.

Policy, Partnerships and Commissioning Manager

Job Types: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract. There may be the opportunity to extend the contract, subject to funding and organisational requirements.

Salary: £34,968 - £44,394 per year

Schedule: We welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time hours, although part-time and flexible working arrangements will be considered

Work Location: Hybrid, remote - 20% of time based at Police Headquarters in Portishead

Application deadline: Sunday 1st November

Interview date - Thursday 12th November in person at Police Headquarters in Portishead

Please note that government plans are underway to transfer functions under the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) model to a Police and Crime Board in May 2028 as part of reforms introduced by the Police Reform Bill. Functions delivered by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) will still be required under the new model however the specific arrangements of this transfer are in their infancy and yet to be defined. These changes are intended to enable better join up with local services across Avon and Somerset.

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