Senior Policy Lead

Job Description

Tim Oliver, Leaderand Joanna Killian, Chief Executivehave emphasised a clear strategic direction as key to the councils improvement journey. In order to achieve this we have embarked upon a massive transformation programme which consists of a number of key projects that are critical to the future success and financial stability of the council. To deliver our 2030 community vision we are committed to changing and radically improving the councils culture, approach and performance, putting residents current and future needs first.The Strategy Team is situated at the heart of the council within the Insight, Analytics and Intelligence service. We work on a breadth of topics, projects and issues which are centred around delivering and advancing the 2030 Community Vision and our corporate objectives (set out in the Organisation Strategy). We work in collaboration with colleagues across the council and external partners at a local, regional and national level.We are looking to add capacity to the team to ensure we’re well placed to respond to – and anticipate – the latest policy developments. The Strategy Team has been driving forward an ambitious Public Service Reform programme to rethink the shape of local government and develop bold ideas to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people and places of Surrey. In your time with us you can expect to work in diverse policy areas, with a strong focus on ‘people’ policy areas such as health and social care integration, children’s and adults social care and community-led innovation.In this role you will work with teams who hold specialist policy knowledge and experience, develop your own in-depth understanding of policy problemsand help shape thinking, recommendations, proposals and solutions. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the council and setting the strategic direction as well as designing innovative new approaches to deliver the council’s ambitions. You will need to maintain an understanding of the broader policy and political context for your work, building relationships with colleagues in the Communications Team and Leadership Office to support effective stakeholder engagement, including supporting and briefing senior officers and politicians.You will be a skilled communicator with an excellent grasp of public policy issues. A thought leader, ready to generate new ideas and insights. The capability to engage with technical detail of policy and legislation as well as to propose creative and more provocative ideas that can stimulate debate is vital, as is the ability to distill research and complex ideas into briefs, articles, and policy recommendations for both expert and general audiences. You should be able to build relationships both with the teams you will work with and win the confidence of senior colleagues.Our values are important to us and as a team member you will understand the importance of and be comfortable in leading by example when it comes to displaying these through your work and actions.Please note that Surrey County Council’s headquarters, where this role is currently based, will be phasing a relocation back into Surrey to support our Community Vision 2030.Whilst the primary base for the role holders will be in County Hall, Kingston (until the move), the work assigned could see the post holder working from any of our sites across the county and so ability to travel is a requirement of the role.If youre passionate and enthusiastic about grasping this opportunity at the heart of the council, then please apply by uploading your CV and personal statement (no longer than two pages of A4 please) outlining your suitability.For more information, please find the full Job Description attached at the bottom of this advert. Job AdvertThis role is being offered on a 12 month fixed-term basis. Additional InformationContact InformationTo arrange an informal chat or for more information, please feel free tocontact Sarah Richardson, Head of Strategyat .uk.Additional InformationClosing date for applications is23rd August2020 with interviews to take place week commencing 31st August 2020.From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years’ service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups. Company InformationOur Values Our values are what support our vision, shape the culture and are crucial in delivering our corporate strategy.