Policy, Information and Commissioning Officer

Salary £35,235 - £39,513 per annum (Grade 8) | Fixed Term: 12 Months | Full Time, 37 hours

Commissioning Support Officer
Strategic Integrated Commissioning and Contracts Team
Location: County Hall, Preston

Are you passionate about shaping the future of adult social care in Lancashire? Do you thrive on building relationships, supporting people, and driving innovation across the care sector? Our Commissioning Officer role might be the perfect role for you. 

Please note: This position is not open to international sponsorship.

About the Role:

We’re looking for a dynamic Commissioning Officer to join our Strategic Integrated Commissioning and Contracts Team for a fixed period of 12 months - a role that places you at the forefront of supporting international recruitment and strengthening our provider market.

This role sits within the Commissioning team based in Preston. The commissioning team works closely with other teams across the council to develop and deliver services to support people across all age ranges with a primary focus on providing:

• Early help and prevention support 
• Intermediate Care 
• Homecare 
• Housing with care and support 
• Reducing reliance on intensive care and support 
• Introducing new ways of working with social care providers and our teams 

Key Responsibilities:

This is not your typical desk-based role. You’ll be out in the field, working directly with care providers, supporting displaced international recruits, and building strong networks across the region. Your work will include:

• Proactive engagement with new and existing care providers to understand their workforce needs and connect them with displaced international recruits.
• Supporting international recruits by signposting to services, offering guidance, and ensuring they feel welcomed and supported in their new roles.
• Collaborating regionally with local authorities and government departments to ensure consistent, high-quality support across the North West.
• Monitoring and reporting on recruitment activity and outcomes to the Department of Health and Social Care.
• Sharing best practice by researching national and local approaches to international recruitment and feeding insights back to providers and partners.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, empathy, and expertise to the role. You’ll thrive in this position if you are:

• A confident communicator and natural connector, able to build strong relationships with providers, partners, and colleagues alike.

• Driven by purpose, with a genuine passion for improving lives through innovative, high-quality adult social care.

• Experienced in commissioning, contract management, or provider engagement, and ready to apply that knowledge to real-world impact.

• A strategic influencer, skilled at forging partnerships and shaping positive change across the care sector.

• Organised and proactive, comfortable working independently across a wide geographical area and managing multiple priorities with ease.

From starting in post, you will be fully supported with all necessary training, including a full induction. Our supportive management team ensures all team members are guided, fostering a great culture and collaboration with like-minded individuals.

Why Join Us:

• Great Annual Leave: Up to 32 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 2 additional statutory days during the festive season. You can also purchase additional leave.
• Flexible Working Opportunities
• Financial Benefits: Generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution. Relocation reimbursement package to support those who need to move to the area.
• Training and Development: Excellent induction through our Social Care Academy and ongoing support for your career and professional development.
• Health and Wellbeing: Wellbeing Support Programme for you and your family.
• Staff Discounts: Access to dozens of discounts through Vivup, our employee benefits partner, covering car lease schemes, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays, and more.

We embrace diversity and have a range of support groups and networks for staff, including the Forum of Asian Black and Ethnic Employees (FABEE), the Disabled Workers Forum, and the LGBTQ+ Employee Network.

How To Apply

Please feel free to contact us for an initial informal and confidential chat about the role. Contact Kate Coleman (Contract Manager) on 01772 530418 or email Kate.Coleman@Lancashire.gov.uk.

Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement and complete the experience and education sections in the application to evidence how you meet the criteria for this role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.

We reserve the right to close a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and you must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.

Job Description & Person Specification