Policy Officer

We are seeking a dedicated Policy Officer to join our dynamic Policy & Engagement Team. This key position, reporting to the Engagement & Policy Lead, plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Adult Care services.

What you will be doing:

• conduct thorough research and analysis to develop, review, and update policies and procedures for Adult Care


• interpret and adapt to national policy changes to ensure local compliance and implement effective local solutions


• maintain and update a comprehensive register of all policies, guidelines, and procedures, including review schedules


• assist in conducting equality impact assessments for new policies or changes to existing ones


• collaborate closely with senior officers and leadership teams to align strategic objectives and operational needs


Role highlights:

support the Engagement & Policy Lead in researching and understanding evolving customer needs, crafting agendas that enhance service and policy design in accordance with the Care Act 2014 and other relevant national changes.

prepare for new regulatory assessments by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which from April 1st, 2023, will evaluate local authorities on their compliance with the Care Act. Your efforts will be crucial in ensuring our readiness and effectiveness in meeting these standards.

review and assess the impact and effectiveness of existing policies, continuously striving for improvement and compliance across the Adult Care directorate., This is a full time role at 37 hours per week. This role is fixed term for 12 months.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Izzy de Saeger, Policy & Engagement Lead: isabel.desaeger@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.
The post is based at County Hall in Dorchester, though the post holder may be able to work from home some of the time if they wish, once they have received their induction training


• you bring substantial experience and a diverse skill set in policy research and development within the public or healthcare sector


• your analytical prowess and detail-oriented approach enable you to craft policies that meet high standards of clarity and effectiveness


• you are a proactive communicator, capable of working effectively with various stakeholders and senior management to drive policy initiatives


• you possess the resilience and dedication required to impact positively the well-being of vulnerable adults and the overall efficacy of our services


This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant, lasting difference in the lives of adults across Dorset through thoughtful policy creation and strategic engagement. If you are driven by a challenge and passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

We are looking for someone who:

• is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of vulnerable individuals


• possesses substantial knowledge in Adult Social Care


• brings a strong background in the development, evaluation, and implementation of policies and guidelines


• is well-versed in legislation, with a solid understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983, Human Rights Act 1998, and Equality Act 2010


• can spearhead research and consultations to inform strategic directions and promote continuous improvement


• exhibits strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail, essential for developing services and crafting associated documents


• excels in communication, with outstanding written and verbal skills, ensuring clarity and precision in all interactions


• demonstrates tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity, navigating complex situations with professionalism


• is adaptable and cooperative, capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team


• maintains a proactive 'can-do' attitude, ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for growth


If you are driven to make a significant impact and thrive in dynamic environments, we invite you to bring your expertise to our team and help us drive meaningful change.

We're passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work and visit. Working for us should be no exception.

At Dorset Council we:

• provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents


• have ambitious aspirations


• are excited about our future


• care about Dorset and all the people who live here


• know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success


You will:

• have access to a range of employee benefits


• be part of an organisation that supports each other to grow and succeed


• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression


We are challenging ourselves to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation. We recognise that recruitment and inclusion of individuals with diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds will bring real strength to the council and our communities. We have a commitment to equality and welcome applications from everyone.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We offer an interview to everyone who declares a disability and meets the essential criteria for the role.

We are keen to make our interviews accessible. Let us know on your job application if you have a disability and need any reasonable adjustments.

We also look for applicants who share our commitment to our behaviours. We will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process.