Commissioning Graduate - Housing

• Location: Bridgwater

Please note that this is a hybrid role and an element of office-based working will be required.

• Fixed term contract for 2 years
• Full time, 37 hours per week

Join us at Somerset Council as a Commissioning Graduate - Housing. A unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to make a difference in the dynamic field of commissioning services in housing..

The Graduate role is designed to assist in the planning, development, and monitoring of services that support adults and children across the county, including older people, those facing homelessness or are homeless and in crises, and those with mental health with housing needs.

You will assist in the delivery of the full commissioning cycle, including needs assessment, service design, procurement and contract monitoring. Your role will work closely with colleagues in housing and Adult Social Care, Providers and other agencies to collect, manage and analyse data to support evidence-based decision making and service planning. Contract and project support, stakeholder engagement and assisting with service improvement.

As a participant in our Graduate scheme, you will be exposed to a wide range of experiences and provided with comprehensive support throughout your journey. Engaging in challenging real-world projects, you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of our valued residents, fostering thriving communities, and supporting local businesses within the picturesque county of Somerset.

This key role in the Housing Commissioning Programme offers hands-on experience in delivering vital housing services. You will play a crucial part in planning and coordinating works, helping to improve the lives of vulnerable residents across Somerset. Along the way, you will develop skills in communication, stakeholder management, organisation, and problem-solving, while gaining practical knowledge of commissioning programmes and project management. It’s an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in the housing or health sectors. Our Graduate scheme offers a platform for you to utilise your talents and skills to their fullest potential while contributing to improving housing and health across the County.

There are over 500,000 residents in Somerset, many who are in desperate need of advice and support services due to crisis and or condition of their housing. If you are seeking a rewarding and meaningful career, we invite you to join our team, where you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference.

As a Graduate, your role will be central to advancing the commissioning of housing projects and initiatives, engaging residents, colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that services are person-centred, cost-effective, and aligned with strategic priorities and statutory obligations. Contracts providing bespoke support, enabling people to find their own solutions driving health improvements and community experiences. You'll be responsible for assisting with crafting effect commissioning programmes, gathering key data to be able to review and understand whether contracts are achieving the outcomes, effective contract management processes and payment controls.

The post holder will also liaise with internal teams and external partners to support the delivery of high-quality services that promote independence, wellbeing, and inclusion.

The role is 37 hour per week fixed for 2 years. This is a hybrid role with 3 days a week working in the office (primarily Bridgwater) with some expectation to travel county-wide for contract reviews/appointments/training.

Although for the first two months a greater proportion of time will be required in a council location to allow coaching and software support. During your contract you will receive peer support as part of Somerset Councils Graduate Programme and opportunities, subject to agreement, to experience other service areas within the Council.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

• Understand of the principles of commissioning, the commissioning cycle, quality monitoring and improvement, and performance monitoring and management.
• Have an awareness of adult social care services and the needs of vulnerable adults.
• Have knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Have an awareness of relevant legislation and policy frameworks, such as the Care Act 2014.
• Have good project management skills and an understanding of project management tools.
• Are able to work collaboratively and have experience of working with multiple stakeholders.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Have a relevant and recognised degree at a minimum of 2:2 attained within the last 3 years. We will accept applicants with a degree in any field.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Christian Trevelyan - Head of Commissioning - Existing Provision - christian.trevelyan@somerset.gov.uk

The salary for the role is Grade 12, £28,598 per annum, increasing in set increments as per the Graduate scheme to a final salary of Grade 11, £32,597 per annum.

The Graduate scheme is fixed term for a period of 2 years.

The recruitment process for the Somerset Council Graduate Scheme will be structured into 3 stages, explained below, please note any application without a personal statement will automatically be rejected:

• Application Submission – Including a personal statement setting out how you meet the attached person specification – sifted based on entry criteria.
• Formal interview – If successful at the presentation stage, you will then be invited to attend a formal interview. You will be asked to complete communications related task before the interview which will be discussed as part of the interview.

*Please only apply using the link at the bottom of the advert - please do not email your CV to the recruiting manager*

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.