Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire.
Grade: M
Salary: From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Flexible work bases and hybrid working available. Office base is County Hall Northallerton and as a team we meet on a weekly basis in person and more as required for the role.
We’re looking for a motivated individual to join our Children & Families Service as a Policy, Practice & Development Officer. This is a key role focused on improving the quality of practice across the service and ensuring our practice is compliant with current legislation, guidance, and best practice. This includes inspection readiness across all the different regimes for children and their families.
You will drive quality assurance and effective practice by identifying areas for development, areas of best practice and latest practice research, and sharing these across the Children & Families Service. You will work closely with senior leaders, practitioners, and external partners to deliver innovative, integrated services that make a real difference, and support preparation for inspections across the service.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re seeking a proactive professional with:

• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding, children’s social care frameworks, and partnership working.
• Experience in policy development, quality assurance, and service improvement.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities.
• A degree-level qualification or equivalent.

KEY DOCUMENTS

Job description
Total Rewards
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to the post
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to this commitment.
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidance in collaboration with senior managers and colleagues.
• Manage and support projects that enhance service delivery and innovation.
• Manage and support work for inspection readiness
• Monitor legislative changes and recommend operational adjustments to ensure compliance.
• Deliver impactful presentations, workshops, and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain and quality-assure digital communication platforms including websites and internal networks.
• Lead on commissioned thematic audits and deep dive into practice and analysis outcomes and considering action plans.