Programme and Policy Officer – East Midlands Councils

Location: Melton Mowbray, East Midlands, United Kingdom

Organisation: East Midlands Councils

Contract Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term

Experience Level: Mid-Level

About East Midlands Councils

East Midlands Councils is a regional local government association representing the interests of councils across the East Midlands region of England. The organisation serves as a collaborative platform for local authorities, working closely with central government departments, regional stakeholders, and partner organisations to influence policy, drive improvement, and deliver programmes that benefit communities across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland.

Through its policy development, programme management, and advocacy functions, East Midlands Councils plays a vital role in shaping public services, securing funding, and ensuring that the voice of local government is heard at the national level. The organisation operates at the intersection of policy and practice, supporting member councils to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in areas such as housing, community safety, public health, and local economic development.

The Role

East Midlands Councils is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Programme and Policy Officer to join its team in Melton Mowbray. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating and supporting the delivery of programmes and schemes funded by the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). You will work collaboratively with key partners across the region, including local authorities, government agencies, and voluntary sector organisations, to ensure that funded programmes are delivered effectively, on time, and in line with strategic objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in public policy, programme management, or local government to contribute to meaningful projects that have a direct impact on communities across the East Midlands.

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate the planning, delivery, and monitoring of Home Office and DLUHC funded programmes, ensuring milestones are met and reporting requirements are fulfilled accurately and on schedule.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local authority partners, government departments, and external stakeholders to facilitate effective collaboration and information sharing.
Prepare high-quality policy briefings, reports, and presentations for internal and senior stakeholders, including elected members and regional boards.
Track programme budgets, expenditure, and outcomes, providing regular financial and performance updates to funders and senior management.
Support the development of funding bids and business cases for new programmes, contributing research, evidence, and drafting content as required.
Organise and facilitate partnership meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events, ensuring clear agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions are produced.
Conduct policy research and analysis on relevant local government and community issues, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to inform programme development.
Maintain accurate programme documentation, including risk registers, project plans, and stakeholder databases using tools such as Microsoft Project, Excel, and SharePoint.
Liaise with the Home Office and DLUHC programme teams to ensure compliance with grant conditions, funding agreements, and governance frameworks.
Contribute to the wider policy work of East Midlands Councils, responding to government consultations and supporting the development of regional positions on key issues.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of policy knowledge, programme coordination skills, and a genuine passion for public service. You will be highly organised, capable of managing multiple workstreams simultaneously, and comfortable operating within a collaborative, partnership-focused environment.

Essential Requirements:

Demonstrable experience in a programme officer, policy officer, or similar role within local government, the public sector, or a related organisation.
Strong understanding of the UK policy landscape, particularly in relation to Home Office and DLUHC priorities such as asylum dispersal, community safety, levelling up, or local government funding.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports and briefings for diverse audiences.
Proven ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Experience of working with multiple stakeholders, including government officials, local authority officers, and voluntary sector partners.
A relevant degree (or equivalent professional experience) in public policy, political science, social sciences, or a related discipline.

Desirable:

Experience of managing or administering Home Office or DLUHC funded programmes.
Familiarity with grant management systems and public sector financial reporting.
Knowledge of the East Midlands region and its local government structures.
Experience using project management tools such as Jira, Trello, or Asana.

Work Environment and Culture

East Midlands Councils offers a supportive and collaborative working environment where professional development is encouraged and valued. The team is passionate about making a difference for the region's communities and operates with a strong commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and public service excellence.

The role is based at the organisation's offices in Melton Mowbray, with some flexibility for hybrid and remote working in line with the organisation's policies. Occasional travel across the East Midlands region will be required for meetings, events, and partner engagements.

Benefits and Package

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, aligned with local government pay scales.
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the most generous public sector pension schemes in the UK.
Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and networking events.
Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements available.

Career Growth

This role offers significant potential for career progression within East Midlands Councils and the wider local government sector. The Programme and Policy Officer will gain exposure to high-level policy discussions, government funding processes, and regional decision-making, providing an excellent foundation for future roles in policy leadership, programme director positions, or strategic roles within local and central government.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the official application page at https://lnkd.in/ek_j52tf. Applications should include a completed application form and a supporting statement demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

Application Process:

Submit your application via the online portal by the stated closing date.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a formal interview, which may include a presentation or written exercise.
Interviews are expected to be held in person at the Melton Mowbray office or via video conference, depending on circumstances.
Successful candidates will be notified within two weeks of interview, subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment checks.

East Midlands Councils is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks where applicable.