Communications, Engagement & Partnership Officer

Job Introduction

This full-time permanent role has a starting salary of £41,585 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring a new Communications, Engagement & Partnership Officer to join our team and play an essential role in raising the profile of partnership working within the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) and it’s work across Surrey.

The office base for this position is Woodhatch Place in Reigate, however the role is hybrid and predominantly remote, with occasional office working to attend in-person meetings.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Role   

We are a small team with big plans, and this exciting role will help take forward our wider engagement and communication work, which includes co-producing and creating digital resources.

SSAB is a multiagency partnership that has representation from organisations that support adults who have care or support needs. The partnership contributes to the development and delivery of the Board’s Strategic Plan, helping to deliver activities that promote adult safeguarding across the county.

You can find out more about the SSAB here.

As our Communications, Engagement & Partnership Officer you will support the development and delivery of the SSAB strategic priorities. A key element of this will be to build positive relationships with health, voluntary, community and faith organisations. Using your strong communication, networking and collaboration skills, you will support the development of the Board's communication strategy, co-producing resources and leading on the implementation of this with partners.

Within the role you will look to develop and produce various safeguarding resources using different mediums and digital platforms. This may be alongside colleagues from the wider partnership, or via engagement with co-production work through community groups. The role will include varied multi-agency working, from supporting board sub-groups and forums to be effective in meeting key objectives, to taking on specific projects that support the work of the board.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position your CV and answers to the questions below will clearly evidence:

• Degree qualified, or substantial transferable experience
• Excellent partnership working skills with ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with partners in statutory, voluntary and third sector organisations
• Ability to communicate effectively in highly charged, complex or challenging situations to a wide range of audiences for different purposes and at different levels, including public speaking
• Competent in the use of IT, using a range of digital software, such as Canva, to develop accessible resources
• Good problem solving and analytical skills with the capacity to devise and implement innovative solutions
• Proven ability to manage a range of projects through to completion
• Willing and able to travel around the county to meet the requirements of the role

Application Questions

1. Please tell us your motivation for applying for this position
2. Please provide an example of how you have been able to engage with people from a wide range of audiences at different levels
3. Please describe a project where you had to collaborate with team members to achieve positive outcomes
4. Please give an example of how you have delivered a key message via different mediums
5. What steps would you take to ensure that all team members felt valued and included

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Jolene Llewellyn at jolene.llewellyn@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07.09.2025 with interviews planned for week commencing 22.09.2025.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

A Basic DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Behaviours 

The Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Discover more about our behaviours.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.