Job Introduction
Starting salary for this role is £40,444 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)
This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.
Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.
BCP Council is seeking a Health Senior Commissioning Officer to provide dedicated capacity to the Strategic Joint Commissioning Partnership. Employed within the Children’s Commissioning Team and working across BCP Council, NHS Dorset and the wider local area partnership, this 0.7 FTE post is funded for three years to translate strategic priorities into practical commissioning models, funding arrangements and service specifications.
Working with education, health, care, Public Health, providers, you will convert SEND reform priorities into deliverable commissioning actions. Your initial focus will include therapies, pathway redesign and integrated service models, helping partners align services, investment and outcomes, strengthen early intervention and reduce unnecessary delay or escalation.
You will coordinate complex, cross-organisational projects through the full commissioning cycle, from needs assessment, co-production and option appraisal to service design, procurement, mobilisation, contract management and review. Using data, evidence, lived experience and market intelligence, you will develop joint specifications and pathways, identify opportunities for pooled or aligned funding, and bring forward clear, evidence-based proposals for partnership agreement and investment.
You will build robust partnerships and ensure and influence service redesign and decisions through governance arrangements, developing provider capacity, including across SMEs and the voluntary and community sector, strengthening commissioning practice and support a responsive, sustainable market.
A key part of the role will be developing robust contractual arrangements and ensuring services are safe, compliant, high quality and offer value for money. You will establish clear outcomes, timescales, performance measures and accountability; monitor quality, impact and risk; identify efficiencies; and work constructively with partners and providers to address variation or underperformance. Where required, you will supervise Contracts Officers and provide guidance on complex commissioning and contractual matters.
We are looking for a collaborative and credible commissioner who can work across organisational boundaries, manage competing priorities and turn strategic ambition into implementable services, contracts and funding flows. You will be confident analysing evidence, facilitating partnership decisions and maintaining momentum from agreement through to delivery. Experience of health, children’s services, SEND or integrated commissioning would be an advantage, although strong transferable experience in commissioning, programme delivery, procurement, contracts or transformation is equally welcome.
You will join a supportive team and make a visible contribution to stronger joint commissioning. To discuss this opportunity, contact Sarah Langdale, Head of Children’s Commissioning, on 01202 118757 or sarah.langdale@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.
We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.
It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
More About us | Working for BCP
Basic DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
