The Role

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils share a unique joint staffing model which focuses on creative service design and new ways of working in a positive and supportive working culture. We have a flexible, talented and committed public service workforce, in many different jobs and professions, who put local people at the heart of everything we do. With the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic still to be fully understood, this is a rewarding time to be supporting a wide variety of population groups across our two boroughs.

The Commissioning Team has a collective responsibility to oversee strategic and large-scale service contracts across both our Councils, as well as leading development and management of strategic relationships with our provider market. This is an exciting time to be joining the team as the Sexual Health Professional Lead, as you will not only oversee the commissioning and monitoring of sexual health services but also shape and implement the future sexual health landscape across community-based outreach, digital, primary and secondary care in both Richmond and Wandsworth. Additionally, you will be responsible for leading the commissioning of a new South West London-wide service focused on improving sexual health and HIV support for high risk groups in collaboration with all South West London Councils. You will also champion sexual health and relationships awareness within the wider Commissioning Team; this is a newly created team function, so offers opportunities for creativity and will be yours to build and own.

About You

You will have a solid understanding of the local authority role in developing and delivering public health programmes, with an in-depth knowledge of sexual health services, including government policy and current trends in service development. Your experience of sexual health services, either as a commissioner or in a senior clinical or managerial role, has equipped you with the skills to lead contract monitoring meetings, inform service development and write service specifications.

You will understand the wider sexual health landscape and have the confidence to work collaboratively with NHS and voluntary sector partners, as well as representing Richmond and Wandsworth at London-wide level. You will be a strategic thinker, who understands the stigma which still exists regarding sexual health, and with a strong grasp of the associated challenges in engaging hard to reach groups.

You will be highly skilled in report writing, with proven experience of writing briefs for senior management. Your budget management experience will mean you are adept at budget planning when working with complex activity-related spend. You will have excellent interpersonal and critical thinking skills, the creative ability to provide innovative solutions, and will be extremely organised to ensure deadlines are met.

At Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, we care more about how you work and what you achieve, rather than where you work on any given day. The difference you can make to our local communities is what really matters most to us, service delivery must always come first. We have carefully considered agile ways of working to provide the best experience for residents, stakeholders and our staff. Our agile working strategy actively supports and encourages a dynamic work environment and daily working experience. Agile working helps put the needs of our staff at the centre of everything we do, so if specific flexible working arrangements help you with this, feel free to let us know.

Your wellbeing and the flexible way in which you can work is and will remain a key priority for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. We want you to thrive and feel empowered in your work!

This is a full-time role at 36 hours per week. We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you would like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days, including bank holidays, and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, and discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: 13th June 2022

Shortlisting Date: 14th June 2022

Interview Date: 20th and 21st June 2022

Interview Content: You will be expected to deliver a 10 minute presentation, answer several questions and additionally undertake a 1 hour test, during which you will be asked to review data and write a short piece of half an A4 page. If you have any digital access requirements, please let us know at any stage of the recruitment process.

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teamsand those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

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