Strategy and Policy Officer

Surrey County Council

  • Reigate, Surrey
  • £41,585 per year
  • Permanent
  • Part-time
  • 19 days ago
Details
  • Title: Strategy and Policy Officer
  • Reference: SCC/TP/296347/3589
  • Positions: 1
  • Salary: £41,585 per annum
  • Category: Policy
  • Contract type: Permanent
  • Working hours: 36 hours per week
  • Posted on: 5 August 2025
  • Closing date: 8 September 2025
  • Directorate: Resources
  • Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF
DescriptionWe are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.The starting salary for this role is £41,585 per annum, based on a 36 working hour week.We are hiring for a Strategy and Policy Officer to work in our fantastic Strategy and Policy Team.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
  • 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 TeamThe Strategy and Policy Team is situated at the heart of the Council and our mission is to lead thinking and stimulate collective action to enable delivery of the council's and residents' ambitions for Surrey. We add value and expertise around corporate strategy and strategic planning, policy analysis, design and development, and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all that we do.We work on a breadth of topics, projects and issues which are centred around delivering and advancing the Community Vision for Surrey in 2030. Most recently our focus has included developing the Council's proposals around devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and this topic will be framing our work going forwards.If you want a role with a varied workload, you'll be at home in CSP. We work in collaboration with colleagues across every service area of the council and our work programme reflects the council's priorities and focus areas, whilst also responding to our changing operating context.About the RoleIn this role you will play a critical part in shaping the future of local government in Surrey; helping to set strategic direction, and designing innovative new approaches to assist services in delivering more efficiently and effectively for residents and partners. This will include supporting the devolution and LGR programme as Surrey moves towards unitary local government and a new Mayoral Strategic Authority. You will be expected to form productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and will be comfortable working at pace within an uncertain strategic context.You will research, identify and analyse emerging issues locally, regionally and nationally that will have an impact on the council, partners and residents. You will provide policy advice and briefings to the senior officer and political leadership; using a solid understanding of the local and national policy agenda, in particular the impact of devolution and LGR. In return, the work of the Strategy and Policy team promises plenty of autonomy, collaborative working, and personal stretch aligned to individual development goals.You will need to be able to demonstrate an ability to work at pace, be innovative and have a genuine interest in making a difference for the residents of Surrey.Shortlisting CriteriaTo be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence:
  • Education to degree level or equivalent experience
  • Experience supporting the development and delivery of evidence-led high profile, high risk and/or high impact strategies and policies
  • Experience of providing advice and/or briefings to senior stakeholders
  • Understanding of the key strategic issues facing local government, the wider public sector and partners
  • Understanding of central government and its workings and influences
Application QuestionsTo apply for this role we invite you to upload your CV and respond to the following application questions (with a maximum of 250 words per answer): * What are your motivations for applying for this role?
  • Please share an example of where you have given advice to a senior stakeholder on a national or local issue. Your answer should demonstrate how you approached researching the issue and communicating your advice.
  • Can you tell us about how you approach building trust and credibility with stakeholders?
  • How do you stay adaptable in a fast-paced working environment?
Contact detailsPlease 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 about the role please contact Hannah Dirks by email or on MS Teams.The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07/09/2025 with interviews to follow.This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.Local Government ReorganisationSurrey 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:Our BehavioursThe 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 .Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.Our CommitmentSurrey 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.Files to download
  • Reviewed: 16 Aug 2025
for latest news and events.
  • © Surrey County Council 2025
  • ID: 187280
TopWe need your help!We'd welcome your feedback to help us improve our website. The link below will open a short survey in a new browser tab, which you can return to at the end of your visit.

Surrey County Council