Joint Social Value and Partnerships Officer

Make a difference where it matters most

At Waverley Borough Council, we believe in strong communities, excellent service, and creating a supportive workplace where people can thrive. Whether you’re building your career or bringing valuable experience, this is your opportunity to contribute to something meaningful.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and drive social value across two ambitious councils - Waverley Borough and Guildford Borough Councils - at a time of significant transformation.

Working within our Joint Policy, Strategy and Insight Team and alongside Procurement, you will lead the delivery of our Social Value Strategy, turning ambition into action and ensuring council spending creates lasting benefits for residents, communities and local businesses.

You will work with services, contract managers and suppliers to unlock opportunities for jobs, apprenticeships, skills, sustainability and community wellbeing through our contracts and wider partnerships.

A key part of the role is building strong relationships across the public, private and voluntary sectors—bringing together businesses, community organisations and regional partners to maximise social value and deliver outcomes that matter locally.

You will also help shape how we measure and demonstrate impact, developing innovative approaches to monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement that showcase the difference social value is making across both councils.

As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) progresses, you will play an important role in creating a consistent and forward-looking approach to social value, helping to position West Surrey as a leader in delivering social, economic and environmental benefits through public services.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on collaboration, enjoys influencing and connecting people, and is passionate about turning strategic priorities into tangible outcomes for communities.

About you

You will be an experienced and proactive professional with a strong track record in social value, partnership working, community development, procurement, regeneration or a related field. You will be passionate about delivering positive outcomes for residents and confident working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Essential requirements

• Experience of delivering social value, community engagement, partnerships or similar initiatives.
• Experience of working with external partners, suppliers or stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Understanding of social value principles and how they apply within public sector delivery.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement and the Social Value Act.
• Ability to develop measurement frameworks and use monitoring systems, dashboards and reports to track outcomes.
• Ability to interpret policy and translate it into practical delivery.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to provide clear guidance, advice and training to staff, suppliers and partners.
• Ability to influence, collaborate and build effective working relationships across teams and organisations.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and delivering positive outcomes for residents, communities and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise competing demands and deliver results in a changing environment.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and drive improvements while working collaboratively across multiple services.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and achieving measurable impact through partnership working and effective delivery.

What We Offer

In return for your valued contribution, we offer a competitive benefits package which includes:

* Hybrid and agile working policies

* Training and development opportunities including apprenticeships

* Generous annual leave and flexi time

* An employee assistance programme

* Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

You can find out more about working at Waverley and our benefits by visiting: Jobs | Waverley Borough Council

Please note: No agencies or speculative CVs please. Direct applications only.

Ready to join us?

Apply now and help shape the future of Waverley. For an informal conversation, please contact Catherine Fitzgerald, Joint Policy, Strategy and Insights Manager, catherine.fitzgerald@waverley.gov.uk.

The closing date for application is 23:59 on the 13th September and we anticipate interviews being held 24th September 2026.

In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes hybrid working and agile working policies, training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, free onsite parking, an employee assistance scheme and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. You can find out more about working at Waverley and our benefits by visiting - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council

The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here

We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here

Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time and right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.

Information

We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.

From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government’s confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.

As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.

We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trusted and open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.

While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.

Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.