Salary: £27,711 - £28,624
Hours: 37
Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle CA1 1RD
Contract: Permanent
About us
Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents and protecting our environment.
At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.
We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!
#WeAreCumberland
About this opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated, independent thinker to join the School Transport Team as a Commissioning Assistant in the Home to School Transport Team. This is a great opening allowing you to develop your career and work alongside others who are passionate about making a difference and ensuring 5,000+ mainstream and SEND pupils get to school every day in Cumberland Council area.
Are you organised, efficient and able to provide high quality, confidential administrative support? Then this could be the opportunity for you.
We are looking for a full-time Commissioning Assistant to join the Team. It is a busy team responsible for the commissioning, procurement, and subsequent contract management of around 500 mainstream school, SEND and PRU transport routes.
The workload is varied and could see you assessing home to school transport applications, assisting in the tendering of routes, preparing contract documentation, raising purchase orders, processing clearances for drivers & passenger assistants, issuing driver clearance badges or even getting out of the office and undertaking route inspections.
Key responsibilities
The Ideal should have strong interpersonal skills, being able to deal with difficult and sensitive issues both by telephone and email, with parents/carers, transport operators and schools. You must have the ability to challenge and question whilst maintaining a ‘can do’ attitude with a determination to seek solutions. To undertake this role effectively you will be able to ensure attention to detail and accuracy in your work, even when under pressure, and to be confident to learn to use a range of computer systems (training will be given).
Who we’re looking for
Fundamentally, we are seeking individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change and shape a better future for our communities. Your commitment to these principles will be instrumental in delivering services that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.
If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!
We believe in cultivating potential over perfection. If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our values we encourage you to apply or contact sara.mchale@cumbria.gov.uk or 01228 221705 or 07776681728 for an informal chat prior to your application.
What we offer
*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 1st December 2024
Interview date: 11th – 13th December 2024
Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.
Work-Life balance
Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.
Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.
Continuing Professional Development
We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals. Through our robust Organisational Development initiatives, we offer a suite of support programmes tailored to meet diverse needs, including participation in our esteemed Aspiring to be a Manager programme and access to our enriching Coaching and Mentoring programmes.
Keeping the people we work with safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.
We welcome applications from everyone
At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.
As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.
We're also an Age Friendly Employer, meaning we commit to providing an inclusive workplace for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce. We recognise the importance of mature workers and aim to provide an environment on which they can thrive.
Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. We will ensure that these adjustments are made to accommodate your needs.
Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!
We don't just encourage engagement—we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.
These groups are more than just forums—they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.
Join us and become part of something bigger:
Please read the supporting information:
Job Specification
