Commissioning Officer Review

My experience working at Lancashire County Council has been positive overall. I have worked in a supportive and professional environment where learning and development are encouraged. Colleagues and managers are approachable and willing to share their experience, and there is a strong focus on public service and making a positive difference for residents. I’ve had opportunities to develop my skills, take on responsibility, and work across teams, which has helped me grow in confidence and capability.

Main responsibilities of the role
My role focuses on commissioning and monitoring services that support adults to live as independently as possible. This includes identifying needs using data and intelligence, developing service specifications, managing contracts, and working with providers to ensure services are safe, effective, and offer good value for money. I work closely with internal teams such as operational services, finance, legal, and performance colleagues, as well as external partners and voluntary sector organisations. The role also involves reviewing existing services, managing improvement plans, supporting procurement activity, and contributing to service redesign based on evidence and feedback.
Elements of the role I enjoy the most
The part of the role I enjoy most is the variety and impact of the work. I value being able to use data and insight to identify opportunities for improvement and then work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to design practical solutions. I particularly enjoy relationship‑building, problem‑solving, and working across teams to balance quality, outcomes, and resources. It is rewarding to contribute to services that make a real difference to people’s lives and to be involved in projects that support system improvement and innovation within adult social care.

My role gives me significant opportunities to contribute meaningfully and feel valued within my team. I’m trusted to lead and contribute to important pieces of work, with my input actively sought and considered in decision‑making. The work I do has clear purpose and impact, and I feel supported by colleagues and managers who recognise my skills, encourage development, and provide constructive feedback. There is a strong sense of collaboration, and I feel that my contributions are valued as part of delivering positive outcomes for people and services.

The vivup scheme is very valuable

I feel that this role is preparing me very well for my future career. It provides direct experience of commissioning, service design, and contract management, alongside opportunities to develop analytical, communication, and stakeholder‑engagement skills. I’ve been able to lead and contribute to complex pieces of work, gain exposure to strategic decision‑making, and understand how services operate within a wider system. The responsibility, support, and learning opportunities within the role have helped me build confidence and transferable skills that will be valuable for progression within commissioning and the wider public sector.

The support I receive is excellent. I am well supported by my manager and wider team, with regular opportunities to discuss progress, challenges, and development needs. Guidance is readily available when needed, but I am also trusted to work independently and take ownership of my work. There is a strong culture of collaboration and learning, and I feel encouraged to ask questions, develop new skills, and build confidence within my role.

I am encouraged to prioritise my wellbeing

The organisational culture is inclusive, supportive, and welcoming, with a clear focus on public service and shared values. Colleagues are collaborative and respectful, and there is a positive atmosphere where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and learning from one another. The organisation promotes equality, flexibility, and wellbeing, which contributes to a healthy and supportive working environment. Hybrid and remote working arrangements are well established and trusted, allowing a good balance between collaboration, productivity, and work‑life balance.

Lancashire County Council demonstrates a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. There are clear policies, initiatives, and networks in place to promote inclusive practice, raise awareness, and support staff from a wide range of backgrounds. Diversity and accessibility are actively considered in workforce and service design, and there is visible leadership support for EDI priorities.
I have rated this 4/5 as, while the foundations and intentions are strong, there is always scope to continue embedding EDI consistently across all teams and to further develop learning, lived‑experience engagement, and accessibility in practice. Overall, the organisation is moving in a positive and proactive direction.

Yes

I would recommend Lancashire County Council as an employer because it offers meaningful work that has a real impact on people and communities. The organisation provides a supportive and inclusive working environment, with opportunities to learn, develop, and progress. I’ve experienced a strong culture of collaboration, flexibility through hybrid working, and a genuine focus on wellbeing and work‑life balance. Staff are trusted to contribute, supported to grow, and encouraged to work in ways that reflect shared public service values, which makes it a rewarding place to work.

Yes