What Essex County Council Jobs are in Chelmsford?

Interim Strategic Development Lead, Generalist – Greater Essex Combined County Authority

Fixed Term, Full Time (Maximum 12 months)

Temporary or FTC/Secondment (Salary within advert)

Location: Countywide

Closing Date: 14th December 2025

Salary information: Temporary up to £650 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35) or FTC/Secondment from £75,050 to £88,295 per annum

This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authority, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.

Purpose of the Role.

• Lead strategy development for the assigned portfolio.
• Drive innovation, collaboration and delivery across multiple agencies.
• Build strong foundations and workstreams enabling GECCA to operate effectively.
• Shape and implement policy that delivers tangible outcomes for residents and businesses.
• Build partnerships and raise the profile of Greater Essex at a regional and national level, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, setting vision and direction.
• Secure funding and investment.
• Build strong partnerships across the system.
• Lead long-term planning and integration of major initiatives.
• Contribute to GECCA’s organisational development.
• Deep professional expertise relevant to assigned portfolio.
• Proven leadership in complex public sector environments.
• Strong political awareness and communication skills.
• Ability to manage programmes, budgets and stakeholders effectively.

*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County Authority

This role is being recruited on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council. This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Samantha Myddelton on ( ) or Sadie Orwell ( ).

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement. Click ‘APPLY’ to begin your application.

Closing date for applications: 14th December 2025 at 23:59pm.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Temporary

• General Business

• Government Administration

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Essex County Council by 2x.

Interim Strategic Development Lead, Skills & Employment – Greater Essex Combined County Authority

Join to apply for the Interim Strategic Development Lead, Skills & Employment – Greater Essex Combined County Authority role at Essex County Council.

Closing date: 14th December 2025.

Salary Information: Temporary up to £650 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35) or Fixed Term/Secondment from £75,050 to £88,295 per annum.

Overview: Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.

This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authority, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.

Lead development of GECCA’s Employability & Skills strategy and associated programmes. Shape and deliver policies, initiatives and partnerships that increase training, employment opportunities and progression pathways across Greater Essex. Strengthen collaboration across councils, education providers, employers and central government. Support the development of organisational systems, governance and assurance mechanisms for employability and skills programmes. Contribute to building an agile, high-performing organisation capable of delivering devolved skills functions effectively. Build partnerships and raise the profile of Greater Essex at a regional and national level, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.

• Develop, implement and drive strategies that improve skills, employment outcomes and access to opportunity.
• Secure investment and funding to support regional skills ambitions ensuring that the Combined County Authority is able to demonstrate readiness in order to access government funding at the required time.
• Lead the design of innovative programmes that respond to labour market needs and future skills demands.
• Represent GECCA regionally and nationally, influencing policy and strengthening the region’s voice.

• Lead commissioning and delivery of skills programmes in line with governance, procurement and financial standards.
• Oversee performance management and reporting to ensure transparency, impact and continuous improvement.
• Support cross-cutting priorities such as net zero, digital transformation and inclusion.
• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.
• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in programme design and organisational culture.
• Build capability, talent pipelines and strong internal and external relationships.
• Deep understanding of adult learning, post-16 skills, employability policy and commissioning.
• Knowledge of devolution, AEB, funding mechanisms and workforce planning.
• Strong strategic leadership and policy development capability.
• Excellent partnership skills with employers, FE/HE, councils and government.
• Proven ability to secure funding and manage high-value programmes.
• Politically aware, resilient and experienced in complex public sector environments.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• General Business

• Government Administration

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement.

Contact Samantha Myddelton ( , ) or Sadie Orwell ( , ) for a confidential discussion.

For accessibility needs, please contact Essex Shared Services at

Closing date for applications: 14th December 2025 at 23:59pm.

Chief Finance and Investment Officer (S73) – Greater Essex Combined County Authority

Salary Information: Temporary up to £1,000 per day (Umbrella, Inside IR35) or FTC/Secondment £108,029 to £127,079 per annum, pro rata to 0.4FTE.

Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Role Overview: As Chief Financial Officer you will provide whole-organisational financial leadership, working collaboratively with leaders from within the mayoral authority, with government, and across the Greater Essex system to ensure the organisation’s strategic ambitions are underpinned by robust financial planning and sustainable resource management.

You will play a key role in raising the profile of Greater Essex and the East region at national and international levels, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments. Operating in a dynamic environment, you will lead on financial policy development and oversee the financial dimensions of a diverse portfolio of services including Economic Growth, Employability and Skills, Transport, Housing, Climate, and Public Safety.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will enable the mayoral authority to develop the cultural behaviours for agility which drives the realisation of opportunities to scale at pace and help shape a dynamic, agile, and forward-thinking organisation that is responsive to local needs.

• Develop the investment strategy and frameworks to ensure the most impactful application of available funds and resources.
• Lead work with senior leadership to generate income and investment to fund the Combined Authority’s programmes.
• Drive decisions regarding investments and proposed spending within the various portfolios to align with strategy and plans.
• Develop and manage the commercial strategy, relationships and stakeholders across the region to deliver best value and achieve financial and investment generation aims.
• Provide commercial leadership, developing best practice procurement, commissioning and contract management standards and policies to maximise value for money.

• Lead the organisation and the region: Provide leadership at a regional, local and organisational level communicating with residents and businesses to ensure the local voice is reflected.
• Advocate: Influence national and local policy and role model the values and behaviours of the organisation.
• Convene and partner: Influence partners towards consensus and ensure momentum towards strategic outcomes.
• Strategise: Design, develop and deliver organisational policies and strategies that foster innovation and agility.
• Enable and Deliver: Manage resources within budgetary constraints, delivering quality outcomes and tracking progress.
• Govern: Assess, manage and mitigate risk, providing assurance.
• Invest: Provide investment advice and develop business cases to drive strategic investment.
• Lead on financial planning and budgeting, preparing budgets and the Medium‑Term Financial Plan.
• Provide expert financial advice to stakeholders to shape understanding of financial risks and impact.
• Lead delivery of good financial management, ensuring policies meet statutory requirements.

• Develop constructive and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, especially funding and investment partners, to generate consensus and influence plans.

• Evaluate financial risks and opportunities, scanning external environment and adjusting plans accordingly.
• Manage the organisation’s asset portfolio, directing commercial development to ensure value for money and ROI.

• Maintain sound financial systems, internal controls and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Report unlawful financial activity or risk of overspending under Section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
• Advise on financial implications of decisions, ensuring viability and supporting strategic planning.

• Master’s degree level or equivalent by experience, with evidence of continuing professional development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legislative frameworks, local government finance rules.
• Substantial knowledge of public and private funding sources and investment landscape.
• Deep knowledge of the MCA’s agenda and operating environment.
• Experience providing professional advice on investment, funding and financial risks.
• Experience with complex funding landscapes and financing vehicles.
• Experience of financial leadership in a public sector organisation.
• Innovative thinker who develops fresh approaches to transformation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and sound judgement.
• Ability to establish relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Highly flexible, adaptable and resilient.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, persuasive and influential.
• Collaborative and supportive in developing plans and strategies.
• Highly developed decision‑making, networking, advocacy, negotiating and presentation skills.

Executive

Part‑time

Finance

Government Administration

Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in‑person collaboration at our Chelmsford office, typically around 2 to 3 days per month dependent on business need.

Essex Digital Service is transforming how Essex County Council delivers services, making it easier and safer for people to get things done, whether they're colleagues or residents. We design and deliver modern, user‑focused digital solutions that support everything from social care and education to transport and the environment. Our vision is to build digitally empowered, 21st‑century services that work across teams and boundaries, delivering real value to the people who rely on them every day.

• Design technical, data, security, and business solutions that translate user and service requirements into operationally viable technology.
• Ensure solutions align with ECC’s architectural principles and technical reference architecture to support standardisation and reuse.
• Apply policies, standards, and best practices to ensure compliance between business and technology plans.
• Provide expert input into technical initiatives, ensuring consistent design and implementation across ECC’s digital estate.
• Contribute to innovation by identifying market trends and alternative approaches that deliver business benefits and align with enterprise architecture.
• Advise the Commercial Team on supplier and product selection, ensuring alignment with ECC’s architecture and operational principles.
• Collaborate with business relationship managers, architects, designers, and suppliers to shape and present business cases for strategic initiatives.
• Assess technology options and present strengths, weaknesses, and costs to stakeholders through clear, evidence‑based recommendations.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Strong experience in solutions architecture, ideally within a large local authority or public sector service provider.
• Proven track record of designing business and technical solutions that meet complex requirements and support simplification and reuse.
• Accredited in TOGAF 9.2, with working knowledge of frameworks such as ArchiMate, BPMN, COBIT, and IT4IT.
• Clear understanding of ICT standards and experience applying them in enterprise environments.
• Skilled in using enterprise modelling tools such as EA Sparx and Orbus iServer.
• Experience developing systems in line with GDS and Cyber Security Group guidelines.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer‑service skills.
• Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with emerging technologies and delivery practices.

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters. With flexible working, excellent development opportunities, and the chance to work with a supportive team that’s passionate about what they do, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In March 2026, the Government announced that councils in Greater Essex will be reorganised into five new unitary authorities from April 2028. In addition to this, Greater Essex has been accepted onto the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Essex County Council is recruiting for an ESCA Workforce Development Lead – Children to drive workforce development strategy and CPD delivery across social care services. You will oversee a broad training offer, align programmes with partner requirements, and ensure high quality practice through evidence-based workforce initiatives.

The role requires a strong background in adult learning, excellent communication, and proven ability to lead cross‑agency projects within a dynamic local authority

ESCA Workforce Development Lead – Children

Fixed Term, Full Time

Closing Date: 27th July 2026

Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 12 months

Workforce development is an essential part of maintaining our outstanding OFSTED rating in Children’s Social Care. It is a critical time in the service with more change than we have seen in a generation. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to that change journey ensuring our staff are prepared for the future.

Essex County Council (ECC) is achieving transformational change across Adult Social Care and Children and Families Services, underpinned by delivery of high quality practice and a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion. The development of a professional, knowledgeable and skilled workforce is central to achieving practice improvement and driving change; delivered by a joint Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) service which meets the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs of both professional areas.

The ESCA Workforce Development Lead will oversee key areas of strategic and practice importance, to enable ESCA to deliver against its vision. Supporting the development of a cohesive service across social care, responsible for providing, developing and commissioning a high quality training offer across complex and specialist programmes. The role requires a thorough and in‑depth understanding of adult learning theories and evidence of successful delivery and development of workforce projects and initiatives, that support workforce strategies. Excellent communication skills, with strong negotiation and influencing abilities will be key to success.

• Responsible for developing a Workforce Development strategy, related to specific areas of Social Care Practice, equipped to deliver consistently high quality, customer focused services. Identify opportunities for development of the Social Care Academy to improve performance and promote best practice.
• Lead on and manage the delivery of initiatives, ensuring that internal Continuing Professional Development programmes (either function specific or broader) and development planning, commissioning and delivery processes are integrated, to reflect commissioned outcomes and align with Partner programmes.
• Develop and commission a range of blended learning and training opportunities, tailored to the individual needs of staff groups. Implement processes to ensure the commissioning of training providers support excellence in practice, represent value for money, work to agreed standards and include safeguarding practices.
• Work collaboratively with external operational partners/stakeholders to ensure potential opportunities are maximised, through development of innovative approaches to implement an agreed and consistent framework of impact measures.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with National Minimum standards, regulations and statutory guidance, maintaining effective links with regulatory bodies to achieve requisite standards. Raise and address any issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Measure and evaluate the impact of training and training transfer, on improving outcomes and developments in practice across social care. Deliver regular monitoring, reflection and review to ensure continued progress. Use accurate data and evidence to set and monitor priorities, which inform strategic planning of training and development initiatives.
• Undertake financial monitoring and budgetary review of programmes of work undertaken.
• Contribute to building capacity for workforce planning, to ensure effective developmental support is available through the creation of a range of initiatives including training opportunities, career development and flexible career pathways.
• Review, analyse and evaluate workforce intelligence, establish robust processes for the sharing of data analysis and recommendations. Working closely with operational partners to support effective evidence based workforce planning.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

• Educated to RQF level 6 (bachelor’s degree) or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge, aligned to any relevant Professional Competency/Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements where required.
• Evidence of successful delivery and development of workforce projects and initiatives that support the workforce strategy and capacity to work autonomously to achieve outcomes.
• Experience of leading the development of strong relationships which are collaborative in nature, with partners, other agencies and the local community to achieve joint objectives.
• Good leadership and behavioural skills with the ability to focus on results, supporting a highly performing and motivated team from diverse backgrounds to achieve strategic objectives.
• An in‑depth understanding of adult learning theories and how to apply them in practice to support the workforce to deliver more effective outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, with strong negotiation, influencing and problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to analyse, understand and present complex information effectively.

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

The job role requires you to be mobile throughout the operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Overview

Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Senior Finance Business Partner. This full-time position offers hybrid working with an expectation of attending the office 2 days per week.

• Provide trusted specialist financial advice and support to service areas, enabling informed decision-making.
• Provide timely and relevant financial analysis and advice supporting both corporate reporting and local service requirements.
• Adapt reporting approaches to the needs of the service.
• Ensure the financial position is communicated effectively and understood by the service.
• Coach budget holders and encourage them to develop financial acumen.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, legislation, professional codes of practice, and council financial policies.
• Support the development and implementation of financial strategies, business planning, and budget management.
• Act as a trusted partner to service managers, guiding the effective use of resources and monitoring performance.
• Drive efficiency and value for money across service areas.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes and systems.
• Maintain high standards of professional practice within the finance team.

• Provide proactive financial support and guidance to service managers to inform decision-making and drive business performance.
• Prepare, analyse, and interpret financial data, reports, and forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.
• Monitor service budgets, highlight risks and opportunities, and ensure effective resource management.
• Support the development and delivery of service and corporate financial plans, strategies, and initiatives.
• Act as a point of contact for financial queries, ensuring timely and accurate responses to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of financial processes, systems, and reporting to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Support corporate projects, initiatives, and service reviews by providing specialist financial input and advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the council to ensure alignment between finance, service delivery, and corporate objectives.

• CCAB qualified is desirable; AAT is a minimum requirement, with equivalent prior learning and experience considered if demonstrating the ability to operate at a senior finance professional level.
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain up-to-date technical knowledge and skills.
• Relevant experience in a local government or public sector finance environment is desirable. In-depth understanding of local government finance, governance arrangements, and statutory requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation, financial regulations, and professional codes of practice.
• Awareness of council policies, procedures, and strategic priorities, including corporate planning and service delivery frameworks.
• Knowledge of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Understanding of continuous improvement, business process redesign, and value-for-money principles.
• Awareness of digital financial systems and reporting tools relevant to local authority finance.
• Significant experience in financial management, preferably within a local government or public sector environment.
• Proven experience providing specialist financial advice to managers and senior leaders, influencing decision-making and business outcomes.
• Experience in preparing, analysing, and interpreting financial reports, forecasts, and budgets.
• Experience of managing or supporting the delivery of projects, initiatives, or service improvements with financial implications.
• Demonstrable experience in monitoring and controlling budgets, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and financial regulations.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams and with multiple stakeholders, including senior officers and members.
• Evidence of delivering continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, or reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and provide clear recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage own workload, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and financial management systems.
• Ability to provide guidance and support to colleagues, contributing to a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
• Sound organisational skills to ensure accurate management of financial information, reporting, and documentation.
• Confident in identifying risks and recommending mitigating actions to ensure financial compliance and service delivery.

Maldon District Council is a local authority with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children, young people and adults. Disclosure and Barring checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences and will consider applicants regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status.

Maldon District Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. We are a Disability Confident Employer and take actions to successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.

For more information on this position, please email

Essex Shared Services is advertising this role as part of its partnership with Maldon District Council; however, the successful candidate will be employed directly by Maldon District Council.

Essex County Council’s Essex Digital Service is recruiting a senior Solutions Architect to shape and deliver digital services across the authority. You will translate user needs into secure, scalable tech, ensuring architectural alignment with standard reference models and governance.

Engage with stakeholders to drive reuse and simplification. Accreditation in TOGAF 9.2 is preferred, with experience in ArchiMate, BPMN, COBIT and IT4IT.

Essex County Council is seeking a Principal Ecologist for a full-time permanent role. You will lead ecological assessments and manage specialized teams within a dynamic local authority environment, contributing to sustainable development and environmental outcomes.

The ideal candidate will hold Full Membership of CIEEM and have significant project management experience. You’ll bring strong analytical skills and have a deep understanding of ecological legislation and policy.

This role offers a salary up to £57,095, plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes a local government pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement.