Help shape the future workforce of the New Forest
Passionate about helping people realise their potential? Interested in creating opportunities that change lives while supporting local businesses to grow?
We're looking for a Skills Development & Delivery Officer to help drive the delivery of the New Forest Skills Action Plan and support the development of innovative projects that improve employability, address skills shortages and strengthen our local economy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Economic Development Team at a time of growing ambition. You'll play a key role in bringing together employers, education providers, training organisations and community partners to create meaningful pathways into employment, apprenticeships and learning opportunities for New Forest residents.
About you
You are enthusiastic about skills, employability and workforce development and understand the difference that access to education, training and employment can make to individuals and communities.
You'll be someone who:
- Enjoys building productive relationships with a wide range of partners.
- Can successfully coordinate projects and turn ideas into action.
- Has experience in skills, employability, education, economic development or a related field.
- Is organised, proactive and confident managing multiple priorities.
- Can communicate effectively with businesses, education providers, public sector organisations and community groups.
- Uses evidence and data to evaluate success and identify future opportunities.
A teaching, training or coaching qualification would be advantageous, as would experience gained within local government or partnership environments.
About the role
Working within our Economic Development Team and reporting to the Economic Development Manager, you'll lead and coordinate activity that helps residents develop skills and progress into employment while supporting employers to access the workforce they need.
You will:
- Lead delivery of priorities within the New Forest Skills Action Plan.
- Develop and coordinate skills and employability projects that respond to local workforce needs.
- Support the continued development of the New Forest Youth Hub and related initiatives.
- Work closely with businesses, training providers, colleges, schools and strategic partners.
- Support local skills partnerships, working groups and governance forums.
- Represent the Council at meetings and events across the district and wider region.
- Monitor and evaluate projects, demonstrating impact and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Identify opportunities to attract investment and resources to support local skills development.
How you'll make a difference
This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of residents across the New Forest.
Your work will help:
- Young people access employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
- Employers address current and future workforce challenges.
- Local partners collaborate more effectively to tackle skills shortages.
- Communities benefit from stronger pathways into work and learning.
- Deliver the ambitions set out in the New Forest Skills Action Plan.
What's in it for you?
As part of our commitment to being a supportive and people‑centred employer, we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both in and outside of work:
- £36,823 - £40,771 (per annum pro rata)
- 26/27 days plus bank holidays, rising by an additional week’s leave after 5 years of continuous local authority service
- Hybrid working, with flexibility across our sites, and home working
- Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
- Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice
- Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers
- Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories
- A values‑led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
- Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
- A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including:
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Women’s Network
- Early Careers Network
- Neurodiversity Network
About us
At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office‑based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high‑quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.
We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation.
We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
Please note: You’ll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.
Additional information
Occasional evening and weekend working will be required to support events, engagement activities and partnership meetings. The ability to travel across the district is essential.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Jeannie Satchell
Economic Development Manager
[email protected]
Please note, this post is subject to a basic DBS check
Closing Date:13th September 2026
Interview Date: 23rd September 2026
