The posting
Job Description
Apprenticeship: Newham Apprenticeship Scheme
Role: Trainee Commissioning Officer
Posts available: 1
Salary: £31,290 (Scale 4, Spinal Point 7)
Length of Employment: 2 Years fixed-term contract
Working Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 36
Apprenticeship qualification: Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) - level 4
Eligibility requirements: You must hold at least a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience)
Online Information session to find out more about the work of the social care commissioning team: 19th November 2026 from 2pm-3pm
Click here to book your place at the Online Information Session on 19th November
Closing date: 2nd December 2026
Interview and test: 9th December 2026, in person
For further details: please email [email protected] and copy in [email protected]
About Newham
Newham is a young, vibrant and ambitious borough, where children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. We are tackling inequality, building resilience and creating opportunities to help our communities thrive making Newham a place where people choose to live, work and stay.
Children and young people under 25 are 37% of our population, and 100% of our future. That's why we are dedicated to delivering high-quality services and support that enable children, young people and families to achieve their full potential.
The London Borough of Newham is committed to being an effective, caring and ambitious corporate parent. We believe that every member of staff working for Newham Council should understand and fulfil our corporate parenting responsibilities for our looked after children that we have under the Children and Social Work Act 2017.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in Ofsted’s judgement of Outstanding across all areas of our Children’s Services. We continue to strive for the best for our children their families through collaboration, innovation and a strong culture of learning and continuous improvement. Read Ofsted’s published report in full here.
Apply now and be part of our success.
About the team – Commissioning
Commissioning involves looking at the best way to deliver the products and the services that our residents and communities need, while at the same time ensuring that the Council gets good value for its money. This often involves procuring (which is another way of saying buying) goods and services from companies who will do the work on our behalf and agreeing a contract between the Council and these companies to make sure they do what we need.
About the role
To apply you must be a resident of Newham, living in the following postcode areas: E6, E7, E12, E13, E15, E16 and E20 or be a NEWHAM CARE LEAVER.
The Newham Apprenticeship Scheme offers an opportunity for you to start an exciting new career, whether this is your first job, or you are returning to work after a career break, or you are looking for a change in career direction.
The scheme provides a perfect way to earn a wage while you gain vital work experience and a nationally recognised qualification. You will be fully supported and mentored through your apprenticeship and be given protected time to complete your course work. When you’ve finished, we’ll help you in your next steps.
The successful candidate will be surrounded by experienced staff who will provide close support.
About the job – Trainee Commissioning Officer
The role will provide invaluable experience in the Social Care Commissioning team within Children’s Services. The team is responsible for the accommodation, care and support services for looked after children and care leavers. You will successfully complete the Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and develop a basic understanding of commissioning processes and contract management. During your time with the team, you will also work towards and complete a Level 7 Certificate in Commissioning and Purchasing for Public Care (IPC).
For more details on the job, see the attached Job Description.
About the Training
You will be undertaking a professional apprenticeship standard.
You will successfully complete a Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), which is a globally recognised, management-level qualification. It is designed for individuals who are completely new to their role and may be operating at a more senior level or those with limited commercial and procurement experience. It provides you with the skills and knowledge about buying the goods and services that enable an organisation to operate.
To successfully complete the apprenticeship, not only must you meet the performance standards required, but you will also need meet the off-the job learning requirements.
Your responsibilities will include: • Attending all classes, • learning and developing practical skills, • participating in classes and workshops on and offsite, • observing all employee processes and procedures, • completing tests and assignments, • delivering presentations to colleagues and other stakeholders.
You should be well-organised, flexible, and willing to assist wherever possible.
About You
‘People at the heart of everything we do’
Applications are welcomed from Newham residents or Newham Care Leavers with a desire to make a difference in the local community and with a commitment to improving their skills.
In order to successfully deliver the responsibilities of the role, you will need to:
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn and be adaptable in ways of working
- Communicate clearly, confidently and appropriately with colleagues using the best methods of communication for the task
- Demonstrate commitment to own personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the role
- Develop good IT and data analysis skills
- Actively engage in positive cross organisational communications and team working
- A commitment to undertake and complete a qualification via a structured apprenticeship training programme
You hold at least a level 3 qualification or equivalent experience.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive Salary: Scale 4, Spinal Point 7- £31,290
- Quality training, to include a minimum of 6 hours a week formal training
- Two years fixed-term contract with Newham Council
- Permanent and stable senior leadership with a consistent vision
- Wellbeing service, leisure and discount benefits scheme
- Line management and colleague support
- Access to a mentor
- Being part of an apprenticeship network
- Additional training opportunities
- Support to enhance your CV and interview skills
- Up to 24 days’ annual leave plus three additional days that are taken between 26th December and 3rd January.
- 8 public holidays per year.
- 36 hour working week
- Flexible working (where appropriate)
Please click on the below link for the job specification with more details:
Please view JD here
To apply
If you're interested in this role, please provide a Supporting Statement outlining how you would be suitable for the role with due regard to the Personal Specification attached to the Job Description. CV's submitted without a Supporting Statement will not be considered.
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
At Newham, our HEART values shape how we lead, collaborate and deliver for residents. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate inclusive and authentic leadership, are committed to achieving excellent outcomes, embrace innovation and continuous improvement, and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries. Most importantly, we want employees who share our commitment to serving diverse communities with integrity, accountability and a strong focus on equity and inclusion.
If you are applying for a management role, we encourage you to review our Managers' HEART Charter, which outlines the leadership expectations and behaviours that support our values in practice.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.
About Us
The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with, bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family. There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock. It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.
