supporting your community
The Local Government Act 1999 defines the duty of Best Value. ‘A Best Value authority must make arrangements to secure continued improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness’. This must have been done in conjunction with understanding and consulting on the needs of the community.
The function of a best value officer is to provide and coordinate Best Value throughout the council, facilitate the sharing and use of best practice and monitor quality, policies and initiatives.
Work Environment
The work is based at council offices working with all services.
Daily Activities
The work is to co-ordinate the Best Value process across the whole council. This includes:
- supporting review teams carrying out Best Value reviews
- co-ordinating the collection of performance information
- facilitating and coordinating the publication of the Best Value Performance Plan
- facilitating and supporting the development of corporate performance management structures.
Skills & Interests
The main responsibility of best value officers is interpreting the legislation and presenting in a meaningful and practical way to all local authority employees. Therefore a capacity for creative and strategic thinking, good communication and negotiating skills along with the ability to generate new ideas, alternative options and develop realistic and practical strategies are all essential skills necessary for this area of work.
Entry Requirements
There are no statutory entry requirements for this area of work. However most officers hold a degree or equivalent qualification.
Officers must have knowledge and understanding of policy and local government structures, as well as experience and understanding of project management. Experience of the formulation of strategy and corporate policy is desirable.
Estimated salary range
£23,000 - £23,000
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.
Future prospects & opportunities
This is a specialised area of corporate policy, so progression could lead into more senior corporate posts.
Related Occupations
Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Supporting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.
Further Information & Services
Improvement & Development Agency www.idea.gov.uk
Local Government Association www.lga.gov.uk
Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities www.cosla.gov.uk
Also many council web sites now contain Best Value pages which outline what they are currently doing to deliver Best Value in their authority.
What should I do next?
Look for current local government Best Value Officer vacancies in the following places:
- LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
- Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
- Local council websites.
- Local newspapers
- National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.
Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:
- Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
- Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
- Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
- Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.