Stakeholder & Community Engagement Officer

Our client is carrying out necessary water improvement works in Southampton and a Public Liaison Officer (PLO) is required to join a small team leading in communicating works, activities with local stakeholders including landowners, residents, businesses, road users, and the wider public.

They will communicate stakeholder needs and any identified community risks / concerns to the project team, acting as the first point of contact for any stakeholder concerns or issues. They will also suggest and collaborate in any social value (CSR) initiatives in the area.

Public Liaison primary role

The Public Liaison Officer (PLO) will collaborate with partners in ensuring positive project messages about the works are understood by all local stakeholders including landowners, local businesses, road users, residents and the wider public whilst upholding the reputation of the client at all times.

They will communicate stakeholder needs and requests along with any identified risks to the project team, acting as the first point of contact for any stakeholder concerns or issues.

The key duties are as follows:

• Review and implement the stakeholder mapping exercise and plan.


• Collaborate with the Client / Project Manager(s) to organise a programme of communication and engagement with stakeholders, such as surrounding landowners, residents and businesses.


• Organise and attend stakeholder meetings in partnership with the clients (as required) in line with the project requirements.


• Communicate project updates, collaborating with the media and communication departments.


• Design appropriate information leaflets for newsletters, update drops, email and web updates.


• Update the community engagement log on a regular basis and ensure it is shared with the works team.


• Manage compliments and complaints, ensuring recording and high quality feedback is provided, analysed and followed-up systematically, delivering a high level of customer service.


Social Value

• Facilitate and deliver Social Value activities, such as site visits, engaging with local schools re STEM, consulting with charities and community groups to enable the delivery of relevant social value targets, adopted through the Social Value CWaNA process, leaving a lasting legacy of the works.


• Produce 'good news stories' on Social Value progress for consideration of partners media/communication departments.


• Keep a log and report on regular Social Value outcomes.
  
  Previous experience in a PLO role an advantage


• Initiative taking, able to work with minimal supervision


• Excellent communicator, considerate of the needs of colleagues (and multiple stakeholders)


• Prince 2 Project Management experience (or similar)


• Proven multi-agency working and critical thinking skills


• Ability to keep accurate records and provide detailed reports


• Computer literate with a natural ability to learn new skills


• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm


• A collaborator with the ability to build strong relationships


• Capable of empathising with people and being a good listener and influencer


• Similar experience within a similar role beneficial and knowledge of the Social Value Act and PPN06/20


• Good local knowledge and previous experience of working with stakeholders


• Full UK Driving licence, personal vehicle for business use, Public relations: 1 year (preferred)