Directorate of Resources

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Welcome to the Directorate of Resources

We’re dedicated to driving initiatives forward! We prioritise assisting colleagues from all departments within the council to deliver exceptional services, while also leading innovative projects of our own. From ensuring effective communication to managing finances, HR and legal matters, we are passionate about improving services for residents.

Watch our Executive Director, Charlie Stewart, share an introduction to the Directorate of Resources in the 30-second video below:

Departments and job roles

Our Resources Directorate is like a secret superhero team! They work on lots of exciting things behind the scenes. You might not see them, but they’re essential. Explore what each department does and example job roles below:

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council staff developer working with code
Communications and Marketing
This team are great at letting staff and residents know exactly what’s going on. Updates include anything from food waste collections, supporting communities through Covid, to promoting new leisure investments or road maintenance and safety. They also manage the council’s social media accounts, newsletters and signs. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Internal Communications Officer
  • Media and Communications Manager
  • Media Relations Manager
  • Events and Engagement Officer
    • Search and apply

    Policy, Performance and Customer Services
    Our team oversees the development of policies, monitors performance and ensures everyone gets assistance from the council’s customer fulfilment centre. They also handle registration, bereavement services, and manage feedback. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Change Delivery Consultant
  • Project Manager
  • Customer Service Officer
  • Registrar
    • Search and apply

    Finance
    The Finance team oversees the council’s financial management, coordinating financial accounting, revenue, and capital budget processes. They manage debt collection and supplier payments, offering expert financial guidance to the Corporate Management Team and councillors. Revenues and Benefits are also part of the finance department. They’re responsible for collecting council tax and business rates, and administering council tax and housing benefits. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Finance Business Partner
  • Income and Recovery Officer
  • Insurance Officer
  • Management Accountant
    • Search and apply

    HR and Organisational Development
    The HR team plays a vital role in ensuring the council has the right workforce to succeed. They provide essential support, including HR advisory services, strategic business partnering, organisational development and learning, resourcing, and payroll management. Additionally, they oversee HR data systems, administration, Kennet Day Nursery, and health and safety initiatives. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Resourcing Advisor
  • Learning and Organisational Development Manager
  • HR Systems Officer
  • HR Advisor
    • Search and apply

    Legal and Democratic Services
    Legal and democratic services provide expert legal advice to all council services and councillors, ensuring compliance with administrative and equality law. They manage electoral administration, maintain voter registers, and organise elections. The Legal Service also includes the Joint Legal Team, supporting Children’s Services in Berkshire. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Lawyer
  • Trainee Lawyer
  • Paralegal
  • Electoral Services Officer
    • Search and apply

    Digital, Technology and Change
    This service ensures the council’s operations have effective and cost-efficient ICT services, focusing on customer-centric digital platforms. It advises on digital communications, looking to increase customer contact through digital means to modernise service provisions.

    We use a multi-supplier, in-house model that allows us to make best use of digital and ICT capabilities. This ensures efficient service delivery to the residents and businesses of Reading. Also within this department is the Programme Management Office (PMO) team. They help to drive important changes for the council. Some example roles in this department include:

  • UX / UI / Digital Content Designers
  • Frontend / Backend Developer
  • Business Systems Analyst
  • ICT Business Partner
    • Search and apply

    Procurement and Contracts
    The service advises all council departments on procurement and contracts, ensuring legal compliance and value for money. This includes the delivery of social value and supporting carbon neutrality. With a TEAM Reading approach, it modernises procurement practices. Contract Management also sit within this team, managing contracts with Brighter Futures for Children. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Procurement Category Manager
  • Corporate Procurement Manager
  • Supplier and Contracts Data Assistant
  • Corporate Procurement Officer
    • Search and apply

    What our team has to say

    Discover the career journeys of our team members, in their own words. From how they started to where they are now, find out what it’s like to work at Reading Borough Council.

    council employee smiling

    Digital Content Designer

    “I joined the council as a Digital Content Designer in January 2024. Prior to joining I completed a UX Design Diploma and I was looking for an opportunity to focus on content design – this role was a perfect match. Since my first day I’ve felt supported and my expertise is valued. I’ve already worked on a variety of agile projects that will have a real positive impact on council services and the residents of Reading. I’m excited to see these projects go live and get started on others. It’s already clear to see that by working with such a passionate, user-focused (and welcoming!) team, I’m developing new skills and growing, both professionally and personally.”

    Financial Planning Lead

    “I started my career at Reading Borough Council as a Trainee Accountant, studying for a Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship with CIPFA. My role involved various work placements within the finance department, providing hands-on experience across accountancy functions. Midway through my apprenticeship, I started a Corporate Accountant position and went on to become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant the following year. After completing my apprenticeship, I strengthened my management skills and enhanced my technical skills with the CIPFA Certificate in Data Science. These experiences prepared me for my current role as Financial Planning Lead, where I now manage the Trainee Accountant scheme that launched my own career.”


    Jobs at Reading Borough Council

    Browse and apply to current vacancies on our dedicated careers website

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    Last updated on 04/07/2024