Policy Development Officers

About Canterbury Oast Trust (COT)

Canterbury Oast Trust supports adults with learning disabilities across Kent to live independently and achieve their aspirations. As part of our ongoing commitment to quality and compliance, we are seeking several Policy Development Officers, each with their own area of expertise, to help us review and redevelop our organisational policies and procedures.

The Role

As a Policy Development Officer, you will play a key role in reviewing, developing, and implementing COT’s policies and procedures across different departments. We’re not expecting one person to cover everything. Instead, we’re seeking individuals with strengths in specific areas, such as HR, Health & Safety, Finance, Estates, Marketing, Fundraising, IT, or Adult Social Care (accommodation and day services).

You’ll ensure policies are up-to-date, compliant with legislation and best practice, and written in a clear, accessible format. Working closely with internal teams and external providers, you’ll make sure policies reflect operational realities and align with COT’s values.

What You’ll Do

Policy Planning:

• Collaborate with policy owners to prioritise updates.
• Gather organisational information to inform development.

Policy Development:

• Draft, revise, and format policies in line with COT standards.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, regulatory frameworks (CQC, GDPR, Health & Safety, DEFRA), and sector best practice.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Liaise with departmental leads to ensure policies are practical and relevant.
• Coordinate consultation and feedback processes.
• Support rollout of new policies, including staff briefings and training materials.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in policy development within a charity, health, or social care setting.
• Strong knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent written communication and editing skills.
•  Ability to manage projects independently and juggle competing priorities.
• Proficiency in MS Office and willingness to learn new tools.
• ·Commitment to person-centred values and inclusive practice.

Desirable:

Expertise in one or more of the following areas: HR, Health & Safety, Finance, Estates, Marketing, Fundraising, IT, or Adult Social Care (accommodation and day services). We do not expect you to be an expert in all areas – we value depth in your chosen specialism.

Time Commitment

We understand flexibility is important. Whether you can offer 7 hours a month or 15 hours a week, we’re keen to hear from you. Let us know what works for you.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible remote working – fit work around your life.
• Perks: Paid DBS (renewed every 3 years), free parking, staff discounts, and free entry to the Rare Breeds Centre for you and your family.
• Development: Comprehensive induction, ongoing training, and support to achieve relevant qualifications.

Requirements

• Proof of right to work in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• Two satisfactory references (one from your current or most recent employer).
• Full work history.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about improving quality and compliance – and you have expertise in one or more of the areas listed – we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape policies that make a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.