Role:                   Network Architect – Gov / Security sector

Location:           Hybrid – Home and occasional travel to Southwest locations

Rate:                   £650 per day (outside IR35)

Duration:           12 months

Key Skills:  Network / WAN modernisation project experience, supplier engagement, supplier transition, high- and low-level network design, broad network experience, (Cisco, Fortinet, SD-WAN, checkpoints etc.)  

** eligibility for SC clearance is essential for this role – see note**

Our Client:   Public Sector / Government organisation

The Role:   To lead on the successful delivery of Network (WAN) modernisation project

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate: 

• 10+ years’ experience in network engineering up to and including senior Network Architecture roles
• Able to evidence leading on the delivery of mid to large scale WAN modernisation projects
• Extensive experience in supplier engagement, with experience of challenging network designs and managing supplier relationships through project challenges
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent communication skills to be able to articulate technical designs and principles to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Clean and current UK driving license 
• Eligibility for the necessary security clearance is essential (see below)

**You MUST be a full time Resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.  You need to have lived and worked in the UK for the last 5 years without any extended periods outside of the UK in that time in order to be eligible for the required level of security vetting***

One will sit within the Network Connectivity space – so Cisco CCNA qualification and experience with Cisco switches/routers.

The other will sit within the Network Security space – more focused on firewalls (Checkpoint and Fortinet)

• Current SD Manager – split the service desk
• End user services became own role
• Gone out twice for a perm role – withdrawn and failed vetting
• Team are without a day to day manager
• Team of 4 – 2 people there a long time, knowledge and experience
• Will need to be a strong manager – thoughts on how the service desk needs to be run
• Other manager will do on call triage
• Worked in an ITIL environment
• 6 month contract

• Deal with change and potential conflict

• Other agencies – investigo, talent, hays, imt, Adecco, futures, Hamilton barnes, dentro, hunter

• Futures, Talent

• Interviews – Monday afternoon (1pm – 5pm), Tues morning

- works in team of 3. They are brining IT back in house from Node4 so a lot of interesting project work to get involved with

- need to be able to work autonomously

- have to have project experience, not just support

- exprerience working in the cloud (Azure or AWS) is desirable

- will be a Cisco engineer - look for Cisco certs - CCNA or CCNP

- hybrid working. need to live within an hour. they will be in the office when needed

- example project - working on a switch replacement

- role is 60% support, 40% project

- will be on the on call rota. 1 week in 4. 7pm - 7am on Weekdays, 24/7 on weekends. worth extra £4k for being on standby, then over time rate at 1.5 salary

Screening questions to ask:

1. What is a NSG and why is it used in Azure?

Answer: It is used as an Access Control List (ACL) to define network rules

2. What is the importance of ordering firewall rules?

Answer: You want the ones hit more frequently to be at the top of the list for performance and blocked rules should be at the top with default block rule at the bottom.

3. When looking to upgrade a network device how would you decide what to upgrade to?

Answer: Latest vendor recommended release level.

4. Describe the 5 TUPLE of a packet?

Answer: Source IP, Destination IP, Source Port, Destination Port and Layer 4 protocol.

5. How would you go about securing a WIFI network?

Answer: Encryption with PSK or certificate.

Microsoft 365 Consultant
12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 (+ benefits)
Location: Gloucester / Home (2 / 3 days on site)

Skills: M365 – scope, configure, adopt, SharePoint, MS Teams, Excellent Communication skills

Are you an experienced M365 Consultant with a strong grasp of Teams and SharePoint? We're supporting a public sector organisation on a major initiative to enhance their use of the Microsoft 365 stack, and we're looking to speak with specialists who can help shape and deliver that vision.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a blend of strategic input and hands-on delivery – helping to scope, design, and implement solutions that will drive real-world adoption of M365 services across diverse teams.

This is an initial 12 month fixed term contract that will require hybrid working (approximately 2 / 3 days a week in Gloucester).

What you’ll be doing:

• Acting as a subject matter expert for Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, guiding best practice use across the organisation
• Supporting the rollout of M365 features in line with a national blueprint (including Windows 10/11 integration)
• Leading or contributing to pilot initiatives – working closely with departments to land successful M365 use cases and scale them across the business
• Designing and configuring Teams and SharePoint sites – including governance, structure, and user experience
• Supporting process design and training material to improve user adoption
• Working with internal teams to identify pain points and recommend practical, scalable solutions
• Supporting light automation or integration through tools like Power Automate and Power Apps
• Offering input into a potential managed service model – including how SLA-based support could be structured

What we’re looking for:

• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint (configuration, rollout, governance)
• Solid understanding of the wider M365 ecosystem – Power Platform exposure is a plus
• Experience engaging with stakeholders to gather requirements and shape solutions
• Ability to blend technical know-how with a user-focused mindset
• Previous experience working in a public sector or complex organisational environment is beneficial

Why this role?

• You’ll be part of an important digital enablement programme, helping a public sector body modernise its collaboration and information-sharing tools
• The role offers a good balance of remote work with occasional in-person collaboration
• Potential to transition to a longer-term or permanent position depending on future direction

Procurement & Contracts Manager - Public Sector

12 Month Contract

Location: Hybrid/Worcestershire (2 days on site)

My Client a leading Public Sector orgnisation based in Worcesterhire, are looking to recruit a Procurement & Contracts Manager to lead a Procurement, Contracts and commissioning team.

This role is hybrid working at home 3 days per week with 2 days per week in the office, which is commutable from Kidderminster, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Hereford, Malvern, Ledbury, Evesham, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Bewdley, Droitwich Spa and Pershore.

Duties:

• Provide leadership to a Procurment/Contracts/Commissioning team in annual budet of £13m
• Maintain leadership and strategic ownership for all aspects of the policy and commissioning business.
• Ensure compliance with relevant statutory requirements regarding commissioned services and deliver the best possible return on investments for the public.
• Ensure outcomes of commissioning activity are appropriately monitored and logged.
• Manage service providers and influence partners to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved. 
• Build positive relationships and influence with key partners, service providers and stakeholders to further the effectiveness and efficiency of policy and commissioning

Skills Required:

• A provemn tested Stratgic Leader/Manager
• Experience of managing multiple projects & workstreams
• Significant Contract Management and/or Procurment experience, preferably for commissioned servives in the public sector
• Experience Poliuce Governanne, National or Local Government
• Proven experience of influencing decision making at a senior level.
• Substantial and relevant experience of managing resources to achieve best value for money.
• Track record of providing a high quality, customer focused services.
• Proven experience of building effective strategic relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong track record of good management and leadership of staff, preferably in a similar environment.

Head of Policy & Commissioning - Policing Sector

Salary: Upto £68,000

Location: Hybrid/Worcestershire

My Client are on a journey to shape the future of policing and create an inclusive working environment where our employees feel safe to make suggestions and voice their opinions. The main purpose of the Head of Policy and Commissioning role is to lead on supporting the best possible delivery of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) statutory functions and Police and Crime Plan, through the use of effective, efficient, evidence led commissioning and policy and to play a strong role in strategic OPCC leadership and management, good governance and ensuring cohesion across OPCC functions.

This role is commutable from Kidderminster, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Hereford, Malvern, Ledbury, Evesham, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Bewdley, Droitwich Spa and Pershore and

Duties:

• Lead in providing and ensuring the best possible assistance and strategic advise the Police and Crime Commissioner in their responsibilities under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, in particular their responsibilities or powers in relation to commissioning, rehabilitation, diversionary activities and victims’ services, as well as responsibilities to hold the Chief Constable to account and use of robust, evidence-based policy.
• Maintain leadership and strategic ownership for all aspects of policy and commissioning business within the Office of the PCC, including budgets and staffing. Ensure the best use of these resources.
• Ensure compliance with relevant statutory requirements regarding commissioned services and deliver the best possible return on investments for the public.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements within the area of policy, including (but not limited to) the PCC’s holding to account agenda, and publication of lawfully required information. Develop and maintain an understanding of the main issues affecting policing, crime and community safety, in particular the legislative and regulatory framework relevant to the duties of this post both nationally and locally.
• Develop evidence-based strategies and policies for PCC commissioning and policy activity. Ensure their consistent delivery and best possible outcomes.
• Ensure outcomes of PCC commissioning activity are appropriately monitored and logged. Manage service providers and influence partners to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved. Where necessary, manage the performance of contracts and commissioned services/ projects. Ensure PCC commissioning projects are properly evaluated.
• Build positive relationships and influence with key partners, service providers and stakeholders to further the effectiveness and efficiency of policy and commissioning, and all wider PCC activity. Enhance the reputation of the OPCC.

Skills Required:

• Experience or sufficient awareness of working in a political environment subject to public scrutiny.
• Experience in designing, implementing and improving new procedures.
• Experience of formulating and implementing commissioning and policy strategies with senior officers/members or equivalent including problem solving for high profile adverse issues.
• Understanding of public or not for profit sectors.
• Understanding of market development and how to influence it.
• Proven experience of influencing decision making at a senior level.
• Substantial and relevant experience of managing resources to achieve best value for money.
• Track record of providing a high quality, customer focused services.
• Proven experience of building effective strategic relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Project / programme management experience.
• Willing to embrace change and maximise positive outcomes for stakeholders and the community.
• Strong track record of good management and leadership of staff, preferably in a similar environment.
• The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the national and local commissioning framework within which the PCC/ police forces operate.
• An understanding of business change principles including a working knowledge of how to effectively manage change and effectively realise benefits.
• • A level 6 qualification or equivalent
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the PCC’s role, statutory requirements and wider operating environment, including legislation and other factors that impact PCC business.

Why work for us? 

• 28 days Annual leave (increasing to 33 after 5 years service) + bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing, occupational health services, staff networks and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Police Mutual, affordable private healthcare and other savings.
• Gym membership discounts.
• Discounts on Electric Vehicles and Cycle to work scheme.
• Register for a Blue light card – over 15,000 discounts from large national retailers.