Exploring the benefits of Interim roles in Local Government and the Public Sector
When you’ve built a wealth of experience within one or two local authorities, the idea of stepping away from permanent employment can feel uncertain. While stability, benefits and a conventional career path are the advantages of a permanent position, interim jobs can offer perks that exceed those of traditional roles.
Contracting can provide flexibility, enhanced earning potential and valuable opportunities for professional growth – making it an attractive option for those working in the public sector.
Flexibility and variety in your career
Working as a contractor allows you to choose assignments that align with your skills, interests and lifestyle, and offers opportunities to collaborate across different councils. You can work on a diverse range of projects and gain a breadth of experience from different teams and projects.
These roles also let you take control of your schedule. Whether you’re looking to condense your hours, prioritise personal commitments or enhance your work-life balance, interim positions are adaptable to your needs. With this level of variety, no two assignments are the same, ensuring a dynamic career.
Maximising your earnings potential
A significant advantage of interim work is the higher earnings. Contractors in the public sector often receive higher daily or hourly rates compared to their permanent counterparts.
For professionals in local government, the increased earnings can provide financial freedom. Many contractors find they can work fewer hours while maintaining or even surpassing the income of a full-time role, enhancing that work-life balance even more.
Enjoy greater freedom with time off
Permanent roles come with fixed holiday allowances, whereas interim positions give you the freedom to decide when and how much time to take off. Between contracts, you can take extended breaks, travel or focus on personal projects without restrictions.
For those concerned about finding their next role, the public sector’s demand for skilled professionals ensures that opportunities are consistently available. Many councils and local authorities are actively seeking experienced interim workers to fill key positions, making transitions between contracts smooth. This is where we come in. Park Avenue ensures those seamless transitions, with dedicated consultants staying ahead of the curve, negotiating extensions or finding new suitable roles before your current contract ends. Your career is always in safe hands.
Addressing the “job-hopping” concern
A common misconception of interim work is the fear that multiple short-term contracts may appear unsteady to future employers or financial institutions. This is a myth.
For future employers, evidence of working on a range of projects and a track record of good references/relationships is an indication of the value you can add to their team.
By working through umbrella companies or private limited companies, contractors can present a consolidated employment record, which is viewed more favourably by hiring managers and mortgage providers.
Embracing hybrid and remote working
Since Covid, hybrid and remote working have become standard across many sectors, including local authorities and councils. Interim jobs frequently support these arrangements, allowing professionals to work from home, on-site or a combination of both.
This flexibility has enabled interim workers to take on roles that suit their personal preferences and locations. For instance, it’s not uncommon for contractors to successfully fulfil roles with UK councils while living hundreds of miles away. Whether you thrive in a home-based environment or enjoy the structure of office life, interim roles in local government cater to all preferences.
Whether it’s achieving a healthier work-life balance, focusing on professional growth or increasing your earning potential, interim roles allow you to tailor your career around your life.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Explore our interim roles here or get in touch with our team to discover how contract jobs within local authorities can transform your career.
Photo by Austin Chan on Unsplash
