Are you passionate about helping people lead healthier and more active lives? Do you want to make a positive difference by improving opportunities for people with long term health conditions poor mental health and those facing barriers to participation in physical activity?

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Sports Development Officer to deliver health and wellbeing programmes that increase physical activity improve health outcomes and support stronger healthier communities across Bedford Borough.

The successful candidate will develop and coordinate innovative projects and activities that encourage participation reduce health inequalities and improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Working closely with health partners community organisations charities clubs and leisure providers, you will identify local needs build strong partnerships and create sustainable opportunities for residents to become more active.

You will support the promotion and delivery of sports development initiatives organise events and activities monitor programme performance and produce reports demonstrating impact and outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have experience of delivering sport physical activity health improvement or community programmes, strong organisational and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of partners and stakeholders.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 13th October 2026 

Interview Date(s): 27th & 28th October 2026

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only)

unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Guaranteed interview schemes

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.