BAS - Communications Specialist

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Overview of the job

Working within the Business Hub Function, reporting to the Business Hub Manager, the Communications Officer ensures that all content is published on time and of good quality. They are responsible for all internal communications and for liaising with functions to produce innovative communication solutions.

Summary

Activities:

HMPPS Communications provide a cost effective and efficient communications service that helps achieve the establishment strategic objective of protecting the public and reducing reoffending specifically by:

· Giving staff the information they need to ensure they complete their roles to a high standard.

· Helping other stakeholders feel confident in the establishment’s ability to

achieve its objectives and be advocates for the Agency.

· Creating a strong brand.

The post holder is also required to promote HMPPS behaviours e.g. promote diversity, decency, safety and reducing re-offending agendas.

The Communications Officer will be responsible for creating a cohesive communications platform including: liaising with Functional Heads and central teams; keeping up-to-date distribution lists; facilitating consistent messaging across the establishment; and building our external presence.

The post holder will work within the Business Hub, working with the Head of Business Assurance and Business Hub Managers. They will also have regular communication with the Heads of Functions across the establishment.

This is a non-operational job with no line management responsibilities. This role is rotational.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

Publishing

· Publisher for intranet and other internal message boards, including in-cell TVs and internal newsletter publications.

· As part of the Business Hub, responsible for uploading content to the intranet.

· Ensures the quality of links, images and metadata through regular monitoring and identification of issues and ensuring fixes where appropriate.

· Responsible for ensuring the quality of all content is consistent with online guidelines.

· Develops working knowledge of all online content management systems used in HMPPS.

Channel and Content Management

· Responsible for regular collation and distribution of messages from the Senior Management Team, working with colleagues within the Business Hub to ensure that all necessary communications are sent out.

· Working to set templates, supports the Business Hub in delivering a range of standard newsletters such as NPS and CRC News. This includes writing and proofing.

Generic Production

· Provides basic design, typesetting and proofing service for the team.

· Supports production of communications products and materials as required.

· Provides assistance in product development on behalf of Functional Heads and supporting the Business Hub Manager in delivering a high quality service to the establishment.

· Supports delivery of multimedia projects from concept to final delivery e.g. community communications and portals, social media etc.

· Supports government and industry good practice online guidelines and ensures these are adhered to across establishment communications and the wider organisation.

· Uses systems to evaluate and maximize prison online coverage such as internet search results and monitoring of external websites e.g. blog-sites, reporting particular issues as required to the planning, research and evaluation manager.

· Maintains own professional knowledge and keeps abreast of emerging trends.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Behaviours

· Changing and Improving

· Communicating and Influencing

· Working Together

· Managing a Quality Service

· Making Effective Decisions

Technical Requirements

Job holders must complete specific training in their administrative specialism once they take up post.

When transferring to a Young Persons establishment the job holder will be required to successfully undertake an assessment to demonstrate suitability to work with Young People.

Ability

· Able to deal effectively and assertively with staff at all levels

· Able user of MS Word and MS Excel

· Information collation and analysis

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

37 hours per week.