34551 - Communications Officer

£22,566 - £26,901
3
12 Months
North West
Manchester
MANCHESTER CIVIL JUSTICE CENTRE MANCHESTER, M3 3FX
EO
D
Fixed Term , Permanent , Secondment
For a period of up to 2 years or permanent
Full Time, Flexible Working
Communications / Marketing

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity


Communications Officer

This is an opportunity to work in a highly professional organisation. As an independent inspectorate, we are ambitious to make the best possible difference to the quality of probation services in England and Wales. It is important to the public, to victims and to those who commit crime that these services are as effective and efficient as possible.

Who are we? HM Inspectorate of Probation is an independent Inspectorate, funded by the Ministry of Justice, and reporting directly to the Secretary of State on the effectiveness of work with adults, children and young people who have offended aimed at reducing reoffending and protecting the public.

View our website: www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation

Who are we looking for? We are now recruiting for a Communications Officer and we warmly welcome applications from minority ethnic and/or Welsh speaking candidates.

Cysylltwch â corporate@hmiprobation.gov.uk os hoffech gael yr hysbyseb hon a'r disgrifiad swydd yn Gymraeg. Marciwch eich e-bost “Cais am Gyfieithiad Cymraeg”. Please contact corporate@hmiprobation.gov.uk if you would like this advert and job description in Welsh. Please mark your email “Request for Welsh Translation”.

We are offering these posts as a permanent contract, a two-year secondment or a two-year fixed term contract. The type of contract to be offered will be discussed with the successful candidate.

The option of part‑time or jobshare contracts can be discussed individually.

All the posts we offer will be conditional upon evidence from references and various statutory checks.

How do we select?

You must complete your application, demonstrating how you meet the required standard in Behaviours, by no later than Friday 5 June 2020 23:55. We will invite short listed candidates to an interview to be held Thursday 9 July 2020. The interview will be conducted using success profiles, focussing on Strengths. During the current public health emergency, the interview (and if successful, training), may be conducted over video conference software, rather than face to face. We will provide further information to successful candidates prior to interview

Overview

The Communications Team is responsible for designing, publishing and promoting the Inspectorate’s reports and findings.

The Communications Officer will be involved in all aspects of internal and external communications, including some design work according to predetermined templates and format.

HMI Probation operates a flexible working policy and all members of staff can work from home some of the time.

This post is based in Manchester.

Key requirements of the role

  • Plan, compile and issue stakeholder communications and evaluate their use and impact to inform the overall strategy for external communication
  • Create content and collate information for HMI Probation’s internal staff bulletin and other internal communication channels. Evaluate their use and impact to inform the overall strategy for internal communication
  • Take the lead in managing and monitoring the progress of HMI Probation publications, including inspection reports
  • Manage and maintain the content of HMI Probation’s website according to accessibility requirements and house style
  • Post social media content in accordance with HMI Probation’s policy
  • Evaluate and report on communications to inform the overall strategy of the team, directorate and organisation.
  • Using relevant templates, design documents ready for publication.
  • Explore and make proposals on the use of new technology and software
  • Work with stakeholders to ensure that requirements are understood and facilitate good working relationships, acting on feedback as appropriate
  • Recognise and promote diversity issues in all aspects of work

Person Specification - Success Profiles

Behaviours

Changing and Improving

Regularly review own and team’s work and take the initiative to suggest ideas to make improvements. Give feedback on changes in a constructive manner. Take a positive, open approach to the possibility of change and encourage others to do the same. Look for ways to use technology to achieve efficient and effective results. Consider accessibility needs of the diverse range of end users.

Making Effective Decisions

Take responsibility for making effective and fair decisions, in a timely manner. Analyse and research further information to support decisions. Talk to relevant people to get advice and information when unsure how to proceed. Explain how decisions have been reached in a clear and concise way, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrate the consideration of all options, costs, risks and wider implications, including the diverse needs of end users and any accessibility requirements.

Communicating and Influencing

Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money. Interact with others in an enthusiastic way. Express ideas clearly and with respect for others. Listen to and value different ideas, views and ways of working. Respond constructively and objectively to comments and questions. Handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity.

Review existing sources of insight (including previous communication activity) to understand the overall context for communication and audience. Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to identify stakeholder and audience insights. (Government Communications Service)

Developing Self and Others

Identify gaps in own and team’s skills and knowledge. Set and consistently meet development objectives. Seek learning opportunities. Support the development plans of all colleagues, recognising how diversity of experience/background can help to build an inclusive team culture. Consider the contributions of all team members and delegate work to aid the learning and development of all. Encourage and listen to developmental feedback from colleagues.

Delivering at Pace

Follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation to complete your work. Have a positive and focused attitude to achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks. Regularly check performance against objectives, making suggestions for improvement or taking corrective action where necessary. Ensure that colleagues are supported where tasks are challenging.

Essential Ability

Ability to deliver work accurately and to tight deadlines

Desirable Experience

Experience in using design software

Experience of using social media channels

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (especially Word)

Further Information:

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. We will not discriminate on grounds of gender, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, faith or any other factor not relevant to a person's work.

If you would like to discuss this post, please contact: Zach Rathore, Senior Communications Officer on 07394 715417 or zach.rathore@hmiprobation.gov.uk. We would ask that you please read the application information thoroughly first.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Generous allowances for paid holiday starting at 25 days per year, and rising as your service increases. There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits,retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

1-      To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);

2-      To Ministry of Justice Resourcing (resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk);

3-      To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Grading Structure Review

The Ministry of Justice is currently undergoing a review of posts which are currently graded at Band A to realign our grading structure with the majority of the wider Civil Service.

Posts advertised at Band A may be graded at either Grade 6 or Grade 7 once the review has taken place.  

Expected to take place Thursday 9 July 2020

05/06/2020, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@sscl.gse.gov.uk Please quote the job reference - 34551.

For more information

Contact Name: Zach Rathore

Contact Tel: 07394 715417

Contact Email: Zach.rathore@hmiprobation.gov.uk

To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why. 

For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:

  • You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
  • You were studying abroad
  • You were living overseas with parents

In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Abilities
Ability to deliver work accurately and to tight deadlines - 250 word limit
Behaviours
Changing and Improving - 250 word limit
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Developing Self and Others - 250 word limit
Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit
Experience
Statement of Suitability - 250 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

· UK nationals

· nationals of the Republic of Ireland

· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020

· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.