32501 - Corporate Communications Manager

£30,989 - £47,591 (salary will depend on location)
1
12 Months
London, North West
London, Manchester
102 PETTY FRANCE (MOJ) LONDON, SW1H 9AJ, MANCHESTER CIVIL JUSTICE CENTRE MANCHESTER, M3 3FX
SEO
B
Permanent
Full Time, Flexible Working
Communications / Marketing

HM INSPECTORATE OF PROBATION

Corporate Communications Manager Band B/SEO (one post)

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 looking for someone with a flexible approach, a can-do attitude and excellent relationship management skills. We are looking for potential as well as experience – we are prepared to take on someone who has experience of some but not all aspects of this role. We are committed to continual learning and development so we can help you to grow into this role.

To succeed in this role, you will need to have outstanding writing and proofreading skills, strong interpersonal skills and excellent organisational skills.

How do we select? You must complete your application, demonstrating how you meet the required standard in Behaviours and Abilities, by no later than Friday 3 April 2020. We will invite short listed candidates to an interview. Interviews are likely to be held during either the week commencing 27 April 2020. The interview will be conducted using success profiles, focussing on Strengths. Candidates will also be required to undertake a written exercise, including a brief to the interview panel.

Further information: If you would like to discuss these posts, please contact our office on 0161 240 5336 and we will direct you to an appropriate person to speak to. We would ask that you please read the application information thoroughly first.

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.

Overview

HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of probation and youth offending services. You can find out more about our work and values on the HMI Probation website.

The Communications Team is responsible for designing, publishing and promoting the Inspectorate’s reports and findings. The Corporate Communications Manager plays a key role in planning, delivering and evaluating our communications.

The role involves three main areas:

  • you will manage and write corporate communications such as our annual reports, and assist the Chief Inspector with his speeches and presentations
  • you will provide communications advice on corporate issues, for example advising senior managers on the best way to consult stakeholders on proposed changes to our inspection programme
  • you will help us to promote our reports and findings by overseeing improvements to our website, writing online content, and writing press releases.

We are looking for someone with a flexible approach, a can-do attitude and excellent relationship management skills. We are looking for potential as well as experience – we are prepared to take on someone who has experience of some but not all aspects of this role. We are committed to continual learning and development so we can help you to grow into this role.

HMI Probation operates a flexible working policy and all members of staff can work from home some of the time. The Communications Team is based in Manchester but we will consider London-based candidates too. Occasional travel is required irrespective of location. The Head of Communications will speak to the successful candidate about their preferred location.

Key requirements of the role

The successful candidate will:

  • manage and write corporate communications such as our annual reports
  • work closely with the Chief Inspector to draft speeches and presentations
  • maintain a planning grid with key events, speeches etc and horizon scan for emerging issues that could affect the Inspectorate’s work/reputation
  • provide strategic communications advice on corporate issues
  • manage and oversee changes to our website (working with a website agency)
  • write online content and press releases
  • contribute to the team’s evaluation and continual learning
  • deputise for the Head of Communications, as required.

Person specification - Success Profiles

Behaviours

Changing and improving

Work with others to identify areas for improvement and simplify processes to use fewer resources. Use technology where possible to increase efficiency. Encourage ideas for change from a wide range of sources. Clearly explain the reasons for change to colleagues and how to implement them, supporting individuals with different needs to adapt to change. Encourage an environment where colleagues know that they can challenge decisions and issues safely. Take managed risks by fully considering the varied impacts changes could have on the diverse range of end users.

Making effective decisions

Understand own level of responsibility and empower others to make decisions where appropriate. Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions. Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making. Display confidence when making difficult decisions, even if they prove to be unpopular. Consult with others to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered. Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

Communicating and influencing

Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.

Managing a quality service

Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence. Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives and timescales. Successfully deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers’ needs and gives value for money. Identify risks and resolve issues efficiently. Involve a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners in developing suggestions for improvements. Establish ways to find and respond to feedback from customers about the services provided.

Delivering at pace

Show a positive approach to keeping the whole team’s efforts focused on the top priorities. Promote a culture of following the appropriate procedures to ensure results are achieved on time whilst still enabling innovation. Ensure the most appropriate resources are available for colleagues to use to do their job effectively. Regularly monitor your own and team’s work against milestones ensuring individual needs are considered when setting tasks. Act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance. Allow individuals the space and authority to meet objectives, providing additional support where necessary, whilst keeping overall responsibility.

Ability

Essential

  • Outstanding writing and proofreading skills – you must be able to write clear and crisp copy, pay close attention to detail, and be able to handle multiple comments/working to tight deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills – you must be able to develop working relationships and influence/negotiate with senior managers, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Excellent organisational skills – you must be adept at organising your own workload and managing other colleagues to deliver projects to a high standard and on time.

Experience

Desirable

  • Experience of media relations.
  • Experience of stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience of insight and evaluation.

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 either week commencing: 27/04/2020

17/04/2020, 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 - 32501.

If you would like to discuss this post, please contact: Catherine Chan, Head of Communications, on 07889 405930 or catherine.chan@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
Outstanding writing and proofreading skills – ability to write clear and crisp copy, pay close attention to detail, and be able to handle multiple comments/working to tight deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills – ability to develop working relationships and influence/negotiate with senior managers, colleagues and stakeholders.
Excellent organisational skills – you must be adept at organising your own workload and managing other colleagues to deliver projects to a high standard and on time. - word limit
Behaviours
Changing and Improving - word limit
Making Effective Decisions - word limit
Communicating and Influencing - word limit
Managing a Quality Service - word limit
Delivering at Pace - word limit
Experience
Statement of Suitability - 250 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Abilities
Outstanding writing and proofreading skills – ability to write clear and crisp copy, pay close attention to detail, and be able to handle multiple comments/working to tight deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills – ability to develop working relationships and influence/negotiate with senior managers, colleagues and stakeholders.
Excellent organisational skills – you must be adept at organising your own workload and managing other colleagues to deliver projects to a high standard and on time.
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.