75207 - Senior Content Designer

The national salary range is £37,683 - £41,506, London salary range is £43,647 - £48,067. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
1
12 Months
London, National
London
102 PETTY FRANCE (MOJ) LONDON, SW1H 9AJ
Please note: Some of our MoJ Office locations, such as our Liverpool Justice Collaboration Centre, require higher levels of National Security Vetting. The MoJ is working to open more Justice Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite Offices over time. Click here to learn more about where our currently open Justice Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite Offices are, to identify where you may be based and understand National Security Vetting requirements of each location.
SEO
SEO
Permanent
Full Time
Communications / Marketing, Digital

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.

Senior Content Designer - GOV.UK

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) delivers the Government’s agenda of upholding the law, protecting the public and reducing reoffending.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated senior content designer to help us deliver high-quality communications for one of the biggest departments in the UK Government.

Do you have extensive experience of using GOV.UK to communicate government priorities to a range of different audiences? Do you have a sound understanding of how to write for digital audiences, and the confidence to champion the user to colleagues across the department? Can you use consultation platforms to engage the public with a range of issues and policy initiatives? And can you manage a busy team in a fast-paced environment? If so, this could be the perfect role for you and we’d love to hear from you.

This role is based within the MoJ Communications Directorate in a small and friendly team which also includes a dedicated digital marketing function. The successful applicant will take the lead in managing the flow of news, campaign and policy related information to GOV.UK for high-profile announcements across the department’s key policy portfolios, working as part of a small and friendly team. You will act as a point of best practice in how to maximise the impact of communications on GOV.UK.

This is a fast-paced, high-profile role and you must work well under pressure and to tight deadlines, with an ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances. You’ll be part of a team working to the high standards set out by the Government Communication Service (GCS), whilst abiding by Government Digital Service (GDS) principles.

Main responsibilities:

  • Manage publication of campaign, news and policy content to GOV.UK in a timely and accurate manner, often to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment (including line management of two colleagues) 
  • create and iterate user-centred content efficiently and to a high standard, using evidence, data and research to make content decisions
  • Act as MoJ Managing Editor for GOV.UK, engaging frequently with GDS and the cross-government content community to ensure we are constantly getting the best out of the platform
  • Being an accessibility champion for MoJ content, ensuring all content published is accessible and striving to be ‘HTML first’ in line with GDS guidelines
  • Manage MoJ’s use of digital consultations to engage with as wide an audience as possible and enable open policy-making within the Department 
  • help colleagues and stakeholders from other disciplines understand what content design is, why it’s important and how to work with the team
  • Confidently manage relationships with a range of colleagues in the campaigns team, press office, design agency and digital, to act as a point of best practice on GOV.UK and consultations, upskilling colleagues as needed 
  • Work closely with marketing colleagues to implement analytics and tagging on campaign sites using tools such as Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager
  • Use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and other evaluation tools on an ongoing basis to optimise and analyse the impact of our communications and campaigns, and act on your findings to improve outcomes.

We are interested in people with experience and skills in:

  • managing a busy team in a fast-paced environment to deliver consistently high-quality content
  • creating, iterating, publishing and managing high-quality, user-centred content, preferably, though not necessarily, involving GOV.UK 
  • making complex language and processes easy to understand
  • using analytics, user feedback, and user research to evaluate and improve content
  • building relationships with stakeholders to understand their goals and working with them to improve user journeys and content quality
  • managing multiple projects and adapting to changing priorities and deadlines
  • providing feedback to and mentoring others to make sure they’re delivering quality work 
  • reviewing and improving processes and working with content publishing systems and HTML
  • confident communicator - able to persuade, negotiate, influence and work collaboratively at all levels

Application

Candidates must submit: 

  • a current and relevant CV
  • a cover letter (750 words maximum) 

In your cover letter, you should set out why you are interested in the role and how you meet the essential knowledge, skills and experience required. The cover letter and CV will be used as part of the sifting process. 

We will be using Success Profiles to assess your communication and delivery abilities. The job advert lists the essential, specialist skills and experience as well as key Civil Service competencies required for the role. You will be assessed against these criteria throughout the selection process. 

You might also want to read about theskills expected of a Content Designer

As part of the interview process, you will be asked to provide examples of Civil Service behaviours (PDF) and competencies based on the Government Communication Professional Competency Framework (PDF).  

Note: due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide feedback after the CV review/sift stage. 

Behaviours  

We will assess the following civil service behaviours for this position: 

  • changing and improving
  • making effective decisions
  • communicating and influencing
  • developing self and others
  • leadership

Benefits 

  • Flexible working options – hybrid working, job sharing, or working compressed hours
  • Lots of training and development opportunities
  • A civil service pension with an average employer contribution of 22%
  • 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
  • 5 additional days leave after 5 years service
  • Great maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, with up to 26 weeks leave at full pay, 13 weeks with partial pay, and 13 weeks further leave. And maternity support/paternity leave at full pay for 2 weeks
  • Bike loans and secure bike parking (subject to availability and location)
  • Season ticket loans, childcare vouchers, and eye-care vouchers

Things you need to know 

Security and Immigration checks 

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. 

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules

If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK. 

Nationality requirements 

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here

Eligibility 

Candidates in their probationary period are not eligible to apply for vacancies within this department. 

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

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. 

Further information 

All Civil Servants will adhere to the 'Civil Service code’, which outlines the Civil Service's core values, and the standards of behaviour expected of all civil servants in upholding these values. 

Note for current Civil Servants: If successful, the salary offered would normally be determined by applying the MoJ salary progression rules. If the appointment is on level transfer your substantive salary (excluding any allowances) will remain unchanged, unless it exceeds the maximum stated within the MoJ pay band, and unless your current salary is below the relevant MoJ grade minimum. If the appointment is on temporary or substantive promotion the salary will be increased by the appropriate promotion percentage or moved to the minimum of the relevant MoJ grade minimum, whichever is the greater. 

Note for non Civil servant applicants: This post is open to UK Nationals, Commonwealth Citizens, EEA Nationals of other member states and certain non-EEA family members. There must be no employment restrictions or time limit on your permitted stay in the UK. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least 3 years and in some cases 5 or even 10 years preceding your application due to the requirement to have a checkable history for security vetting purposes. If you answer 'No' to the questions regarding nationality then it is unlikely your application will be pursued. If you are unsure as to your eligibility on any of these points, please contact the recruitment team for clarification or advice.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

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

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

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.

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.

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 moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

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

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

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.

Expected week commencing 19th June.

08/06/2023, 23:55 hours.

For information about the recruitment or application process please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com

Please quote the job reference - 75207.

For further information about the role itself please contact sacha.ciolino@justice.gov.uk

Security Clearance (SC)

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

Experience
CV
Statement of Suitability - 750 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Changing and Improving
Making Effective Decisions
Communicating and Influencing
Developing Self and Others
Leadership

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.