40586 - Internal Communications Manager, Office of the Public Guardian

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

Overview

This is great opportunity to join one of the most creative, proactive, successful (and happy) teams in government.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system. The organisation works together to bring the principles of justice to life for everyone in society. Our four strategic priorities to deliver our vision are:

• A prison and probation service that reforms offenders
• A modern courts and justice system
• A Global Britain that promotes the rule of law
• A transformed department

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an executive agency of MoJ. Our role is to support people who may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and wellbeing or financial affairs.

We enable people to plan ahead so that someone they trust can support them, or make certain decisions for them, if they lose capacity in the future. We also supervise people appointed by the court to help manage someone’s affairs where they’ve lost mental capacity. This could be due to age-related conditions such as dementia, mental illness, ill health or an accident.

The role forms part of a professional communications team supporting OPG to achieve its business objectives during an exciting time of change for the agency. We are looking for someone with internal communications experience who’s interested in developing inspiring internal communications for our award-winning communications team at the Office of the Public Guardian.

The team advises the agency on all areas of work – from providing communications strategy for major change programmes and our People Promise, to tactical support of staff initiatives. We maintain the internal OPG communications channels including the intranet, manage design work, arrange events, produce updates for various internal audiences, storyboard and manage filming of corporate videos and advise all levels of staff on internal communications. The role is fast paced, varied and challenging, so a capacity for adaptable working and producing high quality work to tight deadlines is vital.

You’ll have a flexible approach, a can-do attitude and strong relationship management skills. You’ll be a proactive, talented and motivated communications professional who has a passion for producing quality communications materials.

We provide a truly flexible culture including working from home, job-sharing and part-time work to support our people in being the best they can be.

Job description

The post holder will:

• Forge strong relationships and become a trusted adviser to colleagues at all grades throughout the organisation.
• Advise colleagues in the department on internal communications strategy, making decisions and plans based on insight and evaluation.
• Take a lead on our Leadership communications campaign
• Have creative ideas and ability to deliver outstanding content and campaigns for our internal channels.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of work to deliver continuous improvement.
• Works collaboratively with the team and key stakeholders in the department and other organisations.
• Be confident planning and delivering events for staff.
• Have basic design and layout skills.

Personal qualities and skills required:

• Good planning, organisational and people skills, including delivering communication products to deadlines.
• Experience in delivering effective communications strategies and plans.
• Experience of evaluating communications campaigns.
• Good written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and changing deadlines.
• Good relationship management skills, effective at negotiating and influencing.
• Knowledge of the communications landscape, and the role of digital communication in internal communication.
• Understand and be an advocate for the principles of staff engagement, or wish to develop experience in this area.

Civil Service competencies and behaviours

We will use success profiles as part of this recruitment exercise. You will be asked to provide a CV and a supporting statement of suitability.

If you’re invited to attend an interview we will ask you about your competencies in the following areas:

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.

Leadership

Ensure colleagues and stakeholders have a clear understanding of objectives, activities

and time-frames. Take into account different individual needs, views, and ideas,

championing inclusion and equality of opportunity for all. Consider the impacts of

own and team’s activities on stakeholders and end users. Role-model commitment

and satisfaction with role. Recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive

positivity within the team. Effectively manage conflict, misconduct and non-inclusive

behaviour, raising with senior managers where appropriate.

Details of the Success Profiles competencies can be found online: Success Profiles: Civil Service Behaviours

Government Communication Service specialist competencies and behaviours

Insight

Core including: Develop measurable communication objectives to support the delivery of priorities

Ideas

Core including: Design integrated communication plans. Determine evaluation criteria and consider how to assess the impact of communication

Implementation

Core including: Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes

Impact

Core including: Analyse evidence to assess effectiveness of communication and identify lessons learned

Details of these competencies can be found online: https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/professional-development/competency-framework/