45939 - Reform Content Manager

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Job Title: Reform Content Manager

Band: Band B

Salary: Please note that those new to the Civil Service will be expected to join at the bottom of the Band 

Duration: Fixed Term Contract to March 2023

Working Pattern: Full Time

Location: Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL

Role Type: Communications / Marketing

The change programme for courts and tribunals is the most significant set of reforms to the system since the 19th century. Having formally begun in April 2016, it is due to complete in 2023. The vision, developed together with the senior judiciary, is a radical one – to modernise and upgrade our justice system so that it works even better for everyone, from judges and legal professionals, to witnesses, litigants, and the vulnerable victims of crime. This will help consolidate the UK’s position at the forefront of an increasingly competitive international legal market as well as ensuring access to justice for all.

Judicial Office

The Judicial Office is a unique branch of the Civil Service, with around 200 people dedicated to supporting the judiciary in upholding the rule of law, promoting judicial independence, and administering justice impartially, speedily and efficiently. The Judicial Office reports to the Lord Chief Justice and the Senior President of Tribunals and helps them fulfil their responsibilities to the judiciary, in an ever-evolving justice system.

The Judicial Office provides a wide range of operational support, policy, legal and handling advice to judges. This includes the senior judiciary and more than 20,000 judicial office-holders. Across diverse functions, the Judicial Office share a strong sense of common purpose: strengthening the rule of law and improving the administration of justice by supporting the leadership and governance of the independent judiciary.

Reform Communications Workstream, Judicial Office Courts and Tribunals Reform Team

The Judicial Office Courts and Tribunals Reform team’s core purpose is ensuring reform happens with, and not to, the judiciary by operating as a strategic, proactive and forward-looking team. We support the judiciary to guide, shape and manage the effects of reform on the judiciary.

The post sits in the Reform Communications Team, working side-by-side with the Reform Engagement and Implementation teams and supporting the Judicial Reform Board.

The Reform Communications workstream is responsible for:

• Making sure that communications issued from the judiciary to the judiciary on the Reform Programme are appropriate, relevant and timely, and every judicial communication on the HMCTS Reform Programme is effective and tailored, providing an opportunity for judicial engagement.
• Quickly developing strong relationships with the senior judges, the Judicial Office Management Board and Judicial Office colleagues. Be a visible and trusted source of independent and professional advice for them and be able to provide constructive challenge when needed.
• Working seamlessly as part of the JO Communications Team and with wider Reform Team colleagues to deliver a joined-up approach to reform communications.
• Building and maintaining strong networks with MoJ and HMCTS communications colleagues. Using those networks to increase the value and impact of communications which affect the judiciary by sharing information and learning, inputting judicial perspective, while understanding and respecting the constitutional position and status of the MoJ and HMCTS.
• Ensuring that the team’s work is underpinned by a keen understanding of the independence of the judiciary and the justice system and their position as the third branch of the State.

As Reform Content Manager your key objectives will include:

• Managing the end-to-end content development process for Reform communications created for all jurisdictions. Leading on the design, production and distribution of Reform communications – including articles, interviews and videos - for the judiciary.
• Ensure internal communications are consistent across all channels and tailored for different jurisdictions.
• Have editorial oversight of the reform section of the judicial intranet.
• Maintain forward looking grids and editorial planners to contribute to the strategic oversight of reform communications.
• Commission content from HMCTS Projects, Judicial project leads and Judicial Office Reform Engagement workstream.
• Review Reform content created by other workstreams/teams and share with Judicial Reform Board (JRB) for approval where required.
• Support other areas of the Reform communications team when required, for example with events and webinars.
• Liaise with Judicial Office teams, including Private Offices of Leadership Judges, to distribute Reform communications.
• Line management responsibility for the Band C in the team.
• Please note that the post holder is required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.

Key Requirements of the role:

• Excellent communications experience, particularly content creation.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience working with multiple teams in a difficult and fast-moving environment.
• Relationship management.
• Strong attention to detail, ideally with experience of producing content for Ministerial, senior judicial or Board-level sign off.
• Basic design and videoing editing skills (desirable).
• Experience working with the judiciary or the Civil Service (desirable).
• Understanding of HMCTS Reform Programme (desirable).

Application Process:

To apply for this position please completed the online application form, ensuring you submit the following application document:

1. An up-to-date, anonymised copy of your CV which details your experience and achievements.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical skills:

Communicating and Influencing (Level 3)
Changing and Improving (Level 3)
Working Together (Level 3)
Delivering at Pace (Level 3)

Things you need to know

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Fixed Term Appointment

This appointment will be made on a fixed term basis, due to the time limited nature of the Reform Programme. 

For existing civil servants, while the role itself is time limited, at the end of the fixed term period, you will retain your permanent status but will be placed on the re-deployment register.

Successful appointment on promotion will secure this grade on a permanent substantive basis. 

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

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.

If you have any questions about the role please contact Elizabeth Ayres, Head of Reform Communications on elizabeth.ayres@judiciary.uk

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 45939.