Job Introduction
As a senior media officer, you will be welcomed into a dynamic and inclusive Communications team, working to provide advice on media and communications matters to IOPC staff at all levels up to and including the Director General and wider executive team. You will devise and deliver media handling plans, leading and managing a regional media operation. The IOPC is on a journey to develop its culture, perspectives and ethos to support the organisation’s core outcomes and this is your opportunity to enter into the varied and fast-paced world of IOPC Communications, allowing you to develop your mindset to contribute to improving public confidence in the police complaints system in England and Wales.
Reporting to the media relations manager, you will manage and develop a media officer to manage the reputation of the IOPC through proactive and reactive media relations including social media. The post holder will be security cleared to at least BS level, and this role is politically restricted.
We'll assess you against this Senior Executive Officer (SEO) Level behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, to find out more, please click here.
Throughout the recruitment process we will also assess your Experience, Strengths, Technical skills and IOPC Values. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete 3 sift questions based on the essential criteria.
Anticipated assessment and interview dates are mid-late March.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if a high number of applications is received.
Main Responsibility
- Deputising for the media relations manager as required
- Managing and developing a media officer
- Supporting the media relations manager in managing the reputation of the IOPC through proactive and reactive media relations
- Providing a proactive and reactive social media service in line with our digital media strategy
- Supporting the media relations manager in providing leadership and strategic direction for media relations across the IOPC
- Providing expert advice to the IOPC executive team, senior managers and other colleagues on media relations and reputation management
- Developing and managing the implementation of media handling plans supporting IOPC investigations, reports, policy areas and key announcements
- Working with digital communications colleagues, assisting in the development of digital media plans
- Contributing to corporate projects and initiatives with a significant media impact or dimension
- Lead on key thematic areas by developing specific expertise in that area
- Working closely with members of the wider Communications team and other Strategy Communications and Engagement directorate teams to ensure communications are joined-up and consistent
- Proactively promoting the services and role of the media team within the IOPC
- Proactively engaging with external stakeholders to promote the role and remit of the IOPC and the media team, in particular the protocols and guidelines under which it operates
- Take part in the out of hours duty rota for the media team
- Any other duties as required by the post.
- Some travel may be required between the two offices
The Ideal Candidate
- Demonstrable experience of working in a media relations role in a high-profile organisation, and/or senior and relevant experience as a journalist
- Ability and resilience to manage competing priorities and multi-task on a daily basis
- Excellent written and verbal communicating and influencing skills
- Experience of working in corporate or strategic teams and contributing to major corporate initiatives
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal confidently with people at all levels
- An understanding of how to manage and developing, a geographically dispersed, media relations team
- A flexible, proactive and creative approach
The role requires clearance to BPSS
National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Reasonable Adjustments
- Extra time for presentations or interview questions
- Formatting changes such as colours for text or background on written assignments
- Questions presented in writing during interviews
If you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitment@policeconduct.gov.uk
Package Description
- 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)
- Options to carry over, buy or sell annual leave
- Civil Service pension
- Civil Service maternity leave package
- PAM employee assistance programme
- Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup
- Car Leasing Scheme
- Staff networks focused on each of the protected characteristics – run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQI+ Network, Sex and Family Network, Race, Religion and Belief Network
- Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity behaviours
Additional Information:
The IOPC is not eligible to participate in the Civil Service transfer process, therefore successful candidates will not be able to transfer to the IOPC on their existing terms and conditions.
The IOPC does not participate in the UK Visa Sponsorship Scheme therefore, candidates will have to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK if offered a role with us.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, therefore a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for the successful candidate during the pre-employment process.
Any move to the Independent Office for Police Conduct from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Rydym yn croesawu ymgeiswyr i ymgeisio am rolau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg fel eu dewis iaith.
#IND
About the Company
As a completely independent organisation, the IOPC seeks to uphold the rights of the public and investigate the most serious matters, including deaths following police contact, to promote learning and influence change in policing. The IOPC is an organisation steeped in history, influenced by significant figures such as Stephen Lawrence and Sir William Macpherson. We are looking for people to uphold our core values, and in return we will give you a supportive and inclusive work environment to flourish in.
Be yourself
The IOPC is committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity in everything we do. Our vision is to be, and to be seen as, a leader in inclusive employment and services, demonstrating this ethos in everything that we do.
- As a silver standard Stonewall employer, we continue to commit to being a LGBTQ+ employer through the work of our Pride LGBTQ+ Staff Network, creating welcoming environments for lesbian, gay, bi and queer people.
- We are pleased to share that we are a signatory of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. The Charter is composed of five calls to action for leaders and organisations across all sectors.
- Being a Disability Confident employer, the IOPC is dedicated to removing the barriers for disabled people to thrive in the workplace.
- Our Staff Networks are constantly working to make the IOPC the leaders of inclusive employment, from our Allyship Programme to Welsh Language Standards and our Know the Line Policy, we are constantly seeking new ways to create an environment for all to develop and thrive.
