Communications Officer

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ’s. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQ’s (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London. Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).Job SummaryThe post holder:will possess excellent writing skills, which are essential to this role, and have a proven track record of drafting versatile, quality content for a wide range of channels and platformsmust be confident in liaising with and influencing journalists – working proactively to ‘sell in’ stories and reactively to rebut any inaccurate reporting.will bring a strategic approach to developing impactful public health communications and information for promoting the UKHSA’s work on infectious diseases and environmental hazards, so that the public and stakeholders have access to timely, useful information which will assist them in decision making about their or their populations’ health.Job DescriptionWe are looking for an organised, creative press officer to join our media team, who is a self-starter with first-rate written and verbal communication skills.The post holder will be adept at drafting high quality media content, which will make an impact across a range of media channels for diverse audiences. In addition, the post holder will be competent in dealing with complex scientific issues and statistical data and have the ability to explain this information clearly to non-scientific audiences.The post holder will also have a strong news sense – identifying and developing proactive communications, particularly digital. Strong influencing and negotiating skills are essential, enabling the post holder to deal effectively and persuasively with stakeholders, as well as the media.Working well under pressure and to tight deadlines is essential, as is a flexible approach to work and being a good team player.We are looking for an organised, creative press officer to join our media team, who is a self-starter with first-rate written and verbal communication skills.The post holder will be adept at drafting high quality media content, which will make an impact across a range of media channels for diverse audiences. In addition, the post holder will be competent in dealing with complex scientific issues and statistical data and have the ability to explain this information clearly to non-scientific audiences.The post holder will also have a strong news sense – identifying and developing proactive communications, particularly digital. Strong influencing and negotiating skills are essential, enabling the post holder to deal effectively and persuasively with stakeholders, as well as the media.Working well under pressure and to tight deadlines is essential, as is a flexible approach to work and being a good team player.Person specificationThe post holder will develop and maintain mutually beneficial working relationships both internally within UKHSA and externally with stakeholders and the media.Duties will includeInternalClose liaison with policy experts across the communications directorate and related areas including senior management, our Science, Medical and Data groups, Health Protection, marketing colleagues and regional communications teams.ExternalClose liaison with the media and many stakeholder groups including other government departments, the NHS, local authorities, charities, public health bodies and academics.Key Responsibilities Will BeTo provide media handling advice to colleagues both nationally and regionallyTo draft clear, high-quality content for a wide range of channels and audiencesTo ensure content is underpinned by sound use of UKHSA’s data and intelligence wherever appropriateTo identify opportunities for developing quality proactive communications output, as well as identifying any potential reputational risksTo manage proactive and reactive media communications, including:To act as a point of contact for incoming enquiries from journalists and to develop timely responsesTo proactively sell in stories to the media–press and broadcastTo monitor the range of media channels, including press and digital, and respond to any inaccurate or misleading content particularly where there is a reputational riskTo build and maintain good relations with key journalistsTo co-ordinate any broadcast bids and provide support to UKHSA spokespeople undertaking interviewsTo undertake evaluation of media projects in line with Government Communication Service standardsTo participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota that covers media issues, if and where requiredTo build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including other government departments and agencies, local government, health partners and charities – using good diplomacy skillsTo have clear insight of the wider health system and UKHSA’s role within itTo work in accordance with Government Communications Service principles with regard to communications planning and evaluationTo develop an understanding of equality and diversity, particularly the needs of 'harder-to-reach' groups, and to ensure that these needs are addressed in communications output.To act as an ambassador for the communications directorate in all engagement with all parties, demonstrating UKHSA behaviours throughoutTo ensure that regional UKHSA communications colleagues are engaged in national media issues, especially seeking their input into how those with a local angle are handled.To brief and advise senior officials within UKHSA – both verbally and in writing – on media handling around sensitive and complex issues, liaising with senior communications colleagues as appropriate.To manage a diverse range of different requests for press office support from within UKHSA, prioritising demands and expectations and identifying sensitive issues that may require escalation to senior communications colleaguesProfessional DevelopmentWe’re looking for someone who wants to keep learning and developing. We’ll encourage the post holder to pursue a programme of continuous professional development.*Please be aware this list is not exhaustive*Essential CriteriaDegree or equivalent experience, in a specialist area such as journalism or public relationsExperience of working in a multi-disciplinary communications role, particularly across digital, developing quality content for a range of channels and audiences.Experience of working across sensitive and challenging situations/issues, showing diplomacy, tact and a proven track record of using negotiating and influencing skills to achieve outcomes. Experience of using initiative and creativity to find innovative solutions to communications challenges. Experience of building good relationships with stakeholders across a range of organisations including local authorities, government departments, voluntary organisations, charities and health providers. Experience of working in a busy communications office, demonstrating a sound knowledge of how media works and developing good relationships with journalists.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining complex and challenging information clearly and concisely for a diverse range of channels and audiencesAbility to manage and motivate communications colleagues, while also being receptive to feedbackAbility to handle crisis communicationsDemonstrating a commitment to equality and diversity in day-to-day working practices, as well as outputDesirable CriteriaA good understanding of the health and social care environment and the roles and responsibilities within it.Experience of working with scientists and/or scientific material.Alongside your salary of £33,442, UK Health Security Agency contributes £9,688 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Selection process detailsStage 1: Application & Sift This vacancy is using Success ProfilesAt sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the job advert.You Will Be Required To Complete AnApplication form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)Up to 1000 word supporting statement Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than insert word count.This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria We will only take through, those who meet all essential criteria.Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications.Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)You will be invited to a face-to-face interview at our London HQ. In exceptional cases we may be able to offer a remote interview via Teams. The interview will last 60 minutes in total including a 30-minute written task.This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. During the interview we will assess you against the below:BehavioursCommunicating and Influencing ( lead behaviour ) Changing and ImprovingWorking TogetherDelivering at PaceYou will be asked to prepare and present a written task, laid out as follows:You will be asked to undertake a written task, the details of which will be provided to you at interview. This will assess your ability to respond to a typical press office request in real-time.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Eligibility Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).  For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.Please be aware that the salary is based on the office locationHigher Executive Officer (HEO)£33,422-£40,731 (National) £35,587- £43,244 (Outer London) £37,749- £45,353 (Inner London) Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.Reasonable AdjustmentsThe Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/International Police checkIf you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Link BelowArtificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service CareersInternal Fraud check If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.Security Clearance Level RequirementSuccessful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security StandardSuccessful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check. Careers websitePlease visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careersFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following GroupsUK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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)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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob ContactName : John InglisEmail : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.ukFurther informationThe law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.ukIf you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk