Head of Communications - Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry

On 26th February 2020, the Prime Minister committed to an Independent Inquiry related to a long-running dispute between postmasters and Post Office Limited (POL) connected with the Horizon IT system, which was settled in December 2019 after lengthy litigation. Delivering a successful Inquiry is a key Ministerial and Permanent Secretary priority. The Inquiry led by Chair Sir Wyn Williams, is tasked with ensuring there is a public summary of the failings that occurred, which were associated with Horizon and other issues. Its scope is set out in the terms of reference., The successful candidate will:

• Develop and maintain the Inquiry's communications strategy, with a particular focus on the publication of Sir Wyn Williams' final report and recommendations, and delivery of the Inquiry's Legacy Project. More information about the Legacy Project is available here: https://www.postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk/news/shaping-legacy-project-read-out-october-engagement-session
• Oversee the development and implementation of multi-channel media plans to ensure activities reflect policy developments and the emerging news agenda and contribute to the wider communications strategy and the goals of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.
• Deliver engaging, creative content that tells our story, working constructively with senior policy/legal colleagues and partners to gain expert opinion.
• Provide considered communications advice to the Chair of the Inquiry, Secretary, and senior officials on new, developing and existing policy.
• Editorial oversight of all external communications activity. Demonstrate excellent written and editing skills to ensure high standards of quality and accuracy across the team, delivering quality and timely press releases, rebuttals and lines to take in response to developing stories
• Deliver strong evaluation of media strategies to inform future proactive and reactive media campaigns
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with key stakeholders, including the media.
• Oversee management of the Inquiry's social media channels, including the development of creative video and visual content.
• Oversee effective management and maintenance of the Inquiry's website, including the contract with web developers and ensure compliance with other applicable digital accessibility (e.g. ReciteMe) or other requirements (e.g. data protection)
• Manage and develop 1 x SEO, 1 x HEO and potentially up to 2 EOs., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
• Communicating and Influencing, We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
• Competency: Ideas
• Competency: Implementation, This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception. Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way. To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:
• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
• A Personal Statement explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.
It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change. In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the Lead Behaviour (Communicating and Influencing). Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation, details will be provided prior to your interview. In addition to this there will be a one hour time bound exercise ahead of the interview to respond to a prompt and will scored for the GCS Competency Implementation. Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return. Reasonable Adjustments We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment,
• A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
• Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
• The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
• New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
• Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
• A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
• Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
• Please note - the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
• This role may be considered as a secondment opportunity. Please reach out to the hiring manager listed at the bottom of this advert to discuss.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.,
• 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)
• 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
  
  Given the high profile of the inquiry, we're looking for an experienced communications professional with strong media relations skills to join our team, leading the development of high-quality plans to tell the story of the Inquiry's work investigating what has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history., Experience of working in a fast-paced role, with highly effective media, rebuttal and crisis management skills.
Excellent written and oral communications skills. Sharp news sense, excellent judgement, strong political savvy and outstanding communications skills. Experienced and skilled in translating complex and detailed information into engaging and easy-to-understand language, delivering creative communications plans that encompass a range of channels including traditional and social media. Desirable: Experience of leading a communications team. Experience of coordinating large-scale media events., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £57,026, Department for Business and Trade contributes £16,520 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles.