Student Placement - Communications Assistant - 2025 / 2026 - Communications - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is one of the Met's most complex and shifting environments. To keep us one step ahead, we want to recruit aspiring communications professionals who will assist us and help lead the way in developing our internal and external communications programmes to reach our varied target audiences. Our mission statement is to lead communication that helps keep the country safe from terrorism You'll be part of a highly motivated communications team, with the chance to learn from policing colleagues, and work on one of the most important issues to the public. By joining our national communications team, you'll become part of Counter Terrorism Policing - one of the most highly respected police services in the world. We are looking for someone who is passionate about the power of positive communications. You should be innovative, well-organised and self-motivated, with a keen eye for detail. The reaction to our work is always high-profile, and so reputation and impact will be at the forefront of all you do. You should be able to demonstrate how you've engaged with various communication specialisms to make a big difference and deliver real change. You'll also be able to evidence that you're keen to develop both within the team and the critical role we play in Counter Terrorism Policing. You should be able to evidence how you can bring innovative and creative ideas to life, helping us to successfully tell our story. With an eye to the future, you'll help hone and shape our internal and external communications through horizon scanning and exploring new technologies. The ideal candidate will be able to turn complex language and national social issues into easy-to-understand, visual and engaging content, encouraging our audiences to explore new topics and learn more. Knowing that your content will be seen by millions, we're looking for someone with excellent verbal and written skills: copywriting experience, use of social media, some experience of website/digital content management, analysis of insight/evaluation and using analytics to inform your approach, as well as channel development and management are also desirable skills, which will highlight your suitability for the role. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment: Ultimately, your work will help to protect the public and save lives. The Communications team is also committed to your continuous professional development, and you will be supported in this with membership of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR) and a bespoke learning and development curriculum for Counter Terrorism Policing communicators. Key Tasks The post holder will be required to do the following:

• Support the CTPHQ Communications team to deliver media, digital, campaigns, internal and change communications.
• Assist in event planning.
• Provide administration support to meetings and projects.
• With support from the wider team create and edit digital communications products for internal and external use.
• Research and develop copy for internal and external use.
  
  Working towards a degree or equivalent within communications, such as journalism, digital communications, internal communications, marketing;
• Innovative and with creative flair, you'll also have accurate and compelling written and editorial skills, with expertise in designing content for different audiences, purpose and formats;
• Excellent planning skills and ability to quickly respond to changing priorities, meaning that you're able to deliver in a deadline-driven environment;
• Confident using a range of content management systems, social media platforms, websites and analytics tools;
• Keeps abreast of the latest communication developments;
Desirables
• Photography skills with experience of producing live social media content, and video production skills would also be highly desirable.
About you Must be an undergraduate student in a sandwich year course returning to study in autumn 2026. Vetting This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required. Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post., Must be an undergraduate student in a sandwich year course returning to study in autumn 2026.

Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity. Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters sits at the centre of the Counter Terrorism Policing portfolio and provides support, guidance and direction to our Counter Terrorism Policing counterparts across the UK. As the threat of terrorism continues to change and evolve, we need to be ready which means we need to be constantly adapting. Our officers and staff are at the forefront of the UK's work to confront terrorism, operating around the clock to prevent, disrupt and investigate dangerous extremists - whatever their ideology. Delivering change is hugely important therefore, and this is your chance to play your part in a challenge that is as important as it gets: protecting the UK and its communities., Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and can reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of "Working to keep people safe from Terrorism". Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today's complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations'.