Communications Officer

The Communications Officer provides a communication service in a fast-paced environment. The role supports operational demands and develops appropriate responses to a wide range of sensitive and complex media enquiries under the oversight of the Senior Communications Officer. The post holder delivers both planned and reactive communications. These communications support organisational policing priorities, raise public confidence, and contribute directly to operational outcomes in line with the policing plan priorities.

The Communications Officer uses a wide range of communications channels. These include campaigns, public relations, internal communications, and traditional and social media. The role also involves providing timely advice and guidance to internal colleagues on issues that may affect the organisation’s reputation. Normal working hours are 10 hour shifts covering seven days per week between 06.30 and 20.30. The post attracts a Shift Disturbance Allowance and an On Call Allowance in which appropriate rates will be applied.

These hours and allowances are subject to ongoing review to reflect business needs. Some roles are generally Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm with a requirement to be flexible with hours of work. These roles do not attract Shift Disturbance Allowance or On Call Allowance.

• Contribute to the provision of a timely and relevant news service to the media, public and colleagues on day-to-day activity, providing updates on incidents and crimes, promoting operations and successes, and disseminating urgent information.
• Advise and influence colleagues on the best communications approach to manage reactive and emerging issues - particularly officers in charge of investigations and putting this approach into action.
• Support the progress of organisational priorities including wellbeing, digital policing, leadership and professional standards.
• Provide bespoke communications support via a range of communications channels which allow colleagues to communicate with the organisation in the most effective and efficient way.
• Use professional knowledge and experience to proactively, confidently and quickly suggest and implement the best communications approach to reactive issues, particularly when operating autonomously while on-call.
• Assess which information should be released to the media and public, and which should be withheld for legal or operational reasons.
• Deliver excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Use "direct-to-audience" and digital communications, ensuring issues managed are not overly reliant on distribution of information via the media.
• As part of the team, develop and co-ordinate internal and external communications channels to ensure corporate messages are communicated swiftly, effectively and appropriately throughout the organisation.
• Liaise with other organisations when providing comment on multi-agency issues, particularly in response to media enquiries about ongoing incidents.
• Contribute to day-to-day news monitoring and analysis, considering both traditional and social media, disseminating this information to relevant colleagues to ensure the Service is abreast of emerging news issues and can respond quickly if required.
• Manage media interactions with the Service, including assisting at media conferences or events and chaperoning representatives on attachments to teams or operations.
• Nurture a cohesive team culture to ensure a high standard of performance in a busy area where demand sometimes may outstretch capacity.
• This Job Description reflects the main duties and responsibilities associated with this position. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.

• 2 A Levels plus 2 years' experience working in a relevant area such as Journalism or Media Communications environment.
• Experience of creating content for a variety of communication channels including print, broadcast, features and digital & social media.
• The ability to provide advice to internal and external stakeholders on the most appropriate channels, depending on context.
• Experience of working under pressure and to deadlines whilst…