Head of Communications
Office of the Public Guardian | Grade 6
Location: Birmingham or Nottingham, with some travel to London; or London, with some travel to Birmingham/Nottingham
Grade: Grade 6
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £71,381-£80,419 (national) and £75,674-£85,257 (London)
This is a high-profile leadership role for a strategic, creative and audience-focused communications professional. You will lead OPG's multidisciplinary communications team and ensure its internal and external communications work as one coherent, insight-led offer.
Working at the heart of OPG, you will be a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, senior leaders and non-executive directors. You will set the strategic direction for communications, translate organisational priorities into clear plans and make the day-to-day judgements needed to deliver the greatest impact.
You will lead through others, creating the conditions for a talented team to perform at its best. The remit spans internal and change communications, campaigns, digital content and customer communications.
The role has oversight of OPG's internal and external communications teams, leading 14 individuals across a range of communications specialisms. The role will be embedded in OPG governance, working closely to deliver the priorities of the OPG Executive Team.
The role reports to the Deputy Director, Corporate Communications in MOJ, and you will also work closely with colleagues across the Ministry of Justice and the wider Government Communication Service.
Responsibilities
•Set the strategic direction for OPG communications, developing and delivering a joined-up internal and external communications approach aligned to OPG's purpose, priorities and the wider MoJ narrative.
•Act as the principal communications adviser to the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, providing clear, evidence-based advice on opportunities, reputation, risk and organisational issues.
•Own prioritisation, sequencing and resource allocation across the communications portfolio, making transparent trade-offs and flexing the team towards the areas of greatest organisational need and impact.
•Lead and develop the multidisciplinary communications team through its senior leads, setting clear expectations, building capability and fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
•Ensure OPG communicates with one coherent voice across audiences and channels, overseeing high-quality content.
•Lead internal and change communications that help colleagues understand OPG's direction, make sense of change and connect their work to organisational outcomes, using staff insight to shape the approach.
•Responsible for leading and delivering effective communications to support staff through transformation and change.
•Oversee creative, accessible and audience-led campaigns that build understanding, reach underserved audiences and support behaviour change, using the right mix of channels and partnerships.
•Embed insight, planning and evaluation throughout the team's work, to set measurable objectives, learn and improve, and demonstrate impact.
•Build strong relationships across OPG, MoJ, GCS and relevant external networks; uphold professional standards and contribute as an influential senior leader across the wider Communications Directorate.
•You will become a member of the MOJ Corporate Communications SMT, and MOJ Communications Senior Leadership Team.
Person specification
We are looking for an experienced senior communications leader who combines excellent strategic judgment, with creativity and practical delivery. You will be comfortable operating with autonomy in a complex organisation, advising at the most senior levels and leading through others. You will be collaborative, inclusive and committed to continuous improvement, with the confidence to challenge constructively and make clear decisions at pace.
Communications judgement
•A strong track record of providing trusted strategic communications advice to senior leaders and boards, using sound judgement on sensitive, complex or high-risk issues.
•Broad communications expertise and the ability to integrate internal and external disciplines into a coherent strategy, narrative and delivery plan.
•A strong understanding of audience insight, planning and evaluation, with evidence of using data and learning to improve communications outcomes.
Managing competing demands
•Proven ability to lead a substantial portfolio in a fast-paced environment, prioritising competing demands and making effective decisions about sequencing, resources and trade-offs.
•Experience of leading through senior team members, setting direction and standards while enabling others to take ownership and deliver.
•Excellent relationship management and influencing skills, with evidence of building productive partnerships across organisational and professional boundaries.
Creativity and integrated communications
•A strong record of developing audience-focused communications and campaigns that make complex issues clear and influence understanding, confidence or behaviour.
•The ability to spot opportunities, test new approaches and use digital channels and content creatively while maintaining accessibility and professional standards.
•Evidence of creating the conditions for creative excellence across a multidisciplinary team, from ideas and commissioning through to delivery and evaluation.
About the Office of the Public Guardian
The Office of the Public Guardian is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. OPG helps people in England and Wales stay in control of decisions about their health and finance, and supports people to make important decisions for others who cannot decide for themselves.
OPG helps people plan for someone to make decisions for them if they lose mental capacity. It registers lasting and enduring powers of attorney, maintains registers of attorneys, deputies and guardians, supervises deputies and guardians appointed by the courts, and investigates concerns about how attorneys, deputies or guardians are carrying out their duties. OPG carries out legal functions under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017.
This role leads communications for OPG, helping colleagues, partners and the public understand its work and supporting the organisation to protect people's best interests now and in the future.
Working in MoJ Communications
You will be part of the Ministry of Justice Communications Directorate and the Government Communication Service. You will work across organisational boundaries, contribute to the leadership and development of the communications profession, and help build a modern, flexible and effective communications function.
Optional briefing
We will be holding an optional briefing for prospective candidates where we will provide an overview of the role and give you an opportunity to ask questions. The optional briefing: this will take place on Monday 24th August, 2.00-2.30pm. If you would be interested in joining this, or receiving the recording, please email CPPLRecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
How to apply
To apply, you will be asked to provide a CV and a statement of suitability of no more than 750 words, setting out why you are the right fit for the role and paying particular attention to the responsibilities and person specification.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity).
For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Support
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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 Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Planand the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.
MoJ:
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference 21184
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
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.
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