Job Description

General Information

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Vacancy Approach

External

Location

Edinburgh, London

Region

London, Scotland

Closing Date

11-Oct-2026

Post Type

Permanent

Civil Service Grade

SCS 1

Number of jobs available

1

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

22551

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

This is not a traditional Civil Service role. This is an opportunity to lead a fundamental transformation in how the government informs and connects with citizens in an era of rapid technological change, evolving media consumption, and the critical challenge of building public trust.

As the most senior communications advisor in your department and a member of the cross-government communications leadership group, you will actively lead and embrace change and innovation and have an entrepreneurial mindset bringing the team with you and championing continuous improvement.

This is a pivotal role. You will operate at the heart of government decision-making, shaping how policies and priorities are communicated to the public. Your work will directly influence the impact of government policy, democratic engagement, and the perception of government, both domestically and internationally.

Audience-focused and insight-driven, you will bring consumer marketing and storytelling expertise to public service communication. You will boldly champion modern communications - leading the cultural shift from reactive, press-first communications to integrated always-on campaigns, embracing digital innovation, leveraging responsible AI and boldly putting citizens at the heart of our planning and delivery.

You will be part of a senior peer network of Government Communications leaders, collectively responsible for a Civil Service profession of over 7,000 communicators across departments, agencies and arm’s-length bodies.

Additional Information

Please view our candidate information pack for full details about the role, key responsibilities, person specification, and the criteria you will be assessed against throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

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 Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Contact Information

If you require any assistance please contact us on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk. Please quote the job reference in your email to enable us to support you more quickly.

Job Description Attachment

• Candidate Information Pack - Scotland Office.pdf (Job Description Attachment)
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Application form stage assessments

Experience

We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods

CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Statement of Suitability

Guidance for the Statement of Suitability

Please provide a statement to evidence how you meet the essential experience required for the role.

Evidence of Experience

CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates

Week commencing 9th November or 16th November 2026

Behaviours

Seeing the Big Picture

Changing and Improving

Leadership

Communicating and Influencing

Delivering at Pace

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?

Presentation, SEE

Level of security checks required

Security Clearance (SC)

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.