Job Description

** We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. **

Job Purpose

The Communications Assistant role will help build public trust, keep the community informed, and showcase the vital work of our officers, staff and volunteers. They will support the News Team in delivering high-impact campaigns, creating social media content and responding to media enquiries in a fast-paced environment.

The Communications Assistant post supports the planning, delivery, and evaluation of communications that seek to build trust, satisfaction, and confidence. Working as part of our force Corporate Communications Department the role will contribute to delivering creative, collaborative and innovative communications, particularly focused on hyper-targeted, localised messaging that supports operational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Public Relations and Media
The role will support media relations activity, including drafting news releases and public messaging and assist with responding to media enquiries under supervision. It will support the delivery of media opportunities and with spokespeople providing interviews and press conferences. Assist in the production of high-quality communications plans that include key products such as internal messaging and plans, stakeholder briefings, press notices, core scripts/briefing, journalist briefings and Q&A packs. Help to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications activity to identify risks and opportunities, reporting into department managers.

Content and Channel Support
The postholder will assist in drafting and producing creative, engaging and innovative content, both written and digital, for all force communication channels including website, media, digital, social media, community engagement platforms and internal communication channels. Assist in the monitoring of content on our social media channels, seeking out trends and public sentiment to help the force respond effectively to community concerns.
Capture and edit basic video and photography to highlight community policing and safety campaigns.

Campaigns and projects
This role will contribute to communications and campaigns from planning through to delivery and evaluation to support operational priorities and organisational objectives. Support events, launches, and promotional activities, including logistics and development of communication materials. Provide event support, attending the likes of community events, recruitment fairs, and press conferences to provide live communications support. Support the development of behaviour change communications both internally and externally. Work collaboratively with colleagues, key stakeholders and external partners and suppliers where required.

Research and Insight
The postholder will carry out research to understand audiences, stakeholders, and communication channels. Support in the monitoring of trends, identifying new communication approaches, and best practice in communications and across various current and new channels. Help to track sentiment to identify shifts in tone and provide early warning of emerging issues and trends. Support the effective monitoring and evaluation processes to measure the impact of our work.

Professional Practice
The role will assist in the ongoing maintenance of accurate records, plans, and content libraries. Manage time and priorities effectively, meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Attend planning and content development meetings and input accordingly.

Click here to view the full details of the role including the Essential, Desirable and any educational requirements for the role.

Hours

Monday - Friday, 0800 - 1600 (36.5 hours), a degree of flexibility may be required.

Location

Lloyd House, B4 6AT

Allowances

N/A

Interviews

W/C 5th October / 12th October

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical

Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a hearing test.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

“Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities”

West Midlands Police is the second-largest police force in England, serving more than 2.9 million people across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall. Every day, our people work together to keep our communities safe, protect vulnerable people, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

We answer more than 2,000 emergency calls every day and provide policing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting victims, investigating crime or working behind the scenes, every role plays a vital part in delivering an outstanding service to the public.

We're proud of the progress we've made in reducing crime, improving emergency response times and increasing arrest rates. These achievements are only possible because of the dedication, professionalism and expertise of our officers, staff and volunteers. As we continue to transform the way we police, we're looking for talented people who are committed to making a real difference.

Why Join West Midlands Police?

A career with West Midlands Police is about more than a job, it's an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people. Whatever your role, you'll contribute to keeping our communities safe while developing your own skills and career.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work that makes a difference every day.
• A diverse range of career opportunities across policing and professional support services.
• High-quality training, development and opportunities to progress.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential.
• Competitive pay, generous annual leave, excellent pension arrangements and a wide range of employee benefits.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a common purpose.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve the communities we protect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of the Government's Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to removing barriers to employment and supporting disabled applicants and employees throughout their careers. Through our Disability Confident Interview Scheme, applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for a role will normally be offered an interview, subject to the scheme's terms and any recruitment constraints.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision is to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness, respect and inclusion, enabling us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

Professional Standards

Working in policing is a position of trust. Our officers and staff are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate vetting and are expected to uphold the ethical standards and responsibilities that come with serving the public.

Recruitment and the Use of AI

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools to support activities such as proofreading and improving the presentation of written applications. This is acceptable, provided the content you submit accurately reflects your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications must be your own work. Any evidence of plagiarism, false or misleading information, or the inappropriate use of AI during assessments or selection activities where it is not permitted may result in your application being rejected.

Benefits

We know that supporting our people is essential to delivering the best service to our communities. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits, wellbeing support and development opportunities to help you thrive throughout your career.

Visit our Benefits page to find out more about the rewards and support available when you join West Midlands Police.