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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Press Relations
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About the job
Job summary
BDUK has a clear mission: to ensure that homes and businesses across the UK can access fast and reliable digital connectivity. We are helping to build the digital infrastructure that will underpin the UKs growth over the coming decades. Your role is to help us tell the story of how we do this: how we transform peoples lives by improving broadband and 4G coverage in hard-to-reach communities.
The Head of Strategic Communications leads a dynamic, fast-paced team of communications specialists to deliver a clear strategy that brings to life BDUKs work. You will set the communications strategy to support the delivery of BDUKs goals, in the short and long term, working closely with the DSIT Communications team to increase understanding and support for what we do among key audiences. The role is responsible for leading and coordinating BDUKs external communications activity, ensuring we communicate effectively with the public and other stakeholders through media and digital channels. The role is also responsible for BDUKs internal communications function, using multiple channels and approaches to connect BDUK employees with our mission and objectives.
The role reports to the BDUK Director of Engagement and Public Information.
Job description
- Lead the Strategic Communications function for BDUK, identifying innovative and creative opportunities to promote our work to internal and external audiences, and coordinating all communications activity.
- Devise a clear communications strategy, working closely with the DSIT Comms team to support the delivery of Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network (BDUKs programmes to improve broadband and mobile connectivity in hard-to-reach parts of the UK).
- Create and maintain a live planning grid to align and integrate comms activities, objectives, narratives and campaigns.
- Plan and oversee the successful implementation of specific media/press, public relations, and campaigns activity. This includes liaising with specific media outlets, as agreed with DSIT press office.
- Oversee the development of digital content and channels to ensure an engaging online journey for all audiences.
- Establish strong networks and systems within BDUK, and with stakeholders and suppliers, to access data, case studies and visits and facilitate sharing with DSIT Comms. Ensure the quick and effective response to DSIT press office requests for information.
- Work with BDUK colleagues, notably regional leads, to identify and address potential comms issues in order to manage BDUK’s reputation.
- Oversee the planning and delivery of BDUKs internal communications strategy to inform, engage and motivate staff.
- Own strategic level relationships with DSIT Comms, and engagement with the Cabinet Office and other departments to aid successful delivery of BDUK comms.
- Provide trusted advice to the senior leadership team on communications, and keep them regularly appraised of the progress and impact of delivery.
- Lead the development and monitoring of all relevant Communications KPIs.
- Work closely with Finance colleagues to secure and maintain a Communications budget.
Person specification
Successful Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
Essential:
- Experience of developing and delivering effective internal and external communications strategies within government or business.
- Ability to capture, utilise and share data and insight to inform communications strategies.
- Experience of delivering strategic and coordinated communications activity across multiple channels, including digital, for different audiences.
- Experience of designing and leading seamless and efficient systems and processes for information-sharing across different functions
- Highly developed communication, interpersonal and influencing skills; capable of working across boundaries and with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- A proven track record of leading and motivating a team working in a complex, fast paced and high priority environment with fixed deadlines, with the ability to effectively balance short and long-term priorities.
- Ability to establish and role model a positive working culture in a multi-disciplinary team spread across different locations.
- Proven ability and confidence to make sound judgments, drawing on relevant sources of information and employing a good political understanding.
Desirable:
- Experience in local/central government
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Technical question. Details will be provided on the day of the interview.
Benefits
£14,686 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Please submit your CV, behaviour (250 words) and supporting statement (maximum 750 words) by 23:55 on 3 November 2023 via the CS Jobs portal.
Your CV should set out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements.
Your Supporting Statement (max. 750 words) should explain how your personal skills, qualities and experience make you a suitable candidate for the role.
Part of the application process will require you to complete a diversity questionnaire. You will have the option to select prefer not to say but this information is very important to the Civil Service.
Should you encounter any issues with your online application please get in touch with: bdukrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you do not receive acknowledgement of your application within 48 hours, please contact the above email address.
Candidates successful at the review stage may be invited to attend a first stage interview/assessment.
During the interview process, candidates may be asked to provide further evidence of their skills and experience.
Interviews will also include a technical question. The interview will be a blended assessment consisting of a series of questions against the Civil Service Success Profiles Behaviours and Strengths.
Interviews will take place remotely via Google Hangout video call. Successful applicants will join the department through our remote onboarding process.
Location
This role can be based in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh or Manchester. The hub locations are displayed on the job advert. Not all hub locations yet have confirmed office space – successful applicants will be expected to work remotely until this becomes available.
Existing BDUK and DCMS staff who are currently based in London and are successful in gaining this role will be able to remain working from the London base.
Further Information
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
The expectation within BDUK is that staff will normally remain in post for a minimum of 12 months for band C, 18 months for band B and 24 months for band A/AU and will not apply for BDUK roles on level transfer during that time.
BDUK has a London and a National pay scale. For more information on this, including the circumstances in which each pay scale will apply, please see the candidate information pack.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to BDUK from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via bdukrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : BDUK Recruitment Team
- Email : BDUKRecruitment@dcms.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : bdukrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact (recruitment.team@dcms.gov.uk) in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/civilservicerecruitmentcomplaints/
