Senior Policy Advisor – Radio, Audio and Broadcast Security Policy

DCMS is responsible for the UK radio and audio sectors covering BBC commercial and community radio, radio’s the long-term transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and providing support to the development of the UK’s dynamic audio sector. 

The role will cover a range of policy initiatives and projects to support the UK radio sector as well as new work supporting the growth and development of the UK’s online audio/podcasting sector. This will include managing a grant programme supporting community radio and will include work to support on the forthcoming Media Bill with an opportunity to help shape radio’s future.

Part of the role will be taking forward new policy to examine the case for cyber security requirements for the broadcast sector and supporting other projects looking radio’s role in terms emergency broadcasting. 

This is a fascinating and varied role working with a wide range of industry partners as well as with colleagues across the Media and Creative Industries Directorate.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Leading work on changes to community radio licensing following a public consultation exercise and developing new ideas and initiatives to support the growth and sustainability of the sector 
• Developing policy initiatives that support the future growth of the UK’s growing audio and podcast sectors including developing possible proposals to support increased sector investment and new initiatives to support sector training.
• Manage the Ofcom delivered community radio fund and develop the business case for increased financial support for the audio sector. 
• Contribute to wider team work arising from planned new legislation to deregulate commercial radio and to secure radio’s carriage on smart speakers and connected audio devices. 
• Take forward work on examining the case for new cybersecurity requirements for the radio and TV sectors. 

This post provides an opportunity to take the lead on developing new areas of policy, and gain experience across a range of work, including the management of grant programmes and working directly on delivering a consultation and legislation. There will be extensive contact with Ofcom, the BBC and commercial and community radio representatives. 

The ideal candidates would have the following key skills and experience:

Essential Requirements:

• Seeing the big picture: able to think strategically, with an ability to understand market trends and technological change and to align work with wider DCMS and government objectives
• Communicating and influencing: excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to describe, explain and make the case for evidence-based policy decisions. The ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely to colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Delivering at pace: ability to work independently and flexibly across a diverse and busy team, to support new and emerging priorities.  
• Making effective decisions – good organisational skills and ability to assess and prioritise workload and take the initiative. 

Desirable Skills:

• An interest in media and media policy issues 
• An understanding of how the Government takes decisions and how Departments work together.

We are offering applicants to join a virtual information session on Friday 8th December 10:00 – 10:30 hosted by the vacancy holder – Ian O’Neill.

The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions.

Please register your interest here and you will be sent an invitation. 

Please note that the session will not focus on the DCMS recruitment process, please direct any queries that you have on this topic (timelines, reasonable adjustments, onboarding etc) to recruitment.team@dcms.gov.uk

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions

DCMS values its staff and offers a wide range of benefits to everyone who works here. We’re committed to developing talent, and supporting colleagues to have great careers in our department. To support with that, some of the benefits we offer include:

• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working – DCMS staff work on a flexible basis with time spent in offices, and time spent working from home

• 26.5 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after 5 years’ service

• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

• Access to the Edenred employee benefits system which offers discounts to popular retailers and access to various useful resources such as financial and savings advice

• 3 days of paid volunteering leave

• Up to 9 months maternity leave on full pay + generous paternity and adoption leave

• Staff reward and recognition bonuses that operate throughout the year

• Occupational sick pay

• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme which offers staff 24/7 confidential support and resources such as counselling, debt guidance and management advice

• Active and engaged staff networks to join including the LGBT+, Ethnic Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality Networks

• Exceptional learning and development opportunities that you can explore alongside your day to day work

• Season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and much more!

Terms and conditions at SCS grades will vary. Those applying for SCS roles should refer to the candidate information pack for more information on terms and conditions.

Job contact :

• Name : Ian O’Neill
• Email : ian.oneill@dcms.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dcmsrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk