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General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £42,914 - £46,182 London salary range is £49,325 - £53,081. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
11-Sep-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
21508

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job Title

Communications and Engagement Manager

Job Grade

SEO

Job Location

National

Contract Type

Permanent

Business Area

Ministry of Justice Commercial

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of Posts

1            

Commercial

The Ministry of Justice has one of the largest and most complex spending profiles in central government. Each year we spend more than £5 billion with our suppliers and it’s our job to help coordinate the sourcing of what we need. We support the management of our contracts across the department, its agencies and non departmental public bodies.

Commercial is responsible for coordinating procurement and contract management across the MoJ, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies.   Commercial is organised into category teams, each with an interesting portfolio of contracts and diverse customers and suppliers to manage. We also have systems, programme management office, supplier relationship and risk management teams who work across all areas.

Commercial Operating Centre

Commercial Operating Centre, which exists to support teams across the Commercial directorate by streamlining operations, providing expert guidance, and enabling commercial and contract managers to focus on their core responsibilities. The Centre offers help with commercial standards, policy, systems (like Jaggaer and Purchase-to-Pay), budgeting, recruitment, and development opportunities.

Role Summary

The communications and engagement team is responsible for leading and delivering effective internal communications and engagement activities across the directorate. Key duties include developing communication plans, managing a range of communication channels, producing regular briefings and SharePoint content, and ensuring timely, clear and accessible messaging. The role also involves planning and hosting quarterly Town Hall events, leading the annual awards programme, supporting content publishers, and identifying opportunities to improve communication through technology. Regular analysis of feedback and performance data is required to measure effectiveness, while promoting collaboration, continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and compliance with government accessibility standards.

Key Responsibilities

Typically, the key responsibilities in this role will include

•             Develop, maintain and facilitate directorate-wide communications which are inclusive and informative. This will include a range of communication channels. Maintain a forward communications plan for the directorate, horizon scanning for upcoming announcements, organisational changes, key dates and events that will require communications activity, and ensuring the directorate is prepared to communicate proactively and in good time.

•             Work with the team to review existing communication themes, methods and channels, to support in the development and implementation of the communications plan for the directorate.

•             Plan and deliver quarterly all-staff virtual Townhall events, taking ownership of the programme, identifying and briefing speakers, supporting speakers in preparing their contributions, and hosting the event.

•             Produce the monthly Team Briefing, co-ordinating content from a range of providers, writing additional corporate content and providing line managers with the key information they need to communicate effectively with their teams.

•             Produce communications published on the Commercial SharePoint Hub on behalf of the Chief Commercial Officer and the leadership team, ensuring content is clear, accurate and consistent in tone and style.

•             Act as a point of contact for content publishers across the directorate who manage their own team areas on the Commercial Hub (SharePoint), providing technical guidance and support

•             Review the use of technology to increase impactful communications and reduce unnecessary and inefficient ways of working.

•             Lead the planning and delivery of the annual directorate Awards programme, coordinating all aspects of the event to recognise and celebrate employee achievement across MoJ Commercial.

•             Contribute to a strong team ethos, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

•             Regularly review data and feedback from across communications channels and events to evaluate effectiveness of channels and messages, taking appropriate action where needed.

•             Ensure all communications content meets government accessibility standards, including the use of plain language, appropriate formatting and accessible document and digital content practices.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alternations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Essential Criteria

•             Strong copywriting and proofreading skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging content across multiple platforms and formats.

•             Experience of developing high-quality communications products, such as event management, newsletters, articles, presentations, briefing papers and other engagement materials.

•             Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, and to influence effectively at a senior level to support delivery.

•             Ability to turn complex programmes, projects and strategies into simple, clear messaging that is meaningful to its audience, engages employees to drive forward behavioural change.

•             Ability to prioritise and deliver effectively in a fast-paced, environment, working calmly and efficiently under pressure to tight deadlines.

•             Ability to work with ambiguity and maintain a professional approach.

•             Experience of SharePoint.

Desirable Criteria

•             Experience of working in a communications role.

•             Experience of video production and editing.

Application Stage

An initial sift will be performed against the following elements and will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework:

Experience

•             CV

•             Statement of Suitability (750 words):  This should be based around the key responsibilities and essential criteria

Behaviours

We will assess your application on the following behaviours.  Please use the STAR method in your examples.

•             Communicating and Influencing

•             Changing and Improving

•             Managing a Quality Service

Please note in the event of a large number of applications being received we may run the initial sift against CV, Statement of Suitability and lead behaviour of communicating and influencing.

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview and will be assessed on the selected success profile elements at the interview stage.

Interview stage

There is one interview stage for this vacancy which will be held remotely and as part of the interview process you will be required to provide evidence on the following, and will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework:

Behaviours

•             Communicating and Influencing

•             Changing and Improving

•             Managing a Quality Service

Experience

1 x experience question - Ability to prioritise and deliver effectively in a fast-paced, environment

Strengths maybe assessed at the interview, and these are not shared in advance.

To learn more about the Civil Service success profiles framework and how they are assessed please click here.

Use the STAR method to structure your examples:

 

•             Situation: Briefly describe the context.

•             Task: Explain what you needed to achieve.

•             Action: Focus on what you did, how you did it, and why (use “I”).

•             Result: Share the outcome, including impact, results, and any lessons learned.

 

Keep Situation and Task concise and focus on Actions and Results.

Additional Information

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

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

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 Plan and 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:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

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.

Contact Information

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 21508

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

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Communicating and Influencing
Changing and Improving
Managing a Quality Service
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability
Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
This should be based around the key responsibilities and essential criteria
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed - Expected Mid October
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Changing and Improving
Managing a Quality Service
Experience
Your Experience for this role will be assessed at interview. To learn more about Experience and how they are assessed please click here.
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Experience Questions
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)

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.