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General Information

Salary
The national salary is £56,532 - £64,048, London salary range is £61,201 - £69,338. Your salary will be dependent on your base location.
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Belfast, London
Region
London, Northern Ireland
Closing Date
11-Jun-2025
Post Type
Fixed Term, Loan
Civil Service Grade
Grade 7
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
6332

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

As Head of Strategic and Internal Communications, you will be expected to hit the ground running, quickly making a significant contribution as a senior leader to the smooth running of the Communications Directorate and in developing and implementing our organisation's strategic communication vision.

You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable juggling priorities, working with senior stakeholders and leading your team to turn complex information into clear, engaging communications outputs for internal and external audiences. 

You will champion innovation and efficiency in our strategic communications approaches for key announcements, events and departmental priorities, while developing your team's capabilities and maintaining the highest professional standards.

In addition, you will be responsible for shaping how we engage with our people and ensuring that our internal communications strategies align with our organisational objectives and that you deliver impactful communications. 

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Strategic vision and leadership: Ability to set a compelling communications vision that supports organisational objectives and inspires your team to deliver exceptional results, with proven experience in leading high-performing communications teams.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management: Demonstrable capability to build strong relationships at all levels, particularly with senior leadership, and to effectively influence and advise on internal and strategic communications matters.
  • Internal communications expertise: Track record of successfully communicating complex internal communications including change initiatives to internal audiences, with a deep understanding of how to drive engagement.
  • Commitment to professional development: Dedication to continuous learning and development both for yourself and your team, with experience in identifying and nurturing talent.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

  • Developing strategic communications approaches and communications handling plans for key UK Government and departmental priorities, announcements and events and oversight of team in delivery
  • Oversight of the development and delivery of an annual programme of internal communications including a weekly content plan, departmental engagement sessions and L&D events 
  • Weekly participation in Head of Internal Communications DD network; 
  • Oversight of the collection and analysis of data insights associated with existing communications strategies 
  • Deputising for the  Deputy Director, Communications at key engagements within the Northern Ireland Office as well as in cross Government forums 
  • Assisting the Deputy Director in the oversight of key corporate functions within the team e.g. budgets, resourcing, learning and development
  • Contributing to cross-departmental initiatives and programmes as well as leading on delivery of a number of special projects internally 

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview:

  • Proven experience working as a senior leader within a large organisation with responsibility for developing and delivering strategic communications plans and internal communications strategies 
  • Demonstrable track record of leading high-performing communications teams at a senior level
  • Experience translating complex organisational priorities / objectives into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and external audiences
  • Experience of successfully advising senior leaders on sensitive communications matters, showing your capacity to build trust and credibility
  • Experience briefing Ministers or senior leaders within large organisations on complex communications strategies
  • Proven ability in implementing internal communications strategies, including significant organisational change programmes, with measurable improvements in staff engagement
  • Examples of successfully managing complex external and internal communications in high pressure environments, showing your ability to provide clear leadership 
  • Experience building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and providing trusted communications counsel and managing complex stakeholder relationships 
  • Evidence of managing high-performing, diverse communications teams across multiple locations

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

  • A strong understanding of the political and cultural landscape of Northern Ireland
  • Experience in managing external affairs programmes
  • Track record of measuring the impact of communications
  • Active security clearance at CTC level
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 6332

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 6332

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture, 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
Seeing the Big Picture
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Working Together
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed
Behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Working Together
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.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
Security Clearance (SC)