On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a HR Automation Content Writer (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract based remotely with ad hoc travel to a strategic site when required.
In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people's lives. We are responsible for England's environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.
Our objectives are:
. To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
. To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
. To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK
Role Purpose:
Defra are seeking a HR Automation Content Writer to support the successful delivery of the MyHR Portal implementation on the ServiceNow platform by auditing, creating, updating and publishing high-quality employee-facing content. The role will ensure employees can effectively self-serve through clear knowledge articles, FAQs and guidance, while directing users to the correct MyHR support routes. Working closely with HR Service Owners and programme stakeholders, the postholder will support business readiness, go-live activities, hypercare, continuous improvement and future service releases as part of the wider HR Automation Programme.
As a HR Automation Content Designer, your main responsibilities will be:
. Audit existing HR guidance across Intranet, SharePoint and Content Cloud, identifying content that needs updating, replacing or removing to support the transition to MyHR. Prioritise activity in line with programme milestones and go-live requirements.
. Write, review and rewrite clear, accessible and user-focused HR content, including knowledge articles, FAQs and employee guidance, ensuring complex processes are easy to understand and navigate.
. Ensure employee-facing content accurately reflects MyHR functionality and directs employees to the correct routes for support, replacing outdated email and Legacy contact routes with clear instructions on how to raise MyHR tickets.
. Work closely with HR Service Owners, their teams and wider programme stakeholders to understand requirements, validate content, secure approvals and ensure consistent messaging across all relevant channels.
. Support content readiness ahead of the 7 December 2026 go-live, including the communication of updated guidance, and respond to emerging content gaps and employee feedback during hypercare to continuously improve the user experience.
. Support the development of sustainable content maintenance processes and standards through the MyHR Service Operating Model, while ensuring content readiness for future MyHR Queries releases and the introduction of the new case management system.
Essential:
. Experience creating clear, engaging and accessible guidance for different audiences, with the ability to simplify complex information into easy-to-understand content. An understanding of user-centred content design and accessibility is essential.
. Ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders across different backgrounds and internal teams. Confident in gathering requirements, managing feedback and balancing competing priorities to deliver shared outcomes.
. Ability to understand and translate complex processes into clear, user-friendly content. Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve content, simplify processes and enhance the user experience through automation.
. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines. Highly organised, proactive and adaptable, with the ability to maintain accuracy and quality in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Desirable:
. Previous experience working within a government department or public sector organisation, with an understanding of the operating environment, processes and requirements.
. Experience using ServiceNow, ideally with an understanding of how the platform supports HR services, automated workflows and the delivery of user-facing content.
. Experience using SharePoint to create, manage and maintain content, guidance and resources, ensuring information is accessible, organised and easy for users to navigate.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident employer, Defra encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates. Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Defra welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".
References
HR Automation Content Writer employer: Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing
Joining UK Parliament as a Microsoft M365 and Copilot Specialist offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the public sector while enjoying a hybrid work model in the vibrant city of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning and development opportunities, alongside a collaborative work culture that values innovation and stakeholder engagement. The role not only allows you to leverage your technical expertise but also to make a meaningful impact on how technology enhances productivity and collaboration within the organisation.
Contact Details:
Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing Recruitment Team
