Internal Communications Officer (Headquarters, Chelmsford)

This is an exciting role for a talented internal communications professional to join a complex organisation with more than 6,000 police officers, staff and volunteers spread across the county. The Internal Communications Officer plays a key role in keeping colleagues informed and engaged across the constantly evolving policing landscape, including changes to legislation, technology, systems, estate and day-to-day operations. They will provide strategic internal communications support to internal senior leaders and colleagues across the force and play a key role during major incidents and emergencies by sharing timely and relevant information.

Day-to-day, the role involves maintaining our connEXion intranet, editing our Chief Constable’s weekly blog, driving engagement on our internal platforms including Viva Engage, and creating a range of written and creative content. The role requires a keen eye for detail and a focus on evaluating the success of projects and communications materials. Our Internal Communications team also runs our busy force-wide reward and recognition programme recognising the achievements of our hardworking officers, staff and volunteers, including our annual awards and our Long Service & Good Conduct events. The successful candidate will take a lead role in these events and will also support employee engagement programmes throughout the year to help colleagues understand and contribute to our mission of protecting people, keeping people safe, catching criminals, and preventing and detecting crime.

In the role, you will be producing clear and concise communications, supporting senior colleagues and coordinating events, roadshows and briefings – ensuring colleagues across the organisation feel valued and are informed and involved in delivering Essex Police’s vision and values.

• Produce and edit internal communications content across multiple platforms.
• Support senior leaders with crisis communications and strategic messaging.
• Maintain the connEXion intranet and Chief Constable’s weekly blog.
• Drive engagement on internal platforms such as Viva Engage.
• Produce and lead reward and recognition programmes and employee engagement events.
• Measure the effectiveness of communications efforts and projects.

• Professional communication skills across content development, media relations, campaigning, filming and editing, advising senior management, crisis communications.
• Qualified to degree level in a relevant subject (media, communications) or an NCTJ or BJTC-qualified journalist.
• At least two years’ experience in a similar role.
• Proven communications experience with understanding of complex and sensitive issues within a public sector environment.
• Understanding of branding principles and effective internal communication strategies aligned with Essex Police aims.
• Ability to prepare lively and crisp copy for internal publications with strong editorial skills.
• Skills to advise on layout and design of material and ability to be well-organised and methodical in managing projects.
• Knowledge of policing issues, relevant legislation, and NHS environment is essential.
• Pro-active, innovative, creative, able to propose options and maintain high-quality internal communication networks.
• Strong interpersonal, persuasion and influence skills to gain credibility with all levels of staff and officers.
• Excellent communication, presentation skills, eye for detail and passion for plain English.

Starting Salary: £42,612.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies). Full-time permanent contract with flexible working including some home working, subject to operational needs.

Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status. As a Disability Confident Leader we have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation. We are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work. Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included. Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer.