Communications Director

At Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL), we play an important role within the wider Ministry of Justice family.

Our work supports the safe and secure operation of the prison estate and contributes directly to rehabilitation and essential public service delivery.

Guided by our values of Pride in People, Do the Right Thing, and One Team, we provide critical services to a complex and high‑profile environment.

We're looking for an experienced Communications Director to lead GFSL's communications function through a significant period of organisational transformation.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will shape and deliver an integrated communications strategy spanning external affairs, media relations, reputation management, government and stakeholder engagement, executive communications, and employee engagement.

As a trusted adviser to the CEO and Executive Team, you will protect and enhance GFSL's reputation, ensuring clear, consistent, and credible messaging across all audiences.

This role requires a strategic and influential leader who can combine long-term vision with hands‑on delivery, building strong stakeholder relationships and supporting the organisation through change while leading a high‑performing communications team.

What you will do

• Lead and deliver GFSL's communications strategy, ensuring a clear and consistent organisational narrative across internal and external audiences.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the CEO, Executive Team and senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder engagement and organisational change.
• Protect and enhance GFSL's reputation by identifying risks and opportunities and leading the response to sensitive or high-profile issues.
• Oversee all media relations activity, including proactive press engagement, media enquiries, crisis communications and liaison with the Mo J Press Office.
• Lead internal communications and employee engagement, ensuring colleagues are informed, engaged and aligned with GFSL's vision, values and strategic priorities.
• Manage and develop the communications function, setting priorities, standards and supporting the growth of the communications team.
• Shape the external profile of the CEO and Executive Team, including speeches, presentations, thought leadership and public speaking opportunities.
• Lead stakeholder and government engagement, building strong relationships with the Mo J, HMPPS, industry partners and key external organisations.
• Support major transformation programmes and organisational change, ensuring clear communication, stakeholder alignment and effective reputation management throughout.
• Oversee GFSL's external communication channels and content, including digital platforms, executive communications, employer branding and corporate messaging.
• What we are looking for

Essential Skills and Experience

• 10 years + experience in Communications, External Affairs, Media Relations, Public Affairs or Reputation Management within a complex organisation.
• Proven track record of leading communications teams, internal communications and employee engagement strategies.
• Experience advising senior leaders and executives on communications, reputation and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong expertise in media relations, crisis communications and managing sensitive reputational issues.
• Excellent writing, presentation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Degree-level qualification in a relevant field (Communications, Media, Public Affairs, Journalism, Public relations), and equivalent professional experience.

Desirable

• Experience within the public sector, justice sector or government environment.
• Experience supporting major organisational change, transformation or transition programmes.
• Knowledge of Government Communication Service (GCS) principles.
• Professional membership of CIPR or a similar recognised communications body.

Benefits include

• Free private GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Death in Service benefit (4× salary)
• Financial reward schemes and retailer discounts
• A strong safety culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion

Pride In People.

We're passionate about promoting greater diversity and creating a workplace and culture where all employees have a voice that is heard, feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to be their true selves.

We recognise the value that every single employee brings to the organisation.

Everyone's needs at work are different and we are committed to doing our best to satisfy these differences whilst ensuring consistency and fairness for all.

We promise to champion diversity and inclusion with ongoing learning and training, as well as career progression opportunities for everyone.

Future plans

GFSL has been notified by its shareholder (MOJ) that the provision of FM services will in future be delivered by the private sector.

This means that following a successful procurement process, GFSL's services will complete transfer to a private sector provider/providers no sooner than August 2027.

• Pride in People - Do the Right Thing - One Team
• GFSL - An ISO 9001 Certified Company
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