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- Tasks: Lead communication and engagement for the DASH programme, shaping user interaction and community support.
- Company: Join Defra, a key UK government department focused on environmental protection and rural economy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in data science while engaging with diverse stakeholders across the government.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement are essential.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting transition to a fully operational service by 2026.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
This role will be based in the Data Science and Analytics Hub (DASH) within the Central Analysis and Insights Directorate (CAID) in Defra. CAID has a key, strategic role to play in leading on cross cutting issues and ensuring that high quality analysis is driving Defra’s strategy, policy and ways of delivering. Alongside this, the Central Data Office’s strategic roadmap seeks to put data at the heart of everything the department does.
The DASH programme is a partnership between CAID and Digital, Data Technology and Services (DDTS) to transform data science and analysis across the Defra group by delivering scalable, adaptable, future-ready and user-oriented services that nurture a highly skilled community of analysts and scientists. We foster collaboration, continuous learning and innovation through learning and development and the provision of modern tools and data services that enable data-driven decision making to improve and protect the environment.
CAID lead the community, capability and engagement elements enabling them to prioritise user needs in the development of the platform and data accessibility. DASH provides the data science expertise to support the analytical and science community in using the platform. DDTS deliver the data and technology capabilities, primarily through the development and delivery of the DASH Platform, and its ongoing support and maintenance.
As Comms & Engagement Lead for DASH, you will play a key role in shaping the way in which we communicate with our users and engage with our community and stakeholders across the Defra group. You will also contribute towards developing and supporting the data science community, driving innovation and ensuring usage and impact of DASH is maximised. Finally, you will be the secretariat for two senior governance groups, interacting with senior leaders across the Defra group and supporting decision-making.
This is a very exciting time to join the DASH programme, as we are transitioning from being a public beta service to a fully operational live service in April 2026.
As Comms & Engagement Lead, you will be expected to:
- Lead the engagement and alignment with key stakeholders and connected initiatives (e.g. ACT, CDO, EOCoE, AI unit, Geospatial community)
- Lead on the communication of DASH’s purpose, successes and lessons across Defra Group and government, including through leading on the newsletter and on planning events
- Lead on the delivery of the Comms & Engagement Strategy, including the continuous improvement of our SharePoint site and our general comms package
- Support the Head of Strategy & Engagement to be the outward face of the DASH team – building profile, securing engagement and developing an understanding of business needs for the DASH service
- Convene and support the DASH user community through organising community events
- Help develop a marketing strategy to ensure DASH understands the potential market across Defra group, the market penetration, identifies opportunities to grow market share and can effectively and accurately support forecasting of demand for the DASH platform
- Be the secretariat for the DASH Programme Board and Design & Delivery Group, ensuring that the meeting invitations are correct, collating / sharing documents in advance, taking notes and sharing minutes and follow-ups
Communication & Engagement Lead in London employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication & Engagement Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your work and achievements. This is your chance to demonstrate what you can bring to the table, especially in communication and engagement roles like the one at Defra.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand Defra’s mission and how DASH fits into it. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in driving innovation and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Communication & Engagement Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Comms & Engagement Lead. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at DASH, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a key part of this role involves communication, be sure to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or led communications strategies.
Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit: We value teamwork here at StudySmarter, especially in a role that requires engaging with various stakeholders. Share instances where you've worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal, particularly in a data-driven environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at DASH.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and its current initiatives. Understanding their mission and how the DASH programme fits into their goals will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Comms & Engagement Lead, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or led communication strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would convey DASH's purpose and successes to various audiences.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve fostered collaboration or driven innovation within a community, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the future direction of the DASH programme or how they measure the impact of their communications. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in the department's long-term success.
