Senior Internal Communications Adviser in Hampshire

We’re seeking an exceptional internal communications lead to join one of the largest and highest performing county councils in the country. This pivotal role sits at the heart of Hampshire County Council, shaping how we engage and support our workforce, influence senior leadership and strengthen organisational culture at a critical moment for local government.

You’ll bring deep expertise in engaging large, diverse workforces through clear, purposeful internal communications – helping colleagues feel informed, supported, connected and confident as the organisation transitions to a new model of local government under Local Government Reorganisation. This is a rare opportunity to shape how we communicate major organisational and cultural change across a workforce of tens of thousands, at a once in a generation moment for local government.

The Role: This is a high‑profile, senior leadership role at the heart of the organisation. As Senior Internal Communications Adviser, you’ll set the strategic direction for internal communications across Hampshire County Council, ensuring it supports corporate priorities, strengthens organisational culture and enables effective delivery – particularly during periods of significant change. You’ll report to the Strategic Communications Business Partner as the Council’s senior professional adviser on internal communications, trusted by senior leadership to provide expert advice, challenge and guidance.

Working closely with leadership teams, HR, Organisational Development and Communications colleagues, you’ll ensure our workforce receives clear, timely and engaging communications that build understanding, confidence and trust. This role also plays a key part in coordinating internal communications alongside partner authorities within the Hampshire and Solent area, supporting shared services, Local Government Reorganisation and cross‑authority working.

What you’ll do: You’ll lead and champion internal communications across the organisation, combining strategic leadership with professional oversight. This will include:

• Leading the development, delivery and continuous improvement of the Council’s internal communications strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, organisational culture, workforce engagement and major change programmes, including LGR.
• Acting as the senior professional adviser on internal communications, providing expert counsel to corporate leadership and senior managers.
• Providing strategic leadership for internal communications during periods of significant organisational change, with particular focus on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) ensuring staff are well‑informed, supported and engaged throughout transition.
• Leading and assuring the planning, coordination and quality of all internal communications activity, ensuring messages are clear, timely, consistent, accessible and aligned to the corporate narrative and values.
• Working collaboratively with partner local authorities and communications leads across Hampshire and the Solent area to support aligned and coordinated internal messaging where appropriate.
• Overseeing the operational delivery of internal communications, including internal channels, staff briefings, leadership communications, organisational updates and change and engagement activity.
• Leading the development of internal messaging frameworks, tone of voice guidance and internal communications protocols, enabling consistency while supporting effective local delivery.
• Line managing and professionally developing internal communications staff, providing clear direction, prioritisation and performance oversight to ensure high-quality delivery and continuous improvement.
• Working closely with HR, Organisational Development and corporate functions to embed effective internal communications into workforce, wellbeing and engagement activity.
• Leading on evaluation and insight of internal communications, using data, feedback and engagement metrics to improve effectiveness, inform senior leaders and demonstrate value.
• Championing modern, efficient and inclusive digital approaches to internal communications, improving reach, engagement and staff experience.
• Developing and maintaining strong governance for internal communications, including forward planning, risk management and alignment with corporate assurance and governance requirements.
• Ensuring internal communications are inclusive, accessible and compliant with equality, accessibility, data protection and GDPR requirements, reflecting best practice in employee communications.

What we’re looking for: This is a senior, strategic role. We’re looking for a highly skilled internal communications professional with the experience, credibility, judgement and influence to operate at a high level. You’ll be able to demonstrate:

• You are qualified to graduate level or equivalent professional qualification in communications, public relations or marketing.
• Extensive senior‑level experience in internal communications, employee engagement or change communications, ideally within a large, complex organisation.
• Proven experience of developing and leading internal communications strategy, including during periods of significant organisational change or transformation.
• The confidence and professional authority to advise and influence senior management, including at executive‑level.
• Strong understanding of employee engagement, organisational culture and change communication, and how internal communications supports delivery and workforce confidence.
• Experience of leading, assuring and improving high‑quality internal communications, with excellent editorial judgement and attention to accuracy, clarity and accessibility.
• A track record of leading, developing and motivating communications professionals, setting clear priorities and driving continuous improvement.
• Outstanding writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex or sensitive information into clear, engaging internal communications.
• Experience of working collaboratively across organisational boundaries, including with partners or other public sector bodies, to align messaging where required.
• A strong commitment to inclusive, accessible and ethical communications, with good knowledge of equality, accessibility, data protection and GDPR requirements.
• An evidence‑based approach, with experience of using insight, feedback and data to evaluate impact and demonstrate value.
• A collaborative and resilient team player, able to work at pace with strong attention to detail, managing multiple priorities and competing demands while exercising sound judgement in complex, high profile and fast moving environments.