At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team managing briefings, correspondence, and Freedom of Information requests.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, the UK's pioneering high-speed rail network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on safety, respect, and integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on HS2's reputation and transparency while promoting inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and handling FOI/EIR requests is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40640 - 49672 £ per year.
Location - London or Birmingham
Salary: Base salary: From £41,092 pa Birmingham or £44,380 pa London depending on skills and experience. In addition, we offer flexible benefits fund of 15% which is paid on top base salary and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits.
This is a Fixed Term Contract opportunity until 30th September 2027 after which in some circumstances the role may become a permanent position.
HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.
As a Briefings, Correspondence and FOI (BCFOI) Manager at HS2 you will play a key role in managing HS2 Ltd’s reputation internally and externally, ensuring the company fulfils its statutory duties and delivers on agreements with the Department for Transport and with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
About the role:
- Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
- Deputise for the Senior Manager BCFOI to protect HS2 Ltd’s reputation internally and externally by ensuring that the transparency obligations within the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) are fully discharged in a timely manner and comply with the service level agreements (SLAs) set by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Independent Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
- Provide strategic and expert advice to senior colleagues, including HS2 Executive members and the CEO Office on relevant legislation in response to briefings and FOI requests.
- Manage the relationships between HS2 Ltd and other key external stakeholders including the Information Commissioner’s Office, the correspondence team in the Department for Transport, Members of Parliament, and Peers.
- Oversee and manage the day-to-day process for and caseload of the Briefings, Correspondence & FOI (BCFOI) team.
- Manage the preparation of high quality, accurate and timely responses to information and briefing requests.
- Develop and maintain briefing materials, templates and reports, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the team and the company.
- Provide leadership to the team of BCFOI Advisers, driving the adoption of best practice and supporting their professional development.
- Develop and run an awareness and training programme across the business.
- Lead the administration and management of the HS2 senior stakeholder speaker engagement programme.
- Work as part of the BCFOI/Public Affairs rota, performing on-call out of hours duties when required.
About You:
Skills:
- Management skills in leading teams to achieve set deliverables within tight deadlines.
- Influencing and negotiation skills with both internal and external audiences.
- Ability to deliver quality, accurate and targeted communications at a senior level.
- Advisory skills at senior level internally and externally on complex matters.
- Stakeholder management at an internal and external senior level.
- Analytical skills, including the ability to collate, interpret and present complex information.
- Organisational and planning skills, with the ability to work to agreed deadlines.
- Problem resolution skills, with the ability to identify issues and exercise judgement.
- Ability to handle confidential information sensitively and discretely.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programmes, especially Excel.
Knowledge:
- Political awareness and understanding of matters relating to HS2.
- Knowledge of the planning and parliamentary process.
- Understanding of corporate communications and community engagement best practice.
- Detailed knowledge of the principles and application of the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations.
- Understanding of government communications processes.
- Knowledge of transport and/or major infrastructure projects.
Experience:
- Experience in managing and supporting teams in responding to briefings, correspondence and freedom of information requests.
- Experience of managing teams to deliver briefings and correspondence information.
- Experience in managing FOI/EIR requests.
- Experience of managing financial, policy and technical concepts.
- Experience in developing persuasive content for use across a range of communications channels.
The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the HS2 values of Safety, Leadership, Integrity and Respect. It is expected that you will actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work.
As HS2 Ltd do not hold a sponsorship license from the Home Office, we are not able to provide sponsorship to any applicant. Applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK at the time of application.
Any offers made to applicants will be subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK’s new high speed rail network, improving capacity and creating thousands of jobs. HS2 Ltd aims to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff.
Briefings & Correspondence & Freedom of Information Manager in London employer: HS2 (High Speed 2)
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our projects. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we provide ample opportunities for growth while working on transformative infrastructure projects that shape the future. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive culture that values knowledge sharing and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Briefings & Correspondence & Freedom of Information Manager in London
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✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Briefings & Correspondence & Freedom of Information Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at HS2 (High Speed 2) and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed 2)
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like HS2 (High Speed 2) will want to see.
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You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to HS2 (High Speed 2).
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at HS2 (High Speed 2).
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at HS2 (High Speed 2). We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
