At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Briefing, Correspondence and FOI Manager in delivering key functions.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a leader in creating inclusive workplaces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits fund, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while promoting equality and diversity.
- Qualifications: Strong written communication and stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32050 - 37700 £ per year.
Location - Birmingham
Salary and benefits: Base £32,050pa to £37,700pa plus a 15% flexible benefits fund that is fully pensionable. Additional competitive benefits are listed on the website.
Overview
HS2 Ltd strives to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. In this role you will support the Briefing, Correspondence and FOI Manager and administer systems to deliver the Briefing, Correspondence and FOI function.
Responsibilities
- Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all work, supporting organisational initiatives and policies.
- Prepare briefing materials and written correspondence for Members of Parliament, Peers and senior stakeholders, coordinating with other teams.
- Deliver responses to Parliamentary Questions.
- Acknowledge, log, co‑ordinate and respond to FOI & EIR requests, assessing available information and determining disclosure suitability.
- Formulate responses to FOI/EIR requests, working with colleagues to reduce complex material into concise, final responses.
- Assist the Manager with internal training workshops, logistics, material preparation and delivery.
- Respond to updates in guidance and legislation, ensuring policy and procedures meet FOI Act and EIR requirements.
- Administer systems and team rota, supporting implementation of correspondence and FOI processes.
- Support procedures for accurate recording and reporting of correspondence and FOI data.
- Provide weekly, monthly and ad‑hoc reports to the Manager.
- Administer and support Public Affairs and External Affairs processes, including the Speaker Request process and record keeping.
- Develop collaborative internal relationships and maintain stakeholder understanding to support programme delivery.
- Support external affairs activities and projects, providing appropriate briefing materials.
- Liaise with Business Areas to ensure accurate and timely population of the Publication Scheme.
- Participate in on‑call out‑of‑hours duties within the BCFOI/Public Affairs rota.
Skills
- Clear, accurate, consistent written communication.
- Stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills; ability to adjust to different audiences and handle difficult stakeholders.
- Analytical skills for collating, interpreting and presenting information coherently.
- Project management and planning skills to meet specified timescales.
- Confidentiality, sensitivity and discretion with sensitive information.
- Ability to produce results under tight deadlines.
- Problem‑resolution skills, identifying issues and exercising judgement to solve and escalate problems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and CRM databases.
Knowledge
- Political awareness and understanding.
- Information management systems and processes.
- Planning and parliamentary processes.
- Project Management techniques.
- FOI Act (2000), EIR (2004) and related guidance, codes of practice.
- Corporate communications, community engagement, internal communications, social media, PR and media relations.
- Publication information requirements.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) database knowledge.
- Microsoft Office programmes, especially Excel.
Experience
- Administering and maintaining information management systems.
- Co‑ordinating and responding to multiple customer or stakeholder enquiries on time.
- Managing briefings and correspondence to senior stakeholders.
- Handling financial, policy and technical concepts to deliver accessible information.
- Processing sensitive data and enquiries.
- Handling FOI/EIR requests in line with statutory requirements.
Professional requirements
HS2 Ltd does not hold a sponsorship licence; applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK at the time of application. A Right to Work validation will be carried out prior to the interview stage. Certain time‑bound visas are not accepted. Offers are subject to satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks, including Nationality & Immigration Status, employment references, DBS, financial and education checks. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Employees must behave in a manner consistent with HS2 values – Safety, Leadership, Integrity and Respect – and actively promote EDI. HS2 Ltd is safety‑critical; all staff must adhere to the ‘Safe at Heart’ programme and safe working procedures at all times.
Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser in Birmingham employer: HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and personal development, offering flexible working arrangements and a supportive work culture. As the Director of Supply Chain Management, you will lead a high-performing team in a dynamic environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth while ensuring compliance with stringent safety and quality standards. Located in either Birmingham or London, HS2 Ltd fosters collaborative partnerships and encourages innovation, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the future of railway infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd.
