Communications Officer - Communications - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Working within the CTP communications network and reporting directly to one of our Communication Managers, the CTP Communications Officer will assist us on priority communications programmes and projects that contribute directly to CTP’s mission to protect the public from terrorism.

You will be part of a highly motivated communications team, with the chance to learn from senior officers and police staff and work on one of the most important issues to the public. But you’ll also have the chance to put forward your own ideas for communications activity that supports wider organisational and operational objectives.

The post holder will help to plan, manage, deliver, evaluate and continually improve Counter Terrorism Policing’s communications. You’ll help us to make best use of our communication channels, supporting the team in developing compelling content that tells the story of CTP’s work to keep our communities safe from terrorism. You’ll play an active role in the wider communications profession within CTP, supporting initiatives that improve the effectiveness of what we do and how we work.

We are looking for a motivated individual with some experience working in communications, or a related discipline. You’ll understand how communications strategies and plans are developed and will be involved in communications activity that supports a range of operational and organisational priorities.

You will need to carry out a range of tasks to help plan, develop and implement communications activity. A positive and proactive approach is a must. You’ll have a keen interest and working understanding of different communications techniques and channels. You’ll need to manage your own work against plans and milestones and act promptly to ensure activity stays on track and outcomes are delivered. You will support wider essential administrative duties as required.

You’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to our team and national communications network, as well as your own ideas about how we can improve our communications work. You will play your part in wider initiatives across our network, for instance on Learning & Development. You will take active steps to contribute to our shared commitment to Inclusion, Diversity and Equality.

Key tasks/responsibilities

• To lead on all administrative requirements to effectively support the delivery of high standard Communications requirements and products.

• Provide administrative support to the Head / Deputy of Communications

• Collaborate with members across the CTP comms team, the CTP Network and key senior leaders to proactively produce innovative and impactive content to support our Internal and external comms, engage our key audiences and help promote CTP: developing trust and confidence, promoting CTP excellence and success and CTP brand management.

• Provide advice and support on evaluation and insight from campaigns to key CTP seniors and relevant stakeholders.

• Collaborate across the CTP Communications Team and the CTP network to produce highest quality and effective communications products, with due consideration for how the internal comms work can be supported and promoted through other comms channels and specialisms to ensure a holistic approach to all of our communications delivery (eg: Media, Campaigns, Partnerships, Change, Internal)

• Strong quality assurance ability to ensure that all CTP products reach our highest standards.

• An advocate for our shared commitment to IDE in everything we do

• Support the wider delivery effort of the CTP HQ communications team and crisis response as part of any national CT Major incident., The successful applicant would be expected to work from NSY for a minimum of two days a week

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Confidentiality Agreement

Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.

Our Employee Commitments

Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of "Working to keep people safe from Terrorism".

Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today’s complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations’., The following values will be tested against during sift:

• Professionalism

• Courage

Disability Confident Statement

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.

As a Disability Confident employer, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.

Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about

• Some experience (+2 years) working on communications projects with evidence demonstrating your impact and involvement.

• Interest and understanding of different communications disciplines (eg: internal, marketing, digital etc) and how they operate together.

• Awareness of the role of audience insight and research in planning communications activity

• Good understanding of various communication channels, using that knowledge to choose the right approach.

• Ability to look ahead and plan communications activity, keeping in mind wider context and organisational activity.

• Experience in producing high quality content for different audience groups, purpose and formats.

• Understanding of the importance of evaluation and the practical application of lessons learned to improve communications activity.

• Confidence and enthusiasm to put forward new ideas and suggest innovative approaches, based on wider awareness of the latest communication developments.

• Ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders of all levels and to express ideas and views persuasively.

• Committed to self-improvement, with an enthusiasm for Learning & Development, and a desire to contribute to wider team and network initiatives.

• Willing to play your part and support others in times of crisis, including working under pressure.

Management Skills

• A good team mate who considers the welfare and wellbeing of colleagues

• Sets a good example in terms of energy, self-motivation, personal values and commitment to high quality communication.

• Ability to plan ahead and meet deadlines, and respond to changing priorities.

• Conveys positivity and enthusiasm in meeting the challenges of difficult or complex changes and tasks.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and deliver on competing demands.

• Able to work flexibly on a range of activities, both independently and as part of a team

• Able to build good relationships with a wide range of people.

• Prepared to ask for advice and seek more help if it is needed.

• Willing to participate in an out-hour-hours rota and be prepared to work flexibly out of normal office hours if circumstances require it

Desirables

• Good understanding of digital communications

• Interest in the application of behavioural science to communications

• Awareness of the use of analytical tools and data to improve communications.

Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).