Head of Internal Communications

We are currently looking for a Head of Internal Communications to join our Internal Communications team within the Communications and Engagement, Enablement group. This is a full‑time opportunity, on a 15 month fixed‑term contract. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4PU. Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month on site to enable collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs and can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder worked remotely.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The MHRA Communications and Engagement Function is a multi‑award‑winning team. We focus on supporting the Agency to deliver its business outcomes by putting patients and the public at the centre of all work. Our teams include News & Media, Communications, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement, and Customer Experience. This role is in the Communications team.

The Head of Internal Communications leads the internal communications function, including the team, budget, and initiatives, and drives continuous improvement. This is a great opportunity to make a significant contribution to a forward‑thinking organisation that values employee engagement.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the internal communications team, ensuring high‑quality service provision through clear strategic direction and priorities, developing and delivering communication strategies to our diverse workforce.
• Provide proactive strategic internal and transformation communications advice to senior leaders, including the executive committee and chief executive.
• Deliver, embed, and evaluate a cross‑agency internal communications strategy to support business priorities and culture change.
• Identify, plan, provide strategic oversight of, and develop opportunities for engaging content that responds to business priorities and promotes accessibility to all audiences.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and oral, capable of accurately and confidently communicating, influencing, and challenging staff and external contacts at all levels.
• A confident self‑starter who can operate independently, manage conflicting priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate flexibly within a team while encouraging feedback.
• Demonstrable track record of developing employee communications and engagement strategies, using a range of communication tools and techniques.
• Strong editorial skills, with a proven understanding of what makes a good news story and accessible content.
• Networker – proactively creating and maintaining positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Person Specification

Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Communicating and Influencing – Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral, with the ability to accurately and confidently communicate, influence, and challenge staff and external contacts at all levels.
• Developing Self and Others – A confident self‑starter who can operate independently, manage conflicting priorities, deliver to deadline, and work flexibly within a team, encouraging feedback and the views of others.

Experience Criteria:

• Extensive experience managing internal communications and stakeholder engagement for high‑profile organisational transformation programmes, including drafting action plans, securing resource, and setting performance standards.
• Proven senior leadership and management skills, with experience leading multi‑functional units in a complex organisation, motivating and developing staff, and managing performance.
• Demonstrable track record of developing employee communications and engagement strategies using a range of communication tools and techniques.

Technical Criteria:

• Strong editorial skills, with a proven understanding of what makes a good news story and interesting, accessible content.
• Demonstrable track record of project management skills, leading cross‑organisational and external team projects, anticipating risks, handling unanticipated problems, and communicating creative solutions to achieve successful resolution while delivering high customer service.
• A relevant qualification and membership of CIM, CIPR, or another relevant professional body is desirable.

Strengths Criteria:

• Strategic – looking at the big picture and considering wider factors and long‑term implications of decisions.
• Change Agent – positive and inspirational in leading and supporting others through change.
• Networker – proactively creating and maintaining positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a wide range of people and identifying connections to bring people together.

To find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification.

Use of AI in Job Applications: Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn.

Adjustments for disability: If you require any disability‑related adjustments, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Dates:

• Closing date: 18/03/2026
• Shortlisting date: 20/03/2026
• Interview date: 27/03/2026

Recruitment and Selection: Applicants will be assessed on whether they meet mandatory requirements, as well as necessary skills and experience. They are scored on competency‑based answers. Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements and Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on who can apply is available here. Successful candidates must pass disclosure and barring, animal rights, and pro‑life activism checks. Employees working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Health and Safety: Certain roles within the MHRA require post holders to have vaccinations or routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory‑based roles working directly with known pathogens.
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings.
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required.
• Roles requiring overseas travel where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants successful at interview will be subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check examines employees dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences, including those who resign or leave before dismissal. Applicants unable to pass the IFD check are ineligible.

Moving to the MHRA from another employer means you may lose access to childcare vouchers, but you may be eligible for other government schemes. Determine eligibility here.

Recruitment Principles: Your application is judged on merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated fairly, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk. For further complaints, contact the Civil Service Commission at civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.