Communications Lead

The Communications team sits within the Impact team, alongside colleagues working in policy and publications. We work closely together and support one another as needed, ensuring a joined‑up and collaborative approach across the team. We welcome new ideas and encourage thoughtful and practical ways of developing and improving our work.

This role will work closely with the Communications Manager to support the delivery of both internal and external communications across the organisation. You will play a key part in ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent, and effective, supporting engagement with members and stakeholders.

• Working with volunteers to draft and finalise press releases to accompany annual reports
• Ensuring annual reports are published to the IMB website on the expiry of the non‑publication embargo and managing the circulation of annual reports to contact lists, via online platform Brevo
• Managing the receipt of, and publication of ministerial responses to reports
• Supporting the Communications Manager with media enquiries
• Providing advice to Boards on media queries, including presenting at bi‑annual Board leaders training events
• Organisation and running of virtual recruitment events
• Support drafting and publishing the monthly CEO update for IMB members and newsletters for the Lay Observers
• Supporting colleagues with the circulation of ad‑hoc communications to volunteers
• Leading on ensuring our external facing websites (IMB and Lay Observers) contain appropriate information for stakeholders and members of the public
• Working with colleagues to adapt and develop appropriate content for internal members' intranets (IMB and Lay Observers)
• Management of shared advertising materials to raise awareness of IMBs in prisons and immigration detention facilities
• Supporting regional colleagues with recruitment outreach, including scheduling radio interviews, creation and editing of magazine adverts and press releases focused on local publications
• Monitoring media coverage relating to the IMB and Lay Observers and maintaining an awareness of media coverage of the justice system, in particular places of detention
• Acting as a shared point of contact for day‑to‑day communications matters, dealing with a wide range of queries from external organisations and IMB members
• Working with colleagues to design a calendar of member learning and engagement events, covering relevant issues to volunteers
• Working collaboratively with the IMB staff group and supporting the Publications Team and Policy Team when necessary
• Creation of digital imagery to support social media
• Managing the IMB Instagram and Facebook page
• Occasional support to colleagues with in‑person events
• Occasional visits to Boards to support relationships with members

You will work in a hybrid environment, with a minimum of 60% office presence and the flexibility to work from home or other MoJ sites where permitted. Travel may be required to places of detention and other relevant sites.

• Experience of using content management systems, primarily WordPress, or willingness to learn
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with the media, preferably within the criminal justice sector
• Ability to tailor messages to specific audiences to maximise impact and effectiveness
• Experience of creating material to attract attention and pass on key messages
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Experience of managing multiple responsibilities and working with numerous teams
• Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders, and deal with difficult situations and challenging relationships
• Ability to manage multiple projects, work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• Good all‑round IT skills and ability to take advantage of technology including Canva and social media
• Experience of working with volunteers to deliver a service, or a genuine interest in being involved in such work
• Experience of writing and editing for websites and newsletters or adapting copy for different audiences

We do not require experience of working in either immigration detention or prison settings.

Level of security checks required: Baseline Personal Security Standard (BPSS).

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our teams and welcome applications from less represented groups.