Communications Officer - HMP Channings Wood

Working within the Business Hub Function, reporting to the Business Hub Manager, the Communications Officer ensures all content is published on time and of good quality. They are responsible for all internal communications and liaise with functions to produce innovative communication solutions.

HMPPS Communications provide a cost‑effective and efficient communications service that helps achieve the establishment’s strategic objective of protecting the public and reducing re‑offending by:

• Giving staff the information they need to ensure they complete their roles to a high standard.
• Helping other stakeholders feel confident in the establishment’s ability to achieve its objectives and be advocates for the Agency.
• Creating a strong brand.

The role also involves promoting HMPPS behaviours such as diversity, decency, safety and the reduction of re‑offending.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

• Publishing: Publisher for intranet, other internal message boards, in‑cell TVs and internal newsletter publications. Upload content to the intranet as part of the Business Hub. Maintain quality of links, images and metadata through monitoring and issue resolution. Ensure all content meets online guidelines. Develop working knowledge of all HMPPS online content management systems.
• Channel and Content Management: Collate and distribute messages from the Senior Management Team. Set templates and support the delivery of standard newsletters such as NPS and CRC News, including writing and proofing.
• Generic Production: Provide basic design, typesetting and proofing service for the team. Support production of communications products and materials as required. Assist with product development on behalf of Functional Heads and support the Business Hub Manager in delivering a high‑quality service. Support delivery of multimedia projects from concept to final delivery (e.g. community communications, portals, social media). Ensure adherence to government and industry online guidelines. Use systems to evaluate and maximise prison online coverage, including monitoring external websites and reporting particular issues as required. Maintain own professional knowledge and stay abreast of emerging trends.

Behaviours

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Requirements

• Complete specific training in the chosen administrative specialism once appointed.
• Successful assessment when transferring to a Young Persons establishment to demonstrate suitability to work with young people.
• Able to deal effectively and assertively with staff at all levels.
• Proficient user of MS Word and MS Excel.
• Ability to collate and analyse information.

Hours of Work

37 hours per week (excluding unpaid breaks). Unsocial hours may apply.

Benefits

• Holiday year runs from 1 March; entitlement calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
• 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) of bank, public and privilege holidays added to annual leave allowance.
• Choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
• Training and development opportunities in areas such as Equality, Diversity, Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti‑Bullying.

Equal Opportunity and Disability

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and to make adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace. Candidates can request reasonable adjustments. All staff are required to declare membership of groups or organisations considered racist by HMPPS.

Eligibility

Open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth citizens with right to work in the UK, EU/Switzerland, and family members with settled or pre‑settled status, among others.