At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for staff retention and outreach across HMPPS.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension schemes, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff engagement and retention in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in communications and experience in building partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 58511 - 65329 £ per year.
This role provides strategic leadership for retention and outreach communications across HMPPS, moving the current function from delivery‑led activity to a coordinated, enabling model. The postholder will own the development of a coherent cross‑system strategy, addressing fragmentation across communications, HR and operational teams, and lead a specialist team to deliver retention consultancy, outreach coordination and magistrates’ partnerships. The role operates at senior level, working closely with HMPPS senior leaders and governance forums to drive measurable improvements in staff engagement and retention outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and drive a coherent, cross‑HMPPS retention and outreach communications strategy, ensuring alignment across prisons, probation and magistrates and addressing fragmentation across communications, HR and operational activity.
- Lead and develop a high‑performing team, setting clear priorities and direction while empowering team members (SIOs and IOs) to deliver retention consultancy, outreach coordination and partnerships activity at pace.
- Coordinate and enable outreach/events activity, providing strategy, tools, messaging and evaluation frameworks to support national and local delivery.
- Provide strategic oversight of retention communications, ensuring targeted, insight‑led support to prisons and probation areas with the greatest need, in line with operational priorities.
- Oversee the development of high‑value partnerships for magistrates’ recruitment, working with employers, civil service organisations and external partners to open new recruitment routes and increase awareness of the magistracy.
- Provide communications leadership to senior governance forums, including the Retention Delivery Committee, ensuring communications activity is aligned to business priorities and driving measurable impact.
- Build strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders across HMPPS, MoJ and external organisations, positioning communications as a key partner in delivering workforce priorities.
- Set and embed best practice approaches to communications, developing scalable models, driving innovation and ensuring consistent use of insight and evaluation to improve impact.
- Work collaboratively across MoJ Communications, ensuring alignment with corporate, internal, digital and external communications, and avoiding duplication of activity.
- Lead a flexible and evolving programme of work, adapting priorities based on emerging insight, operational demand and a developing policy landscape.
- Embed a culture of insight and evaluation, contributing as a senior leader within the Recruitment and Retention Communications team, supporting wider team direction, culture, inclusion and continuous improvement.
Key Requirements
- Strong leader with demonstrable experience leading communications professionals in complex environments, with a proven ability to deliver communications programmes and campaigns.
- Experience in internal staff engagement, and in managing external events and campaigns, with a proven ability to integrate communication activities across multiple departments.
- Background in building relationships and partnerships with external organisations, including employers, civil service bodies and other stakeholders.
- Track record of measuring impact and using insight and evaluation to inform future activity.
- Excellent relationship‑building skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders across HMPPS, MoJ and external partners.
- Creative thinking and resilience, with an ability to help the team develop innovative solutions to problems or blockers.
- Capable of leading a high‑performing team, setting priorities and empowering team members to deliver on time.
Working Arrangements
The role is based in the UK and requires a minimum of 60% of working time to be spent in an office, in line with MoJ hybrid working policy. Flexible arrangements may be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.
Salary and Benefits
National salary range: £58,511 – £65,329. London salary range: £63,343 – £70,725. Salary is dependent on base location. The Ministry of Justice contributes towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 after five years; scheme allows qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days each year, plus public holidays and a privilege day.
Pension: choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
Training: extensive range of development opportunities.
Employee‑run networks: opportunities to join networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTI employees.
Additional benefits: family‑friendly policies (reduced hours, job share), voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts, childcare support schemes, paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave, free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.
Workplace culture: inclusive and supportive environment, opportunities to influence policy and contribute to continuous improvement.
Head of Retention Communications and Outreach employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee engagement and development. With a strong focus on strategic leadership in retention communications, this role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from extensive training, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and family-friendly policies. Join us in shaping the future of justice in the UK, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retention Communications and Outreach
✨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 Ministry of Justice, 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 Ministry of Justice and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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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 Head of Retention Communications and Outreach
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 Ministry of Justice 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 Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, 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 Ministry of Justice.
