HMP The Mount - Business Administrator Specialist - Communications Officer in Hemel Hempstead

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

HMPPS Communications provide a cost effective and efficient communications service that helps achieve the establishment strategic objective of protecting the public and reducing reoffending specifically 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.
• Promoting HMPPS behaviours e.g. promote diversity, decency, safety and reducing re‑offending agendas.

The Communications Officer will be responsible for creating a cohesive communications platform including liaising with Functional Heads and central teams; keeping up‑to‑date distribution lists; facilitating consistent messaging across the establishment; and building our external presence. The post holder will work within the Business Hub, working with the Head of Business Assurance and Business Hub Managers. They will also have regular communication with the Heads of Functions across the establishment. This is a non‑operational job with no line management responsibilities. This role is rotational.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Publisher for intranet and other internal message boards, including in‑cell TVs and internal newsletter publications. As part of the Business Hub, responsible for uploading content to the intranet. Ensures the quality of links, images and metadata through regular monitoring and identification of issues and ensuring fixes where appropriate. Responsible for ensuring the quality of all content is consistent with online guidelines. Develops working knowledge of all online content management systems used in HMPPS.
• Responsible for regular collation and distribution of messages from the Senior Management Team, working with colleagues within the Business Hub to ensure that all necessary communications are sent out. Working to set templates, supports the Business Hub in delivering a range of standard newsletters such as NPS and CRC News. This includes writing and proofing.
• Provides basic design, typesetting and proofing service for the team. Supports production of communications products and materials as required. Provides assistance in product development on behalf of Functional Heads and supporting the Business Hub Manager in delivering a high quality service to the establishment. Supports delivery of multimedia projects from concept to final delivery e.g. community communications and portals, social media etc. Supports government and industry good practice online guidelines and ensures these are adhered to across establishment communications and the wider organisation. Uses systems to evaluate and maximise prison online coverage such as internet search results and monitoring of external websites e.g. blog‑sites, reporting particular issues as required to the planning, research and evaluation manager. Maintains own professional knowledge and keeps abreast of emerging trends.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. They must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Behaviours

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

Technical Requirements

Job holders must complete specific training in their administrative specialism once they take up post. When transferring to a Young Persons establishment the job holder will be required to successfully undertake an assessment to demonstrate suitability to work with Young People.

Ability

• Able to deal effectively and assertively with staff at all levels
• Able user of MS Word and MS Excel
• Information collation and analysis

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

37 hours per week.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre‑employment checks. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

• Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays: 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance.
• Pension: The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes.
• Season Ticket Advance: After two months’ service, eligibility to apply for a season ticket advance.
• Work Life Balance: HMPPS encourages alternative working arrangements to support a good work life balance.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020, Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.

Level of security checks required

DBS Standard.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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 the application may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.