Senior Communications Manager

The Judicial Communications team for judges and magistrates is looking for an experienced communications professional to add to a reliable and innovative communications team based at the Royal Courts of Justice. The Judicial Office (JO) reports to, and is accountable, to the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ). It was established in 2006 to provide support to the LCJ and to the wider judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in delivering justice impartially, speedily and efficiently, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.

In addition, we support, and are accountable to, the Senior President of Tribunals, whose responsibilities extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland. The JO is an interesting and unique place to work. Everything we do is in support of upholding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. We work closely with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and others across Government as well as with the legal professions.

We are an Arm’s Length Body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. This creates an interesting and complex environment in which to work where we agree our priorities with the senior judiciary and receive our funding to deliver them from the Ministry of Justice. The Judicial Office has been through a period of significant growth resulting from an expansion of our remit and responsibilities.

Magistrates are a vital part of the justice system and central to reducing the criminal court backlog. Following the Independent Review of Criminal Courts, strengthening the resilience and capacity of magistrates’ courts is a critical priority for the Judiciary, Ministers, and the MoJ Board. Most criminal cases start—and around 95% conclude—in magistrates’ courts, making a sufficient, skilled and diverse magistracy essential. The Magistrates Uplift programme will ensure we have the magistrates we need and brings together the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, HMCTS, magistrates themselves and key partners such as the Magistrates Association. This high‑profile programme aims to increase magistrate numbers by 50% to reach 21,000 by 2028/29. It is closely overseen by Ministers and the judiciary.

The Job

Reporting directly to the Head of Judicial Communications and supported by a Communications Officer, you will work across the communications team to lead on high‑profile internal and external communications focused on the recruitment and retention of magistrates and the implementation of other changes predominantly arising from Sir Brian Leveson’s review of criminal courts.

You will be expected to work closely with the judicial press office and ministry of justice, suggest innovative new campaign and content ideas and lead on their implementation, while ensuring the co‑ordination of communications relating to changes happening across all jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert strategic communications advice and support to senior leaders and judges.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate communications strategies and campaigns for the areas in their portfolio, using the full range of internal and external communication channels to build awareness and influence behaviours.
• Manage and provide direction to one Communications Officer (HIO/HEO).
• Identify opportunities for delivering magistrates recruitment and retention communications activity using a range of internal and external channels in a strategic manner.
• Lead on the production and coordination of communications regarding changes to the judiciary arising from the Courts and Tribunals Bill and any subsequent legislation.
• Produce and edit engaging written and filmed content.
• Ensure content on the judicial intranet and website is up to date and tailored to different audiences.
• Work closely with the press team, the wider JO, HMCTS and MoJ staff to deliver messages across channels and extend our reach to target audiences.
• Evaluate and report on communications activity and outcomes, using insights to enhance how we engage with our targeted audience and apply any findings to shape future strategies.
• Work with external suppliers and design agencies to design and deliver content where appropriate.
• There may also be potential to participate in the social media out of hours rota, for which an additional allowance is paid.

Skills and Qualifications

• Have experience in designing and delivering effective communications campaigns to build awareness and influence behaviours, from start to finish.
• Possess creativity and keenness to develop and deliver innovative communications, using digital and offline channels.
• Have experience of creating and delivering engaging content for digital platforms.
• Have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Be confident in using audience insight and evaluation to inform communication strategies.
• Have strong videography, filming and editing experience.
• Have excellent organisational and communications planning skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Contribute, as required, to the preparation and delivery of the projects of all other team members.
• Experience of working in the field of justice.
• Experience of delivering communications to support change, including behaviour change.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing.
• Seeing the Big Picture.
• Delivering at Pace.