Head of Corporate Communications in Northallerton

Location: Northallerton (3 days a week in the office, 2 days hybrid with requirement to travel across North Yorkshire)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time with occasional out of hours work

Salary: LS1 £66,294 - £73,674 (pay award pending)

Closing Date: Friday 27th November at 12pm

Shape the conversation. Build trust. Lead communications that matter.

At North Yorkshire Police, communication is more than delivering messages. It's about building confidence, strengthening relationships, supporting operational policing, and helping keep our communities safe. We're looking for an exceptional communications leader to join us as our Head of Corporate Communications. This is a rare opportunity to lead the force's communications function at a strategic level, influencing how we engage with our communities, support our people, and protect the reputation of one of the country's most respected police forces.

As a trusted adviser to the Chief Officer Team and key stakeholders, you will drive our communications strategy, provide expert counsel during critical incidents, and lead a high-performing team responsible for media relations, internal communications, public engagement, marketing and risk management ensuring that you manage risk to the public, the force and our colleagues.

The role

As Head of Corporate Communications, you will provide strategic leadership across all communication functions, ensuring a coordinated, consistent and effective approach that supports operational policing and organisational priorities. You'll lead the development and delivery of innovative communication strategies and campaigns that enhance public understanding, improve engagement, strengthen confidence in policing, and ensure our people are informed and connected. This role also carries significant responsibility during major and critical incidents. As the force's Gold Communications Officer, you will direct communication strategies in fast-moving and high-profile situations, often working alongside partner agencies to ensure accurate, timely and reassuring communication with the public, media and stakeholders.

About you

You'll be a highly experienced communications professional with the credibility, confidence and strategic insight to operate at the most senior levels of the organisation.

• Significant senior leadership experience within communications, engagement, public affairs or corporate communications.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering successful communications strategies and integrated campaigns within a large, complex organisation.
• Extensive experience in reputational management, including identifying, mitigating and responding to risks and issues that may impact organisational trust, confidence and public perception.
• Demonstrable experience leading communications during critical incidents, major events or organisational crises, providing calm, strategic direction in high-pressure and fast-moving environments.
• Strong experience working with local and national media and providing trusted, professional communications and public relations advice to Chief Officers and senior leadership teams on high-profile, sensitive and complex matters.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and support senior leaders and key partners effectively.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Evidence of driving innovation, service improvement and performance whilst delivering value for money.
• Experience within policing, emergency services or the wider public sector would be advantageous, alongside an understanding of media law, public scrutiny and the challenges and opportunities facing modern policing.
• Degree-level education (or equivalent) and/or a recognised professional communications qualification such as CIPR or CIM.

Why join us?

This is a career-defining opportunity to help shape the public narrative around policing in North Yorkshire. You'll play a key role in building trust and confidence, supporting operational policing, and ensuring our communities receive clear, engaging and meaningful communication from their police service. If you're a strategic communications leader with excellent judgement, political awareness and a passion for public service, we'd love to hear from you. Join North Yorkshire Police and help us tell our story, engage our communities, and inspire confidence in the policing service we provide every day. Together, we'll keep North Yorkshire safe.

We’re also proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth:

• Local Government Pension Scheme – secure and competitive retirement planning
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme – access to affordable vehicle leasing options
• Generous Annual Leave – 24 days rising to 30 with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan
• Blue Light Discount – enjoy savings at major retailers and services
• Flexi-Time for Staff Roles – tailor your working hours to suit your lifestyle while meeting team objectives
• Access to Trade Union Membership – opportunity to join UNISON
• Inclusion & Diversity Networks – connect with colleagues and contribute to a culture of belonging
• Health & Wellbeing Services – access to resources that support your physical and mental health

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• You must have the right to work in the UK, with no restrictions on your employment
• Internal applicants must have successfully completed their probation period
• Meet residency requirements for vetting: MV Level V Vetting – minimum 5 years UK residency

Your Application

North Yorkshire Police is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please declare this within your online application. A member of our team will contact you prior to your interview to ensure appropriate support is in place.

While AI can support you with structure, spelling and grammar, your application must still reflect your own genuine skills, experience and achievements, as our selection process checks for authenticity. It’s acceptable to use AI to help with clarity, research, interview preparation and structuring your real-life examples, provided the information is accurate; however, it must not be used to exaggerate your abilities or generate false or AI-written responses.

Safer Recruitment

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is a core part of our recruitment process, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All successful candidates will undergo a thorough recruitment process and must obtain satisfactory pre-employment clearances before commencing employment, including satisfactory Vetting or DBS checks, references, and a medical assessment, including absence history. Adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures is essential.

Ready to Apply?

As part of our selection process, we’ll assess your skills and experience against the requirements of the role. We therefore encourage you to take your time to tailor your application, ensuring your responses align with the job advert and role profile. Interviews are scheduled to take place: 14th and 15th December 2026 in Northallerton. We look forward to receiving your online application.