At a Glance
- Tasks: Support UK policing by communicating key strategies and engaging with stakeholders.
- Company: Join the Police Digital Service, dedicated to enhancing public safety through technology.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, access to creative resources, and a chance to develop your skills.
- Other info: Diverse team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national priorities while maintaining your current role.
- Qualifications: Current police communications officers with experience in media relations and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Join Police Digital Service as a Communications Officer on a part-time secondment (8 weeks). This role is for 2 days a week (14.5 hours) and is an opportunity to develop your skills and gain experience at a national level in UK policing.
About Police Digital Service
Our vision is to support UK policing to keep people safe, get more from technology investments, and make better use of public money. We are always on the lookout for great talent to help us achieve this.
Key Responsibilities
- Explain that the strategy aims to make policing resilient to cyber-attacks while maintaining public and stakeholder trust and confidence.
- Engage with stakeholders on the six core objectives of managing cyber security risk.
- Use plain language and real-world examples to show relevance to frontline policing.
- Change the viewpoint that cyber is a block but rather an enabler of services.
What's on offer
- Work largely remotely, with occasional travel for key meetings and events.
- Flexibility to work from your home or force office.
- Access to graphic design support and a small budget to develop creative assets.
- Opportunity to contribute to national priorities, including cyber resilience and strategic engagement.
What you need to succeed in the role
- Current communications officers within UK police forces who have valid vetting for working in policing.
- Experience in media relations, internal communications, and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to work independently and deliver under pressure.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
We are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not discriminate on any grounds. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible span of experience.
Working Arrangements
Secondment for two full days per week (14.5 hours) for an initial 8-week period based from your current office with occasional travel.
Security Vetting Requirements
All applicants must be eligible to undergo NPPV3 (Non Police Personnel Vetting Level 3) and SC vetting clearances. Successful applicants will require NPPV3 clearance to have been cleared before starting with PDS.
Application Note
Please note, we may choose to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications for this role so please endeavour to finish as soon as possible.
Communications Officer employer: Police Digital Service
At Police Digital Service, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values work-life balance and employee well-being. With a competitive salary starting at £75,000, generous annual leave, flexible working hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we foster a supportive environment where you can thrive. Join us in our mission to protect front-line policing from cyber threats while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and a modern hybrid working model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Police Digital Service. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Police Digital Service, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Police Digital Service inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Police Digital Service. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Police Digital Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Police Digital Service
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
