Assistant Director for Communication, Insight & Engagement in Sheffield
Assistant Director for Communication, Insight & Engagement

Assistant Director for Communication, Insight & Engagement in Sheffield

Sheffield Full-Time 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Social Work England

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead communication and engagement strategies to shape the future of social work regulation.
  • Company: Join Social Work England, a values-driven and innovative regulator for social workers.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while influencing national social work standards.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in communication and leadership within complex environments.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.

This is an exciting and influential opportunity to join Social Work England at a pivotal moment in our development. As the specialist regulator for social workers in England, we are a values‑driven, collaborative and forward‑looking organisation. We set professional standards, promote lifelong learning, and protect the public by ensuring high‑quality social work practice. Our work is grounded in transparency, inclusion and a commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities.

As our new Assistant Director for Communication, Engagement & Insight, you’ll help shape the future direction of a national regulator, strengthening our voice, expanding our influence, and ensuring our work has meaningful impact across the profession. If you are a strategic leader who thrives in high‑profile, purpose‑led environments, we would love to hear from you.

This senior leadership role leads our organisation‑wide approach to communication, engagement, insight and strategic influence. You'll drive how we communicate, how we listen, and how we understand the social work profession, ensuring our regulatory ambitions translate into genuine impact.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Providing visible, strategic leadership across communication, engagement, data and insight functions.
  • Shaping our external position on social work regulation and aligning organisational messaging with national priorities.
  • Leading high‑quality communication strategies across internal and external channels, including public, media and digital engagement.
  • Driving strategic developments in data collection, analysis and insight, improving our understanding of the profession.
  • Leading authoritative publications on regulatory findings and sector impact.
  • Building strong relationships with government departments, regulators and other national stakeholders.
  • Acting as a senior decision‑maker, deputising for executive directors and advising on corporate, regulatory and reputational risk.
  • Championing coproduction, equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our communication and engagement activity.

About You:

At Social Work England, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are fearless, independent, ambitious, collaborative, transparent and act with integrity. We’re looking for someone who can embody these values, inspire others, and contribute to our ambition to be an innovative, transparent and responsive regulator that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

You Will Bring:

  • Extensive senior‑level experience in communication, engagement or public affairs.
  • Strong leadership capability, with experience delivering results through others in complex, multi‑disciplinary settings.
  • High‑level influencing, interpersonal and representational skills, with credibility among senior stakeholders.
  • Experience shaping strategy and translating long‑term plans into operational delivery.
  • Political awareness and the ability to anticipate and interpret policy and sector developments.
  • Expertise in analysing complex evidence, insight or data to inform strategic decisions.
  • Proven ability to build partnerships with government, national bodies and organisations of strategic importance.
  • A clear and demonstrable commitment to diversity, inclusion and coproduction.

The Benefits:

  • Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.
  • 25 days annual leave, rising with service to 30 days per annum, plus bank holidays.
  • The option to purchase up to an additional 5 days of annual leave per annum.
  • A TIDE award winning inclusive culture, made up of staff networks, social events and forums.
  • A pension scheme, with minimum employer contributions of 6% up to a maximum of 10%.
  • Life insurance up to 4 times your salary, an employee recognition scheme and a cycle to work scheme.

Assistant Director for Communication, Insight & Engagement in Sheffield employer: Social Work England

Social Work England is an exceptional employer that champions a values-driven and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the social work sector. With a commitment to employee growth through hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation, we empower our team to thrive while shaping the future of social work regulation. Join us in our mission to improve outcomes for communities and be part of a TIDE award-winning culture that values diversity and engagement.
Social Work England

Contact Detail:

Social Work England Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Director for Communication, Insight & Engagement in Sheffield

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social work sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Social Work England's recent initiatives and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to our mission and values.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for communication and engagement in social work. We want to hear how you can make a meaningful impact, so don’t hold back!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that values transparency and collaboration.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director for Communication, Insight & Engagement in Sheffield

Strategic Leadership
Communication Strategies
Engagement Techniques
Data Collection and Analysis
Insight Development
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Public Affairs Expertise
Influencing Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Operational Strategy Implementation
Political Awareness
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Co-production Advocacy
Credibility with Senior Stakeholders

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for social work and the role shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of making a real difference.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in communication and engagement. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to drive strategic initiatives in complex environments.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Social Work England

✨Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into Social Work England's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their commitment to transparency, inclusion, and improving social work practice will help you align your responses with their core principles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in communication and engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams in complex environments and delivered impactful results, as this role requires strong strategic leadership.

✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking

Think about how you can translate long-term strategies into operational success. Bring specific examples of how you've shaped strategies in previous roles and how you can apply that expertise to enhance Social Work England's regulatory ambitions.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Given the importance of equality and diversity in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've championed these values in your past work. Share concrete examples of how you've fostered inclusive practices and coproduction in communication and engagement activities.

Assistant Director for Communication, Insight & Engagement in Sheffield
Social Work England
Location: Sheffield

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