At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and engagement for Sussex Police, ensuring public trust and effective internal messaging.
- Company: Join the dynamic Sussex Police team dedicated to community safety and service excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications and exceptional leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 85359 - 101163 £ per year.
Division / Department - Media and Communications
Grade - M4
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - £85,359 - £101,163
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Sussex Police Headquarters, Lewes
The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
Chief Constables' Message: We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe. We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you. We wish you all the very best with your application.
The Role & Key Responsibilities: This is an exciting time to be joining Sussex Police. Having been assessed by our independent Inspectorate as a well performing force, we continue to improve the service we deliver to the public – we are answering calls quicker than any other force, we are bringing more offenders to justice, and we are a force that many are seeking to join. Sussex Police is looking for a dynamic, creative and highly experienced communications and engagement specialist to lead the force’s Corporate Communications and Engagement team. This role is critical in maintaining the trust and confidence of our communities and you will be pivotal in ensuring that Sussex Police deliver an outstanding service to the public. Reporting into the Deputy Chief Constable, you will be an integral member of our extended Chief Officer team. As the Head of Profession and the strategic advisor to our Chief Officers you will experience unique leadership challenges which will see you leading the delivery of external communications ranging from organisational issues such as the force’s ambitious transformation strategy through to operational issues arising from major incidents. You will also be responsible for the effective management of internal communications to ensure that our workforce is highly engaged and motivated to deliver the Chief Constable’s strategy to Protect, Catch, Deliver. Finally, as a collaborated force, you will seek to build upon the close relationships with counterparts in Surrey Police to ensure a joined‑up approach to those staff working within joint functions. Based at Police Headquarters in Lewes, East Sussex, you will be expected to travel throughout Sussex and outside of county as required. You will also be required to work evenings and weekends when operational commitments determine.
In return we offer a competitive benefits package which includes an excellent pension scheme, mileage allowance, opportunities for flexible and agile working, and executive health checks.
Skills & Experience:
- Public‑service centred individual with a track record in building public trust and confidence within communities.
- Exceptional leadership skills with extensive experience of leading outcome‑focused teams.
- Substantial experience in a communications discipline or degree‑level education or equivalent professional qualification with a commitment to Continued Professional Development.
- Demonstrable experience of delivering major communications projects across multiple channels.
- Exceptional influencing skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships within complex operational environments and across organisations.
- Experience in delivering crisis management responses to emerging and ongoing critical incidents.
- Political acumen to ensure the effective stakeholder management during complex local and national structural changes.
- Strong ability to balance and manage conflict between short‑ and long‑term priorities and reactive/proactive work.
- Effective budgetary management to deliver excellent value for money.
Why Work With Us? Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi‑time and home working. We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits; career progression, contributory pension scheme (LGPS), generous annual leave allowance, discounts for everyday spend, on‑site gyms and a range of sports clubs, generous and supportive parental leave, financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support, discounted contributory healthcare scheme.
Further Information: We are seeking the very best applicants for this critical position. The recruitment process will consist of: Application evidencing relevant career history and achievements. Please attach a CV to the application form for consideration. Panel interview chaired by the Chief Constable, with panel members including the Deputy Chief Constable and an external communications professional. The interview will consist of a presentation (topic given following shortlisting) followed by structured competency questions including an operational scenario. The interviews will be held on Friday 3rd July. The successful candidate will require SC clearance prior to appointment into the role.
Reference number SYSX EXEC00062 Date posted 27/05/2026 Location Sussex Police Headquarters, Lewes
Head of Communications and Engagement in Lewes employer: Sussex Police
Sussex Police is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff while serving the community. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including a contributory pension scheme and extensive annual leave, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. Located at the picturesque Sussex Police Headquarters in Lewes, this role offers unique leadership challenges and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and community trust.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications and Engagement in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Sussex Police. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Sussex Police’s recent initiatives and challenges. Think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Practise your responses to common interview questions, but also be ready for those curveballs that might come your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public service! In your conversations and interviews, highlight your commitment to community engagement and building trust. Share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in previous roles – it’ll resonate with the values of Sussex Police.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications and Engagement in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how much you care about public service and making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and communications expertise, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Police
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Sussex Police's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and how they engage with the community. This will show your genuine interest and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in communications. Think about times when you've led a team through a crisis or managed a significant project. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and motivate others in a challenging environment.
✨Practice Your Presentation
Since the interview includes a presentation, rehearse it multiple times. Make sure it's clear, engaging, and tailored to the audience. Use visuals if possible, and be prepared to answer questions about your content to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect competency-based questions that may involve operational scenarios. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as managing public relations during a crisis. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
