At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to develop impactful operational communications strategies.
- Company: Thames Valley Police, dedicated to fighting crime and building community trust.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, flexible working, lifestyle discounts, and career development.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence required; flexible hours and varied responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policing while thriving in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or professional qualification in communications with leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 71429 - 71429 £ per year.
- Band 5L, circa £71,429 per annum, plus on call allowance, plus benefits
- Head of Operational Communications
In this exciting and influential role, you will lead a multi‑disciplinary team responsible for developing and delivering operational communications strategies and activities across Thames Valley Police.
From supporting critical incidents and major investigations to promoting operational successes and reassuring communities, your team's work will help fight crime, serve victims and build trust and confidence in our force.
No two days are the same.
Policing is one of the most dynamic and complex communications environments in which to work.
One moment you may be advising senior leaders on a fast‑moving operational incident, the next you could be helping shape communications around a major policing operation, emerging trust and confidence issue, or multi‑agency major incident response.
The breadth and pace of the role require someone who thrives on variety, can quickly absorb complex information and confidently pivot between competing priorities and subject matters.
As part of the Corporate Communications Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the leadership and management of the department, including risk, performance, budget, business continuity, workforce planning, recruitment, professional development and wellbeing of communication professionals.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level and/or holds a professional qualification in communications, public relations, media or has equivalent experience.
- Proven track record of leading high‑performing teams, delivering impactful internal and external communications, and providing expert communications counsel in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments, including during crises.
- Calm and credible leader comfortable operating through uncertainty, making sound decisions with incomplete information and adapting communications strategies as situations evolve.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, strong political awareness and the ability to build effective relationships at all levels, enabling the ability to confidently advise, challenge and support senior stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with a keen eye for risk, opportunity and organisational impact.
Understands the role communications plays in maintaining public trust and confidence and can balance immediate operational demands with longer‑term considerations.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time), plus Bank Holidays.
- Flexible working conditions.
- Wide range of lifestyle discounts.
- Career development opportunities.
- Option to join a local government pension scheme.
- Other Requirements
Due to the requirement to work flexibly, including occasional unsocial hours, and because public transport may not always be available or suitable, a full UK driving licence is essential.
Vetting
All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice.
Residency requirement is necessary to enable applicants to be checked equitably.
Thames Valley Police will allow applicants who do not necessarily meet the criteria to apply if they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence.
Applications will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
- Application Deadline
- The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is
Tuesday 4 August 2026 .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Operational Communications in Garden City employer: Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where every call handler plays a vital role in community safety. With comprehensive training leading to a nationally recognised qualification, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Communications in Garden City
✨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 Thames Valley Police. 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 Thames Valley Police, 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 Thames Valley Police 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 Head of Operational Communications in Garden City
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 Thames Valley Police. 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 Thames Valley Police.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Police
✨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.
