Media Officer in Dover

27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days). The option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible. Voluntary Health Cash Plan provided by BHSF. Civil Service pension. Civil Service maternity leave package. PAM employee assistance programme. Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership. Cycle to work scheme. Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup Car Leasing Scheme. Staff Networks focused on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Age Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQ+ Network, Sex and Family Network, Race, Religion and Belief Network. Learning and development tailored to your role. An environment with flexible working options. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.

Any move to the Independent Office for Police Conduct from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

In performing this role, you will have regular exposure to distressing material which will likely be impactful, traumatic and challenging. Given the nature of the work, you will have contact with individuals who are experiencing extreme distress. The IOPC recognises this and offers all staff a range of wellbeing provisions, including TRiM (Trauma Risk Management), peer-to-peer support, a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor, and access to free confidential counselling. All staff are strongly encouraged to proactively access and engage with the support available. If you would like to speak about this element of the role with somebody already doing similar work at the IOPC please contact recruitment@policeconduct.gov.uk and this can be arranged.

The post holder reports to a Senior Media Officer for the London and South East region and is responsible for providing advice on media and communications to IOPC senior managers and staff, implementing both proactive and reactive media plans. The post holder will be security cleared to at least BS level and the post is politically restricted. The media deals with a number of high profile cases which often make the headlines so the environment can be fast paced and requires a quick-thinking, problem-solving approach. To be successful in this role, you’ll be confident in turning complex information into clear content that resonates with diverse audiences. You’ll be responsible for developing innovative communication plans across multiple platforms, working creatively with colleagues on digital and social media channels to reach different audiences. You’ll be working collaboratively with colleagues across the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team.

Main Responsibilities:

• To provide a high quality proactive and reactive media relations service on IOPC investigations, including writing and distributing press releases, monitoring national and specialist media, taking the initiative to rebut inaccuracies and leading on relevant statements and briefings.
• To actively seek out proactive opportunities which help explain what we do, promote our work and enhance our reputation.
• To arrange interviews and provide briefings to senior managers, often at short notice.
• To write and implement media handling plans for the publication of IOPC investigations, corporate reports and national policy areas, working closely with senior managers.
• To liaise with Stakeholder Engagement colleagues to develop and implement integrated communications and engagement plans for controversial or significant issues.
• To contribute to the strategic diary and forward planning for the communications team.
• To be a committed member of the national media team and support colleagues working in other regions.
• To liaise with colleagues across regions and nationally to ensure accurate, consistent and coordinated messages are disseminated to IOPC staff, stakeholders and to the public.
• To contribute to the IOPC’s social media strategy by making day to day use of social media platforms to engage new and existing audiences.
• To take part in the national out-of-hours duty press office rota.
• To undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Experience in media relations in a busy press office, including dealing, on a regular basis, with controversial issues and crisis management or experience as a journalist in a busy newsroom.
• High level understanding of national and local media and their priorities, including online news and social media platforms.
• Experience of being able to handle emotionally sensitive subjects within a press context.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills.
• Experience in creating content across digital channels.
• Proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, simple narratives.
• Experience providing robust and appropriate advice to senior managers.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including journalists.
• Ability to work as part of a team, contributing to shared goals, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive team environment.
• Strong customer and audience focus.
• Strong communication skills – both written and oral.
• Good negotiation and influencing skills.
• Positive attitude and flexibility of approach.
• Good knowledge of current affairs.

We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to a more innovative and dynamic workplace. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are typically under-represented or disadvantaged in society. This includes women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, parents and carers, and disabled candidates, including neurodiverse candidates. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and supported.

The role requires clearance to BPSS National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

The IOPC is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. Please refer to our Reasonable Adjustment guidance document linked to this job advert on how to access Reasonable Adjustments with us.

Be yourself: The IOPC is committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity in everything we do. Our vision is to be, and to be seen as, a leader in inclusive employment and services, demonstrating this ethos in everything that we do. Being a Disability Confident employer, the IOPC is dedicated to removing the barriers for disabled people to thrive in the workplace. Our Staff Networks are constantly working to make the IOPC the leaders of inclusive employment, from our Allyship Programme to Welsh Language Standards and our Know the Line Policy, we are constantly seeking new ways to create an environment for all to develop and thrive.

The IOPC operates a hybrid working policy which requires all staff to work an average of 40% of their contractual hours at their office base (or another office for business reasons). Office attendance time includes in-person training, meetings with stakeholders and families, and attending events.