At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and equalities functions to engage with communities and improve outcomes.
- Company: Vale of Glamorgan Council, committed to ambitious community engagement and transformation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and shape the future of local communities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on delivering the best services for residents.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives change and enhances community participation.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, consultation, and strong relationship-building skills required.
About Us
Help shape how we connect with our communities. The Vale of Glamorgan is an ambitious council with a clear vision for the future. We're delivering significant change through our Corporate Plan, Vale 2030, and our transformation programme, Reshaping.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Resources, you'll lead our Corporate Communications & Consultation Team and Corporate Equalities Team. You'll work closely with senior leaders, elected members, colleagues, partners and community organisations to deliver strategic priorities and improve outcomes for residents.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the Council's communications, consultation, participation and equalities functions.
- Developing and delivering high‑impact communication campaigns and engagement programmes.
- Protecting and enhancing the Council's reputation through effective public affairs, media relations and crisis communications.
- Driving delivery of our Public Participation Strategy, Strategic Equalities Plan and Welsh Language Promotion Strategy.
- Providing expert advice to senior leaders and elected members.
- Working with communities, including groups whose voices are often underrepresented, to ensure they can influence decisions that affect them.
About You
You'll be a strategic operator with significant experience in communications, consultation, participation, equalities or a related field. You'll bring your experience and track record with you, including:
- Experience of leading communications and engagement services within a complex organisation.
- A strong track record of working with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Experience developing and delivering strategies, plans and programmes.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
- Experience of reputation management and responding effectively during challenging or high‑profile situations.
- A strong understanding of equality, Welsh Language and public participation.
- The ability to think strategically while delivering practical results.
The person specification describes all of the essential and desirable requirements for this role.
Why join us?
At the Vale of Glamorgan Council, we're proud of our communities and ambitious about our future. We believe in working openly, collaborating with others and delivering the best possible services for residents. Our values run through everything we do, and we are looking for someone who’d relish the opportunity to be:
- Ambitious in making a real difference to how residents engage with the Council.
- Working together with colleagues and the community to deliver Vale 2030.
- Open to working in new ways that enhance the understanding and confidence of the work we do.
- Proud to play a key role in shaping the future of the Vale of Glamorgan.
For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Tom Bowring, Director of Corporate Resources, tbowring@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
Interviews will be held on Friday, 7 August 2026.
Corporate Communications, Participation and Equalities Manager (up to 2 years) in Barry employer: Vale of Glamorgan Council
The Big Fresh Catering Company is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at Wick & Marcross Primary School. With a commitment to quality service and community engagement, employees benefit from flexible working hours during term time, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to contribute to healthy eating initiatives that positively impact local children. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a fulfilling role in a proud and ambitious team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Communications, Participation and Equalities Manager (up to 2 years) in Barry
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Vale of Glamorgan Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Vale of Glamorgan Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Communications, Participation and Equalities Manager (up to 2 years) in Barry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Vale of Glamorgan Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vale of Glamorgan Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Vale of Glamorgan Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Vale of Glamorgan Council.
