Deputy Head of Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications
Kidlington
TVP Broad Band 5L
Band 5L, £56,657- £60,921, with upper bracket only considered for those with recent experience of police communications at a senior level, plus benefits
Full Time
Permanent

Thames Valley Police (TVP) are looking to appoint a new Deputy Head of Corporate Communications – this is a prominent role in a highly specialised area of policing.  Reporting into the force’s Head of Corporate Communications, you will lead and oversee the development and implementing of operational and organisational communications strategies and activity; giving our people, our partners and the public we serve trust and confidence in the force.  The role supports the Head of Communications to lead and develop a corporate communications department to deliver effective and efficient internal, external and stakeholder communications in line with the force’s vision, priorities and delivery plan.

 

Acting as a subject matter expert you will strategically advise Chief Officers, Head of Departments, Local Police Commanders and other senior stakeholders in relation to operational and organisational incidents and issues of all nature, major and critical incidents, key announcements and publications, reputational issues and briefing communicators to deliver the tactical response.

 

You will have senior management responsibility for the force’s contribution to Local Resilience Forum’s working with partners to help build community resilience and increased preparedness for Major Incidents.  In the event of a Major Incident, contribute to leading and coordinating multiagency communications response as required.

 

You will manage and develop communications specialists responsible for delivering an effective service in areas of External communications (Media Relations, Community Engagement, Campaigns), Employee Engagement and Digital and Creative Services.  You will be continually looking to improve our service, ensuring the department can meet the demands of the future through effective planning, innovation, creativity and the application of best practice striving towards excellence in police communications.

 

The successful candidate will have significant experience working in a communications management role for a large, high profile organisation.  You will have highly developed strategy and planning skills, be politically aware and capable of identifying and mitigating risk.  Experience must include managing crisis communications.  You will have proven ability to collaborate, influence, negotiate, challenge and engage at all levels.  The role requires travel to different locations across the force area and South East, the very nature of our work can be unpredictable and therefore requires a flexible approach and an openness to unsocial hours.

 

Although this is a permanent vacancy, secondments from other force communications departments will be considered. An initial 18-24 month secondment will be considered, with a view to make it permanent.

 

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 22-30 days annual leave per annum pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. To view a full list of our benefits, please click the below link.

 

If you have any queries please contact People Services Recruitment Department on 0845 2 66 66 77 – Option 1 (internal 301 6500) quoting reference 17337.

 

Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.

 

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 18th October 2020.

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities.  Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission.  As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.

Working Smart.  You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day.  In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce. 

Supporting You.  Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do.  Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives.  We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with.  We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card.  Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing YouWe promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential. 

Valuing Difference.  We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference.  Learn more about how we are Valuing Difference.    

Vetting.  All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

This opportunity is closed to applications.