Media Officer

Job Description

Job Introduction

Could you flourish in a fast-paced setting and remain calm under pressure while giving senior colleagues great communication advice? Do you have an established track record of dealing with high-profile issues that create headlines? As a Media Officer, you will lead the communications response on a variety of issues while driving our organization’s objectives. This is an exciting and challenging work with no two days the same.

If this sounds like you, please apply immediately.

As a Media Officer, you will join a dynamic and inclusive Communications and Media team that works on a variety of high-profile issues that frequently make news, thus the setting can be fast-paced and requires quick-thinking, problem-solving skills.

Every day will be different as you report to the Senior Media Officer and cover the London and Southeast regions. You will be in charge of advising IOPC senior management and staff on media and communications, as well as putting proactive and reactive media plans into action. The post holder will have security clearance to at least BS level, and the position is politically restricted.

You will have direct and frequent contact with operational, policy, stakeholder engagement, and senior management teams, as well as the media and various police force press offices.

You will participate in the out-of-hours press officer rotation. This currently means scanning the media inbox once a week (including weekends) out of every seven to eight weeks. Please be aware that the frequency may fluctuate. You are entitled to monetary compensation for this.

During the selection process, we will evaluate you on the following Level 2 behaviours:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• This vacancy is using Success Profiles; for more information, please go here.

Throughout the recruitment process, we will evaluate your experience, strengths, technical abilities, and values. We will explain which behaviours will be assessed at each level. As part of the application process, you will be required to answer three screening questions based on the essential requirements.

The expected assessment and interview dates are April 2024.

Main responsibilities

• To provide a high-quality proactive and reactive media relations support for IOPC investigations, including preparing and distributing press releases, monitoring national and specialist media, taking the initiative to refute inaccurate information, and leading on important remarks and briefings.
• Arrange interviews, press conferences, and briefings, often on short notice.
• To develop and implement media management strategies for the publishing of IOPC investigations and corporate reports.
• Collaborate with Stakeholder Engagement colleagues to create and implement communications and engagement plans for contentious or major issues, as defined in our communications and engagement strategy.
• To provide media relations services for investigations and business concerns, we collaborate closely with senior management and other colleagues to support our work, including national policy areas such as weapons, custody, and stop-and-search.
• Contribute to the strategic diary and forward planning for the communications team
• To be a dedicated member of the national media team and assist colleagues working in different locations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across regions and nationally to ensure that accurate, consistent, and coordinated communications are conveyed to IOPC staff, stakeholders, and the public.
• Contribute to the IOPC’s social media strategy by engaging new and existing audiences on a daily basis through social media platforms.
• To participate in the national out-of-hours duty press office rotation

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Experience:

• Considerable expertise in media relations, particularly dealing regularly with sensitive subjects and crisis management, or commensurate experience as a journalist.
• High-level awareness of national and local media priorities.
• Experience working in a busy press office or newsroom.
• Experience dealing with emotionally delicate matters in a press context
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
• demonstrated capacity to convey difficult themes into clear, straightforward narratives.
• Experience delivering sound and relevant suggestions to senior management.
• Good understanding of current events

The post holder will have security clearance to at least BS level, and the position is politically restricted.

National security vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Reasonable adjustments

The IOPC is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential regardless of the method of evaluation used. We are willing to provide you with the tools you need to succeed. While this list is not exhaustive, please check below for potential acceptable adjustments that we can provide:

Additional time for presentations or interview questions.

Formatting modifications, such as colours for text or backdrop in written assignments

During interviews, questions are submitted in writing.

If you require any reasonable adaptations to our recruitment procedure, please contact campaigns@policeconduct.gov.uk.

About the company.

As a wholly independent institution, the IOPC works to protect the public’s rights and investigate the most serious cases, including deaths resulting from police engagement, in order to encourage learning and drive reform in policing. The IOPC has a rich history, having been inspired by notable personalities such as Stephen Lawrence and Sir William Macpherson. We are looking for people who will follow our basic principles, and in return, we will provide you with a supportive and inclusive work environment where you may thrive.

Be yourself.

The IOPC prioritises equality and diversity in all aspects of its operations. Our mission is to be and be perceived as a pioneer in inclusive employment and services, embodying this ethos in everything we do.

As a silver standard Stonewall employer, we are committed to being an LGBTQ+ employer through the work of our Pride LGBTQ+ Staff Network, which fosters friendly settings for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people.

We are glad to announce that we have signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. The Charter consists of five calls to action for leaders and groups from all sectors.

Being a Disability The IOPC is a confident employer committed to remove barriers that prevent handicapped persons from succeeding in the workplace.

Our Staff Networks are continually working to position the IOPC as pioneers in inclusive employment. From our Allyship Programme to Welsh Language Standards and our Know the Line Policy, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to create an environment in which everyone may flourish and prosper.

#IND

Package Description:

• 27.5 days paid yearly leave (increases with service to 32.5 days).
• Options for carrying over, buying, or selling yearly leave.
• Civil Service Pension
• Civil Service Maternity Leave Package
• PAM Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Vivup provides an opportunity to enjoy the latest home and technology at a more affordable cost.
• Car Leasing Scheme
• Staff networks centred on each of the protected traits, run for and by employees:
• Enable Network
• Welsh Network
• Pride & LGBTQI+ Network
• Sex and Family Network
• The Race, Religion, and Belief Network

Learning and growth based on your role An setting that offers flexible working opportunities A culture that promotes inclusive and diverse behaviours.

Additional information:

The IOPC is not qualified to participate in the Civil Service transfer procedure, so successful candidates will be unable to transfer to the IOPC under their current terms and conditions.

The IOPC does not participate in the UK Visa Sponsorship Scheme, thus if offered a position with us, candidates must submit proof of their right to work in the UK.

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, hence the successful candidate will undergo a routine Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check during the pre-employment process.

Emotional Considerations:

You may be exposed to disturbing content on occasion while performing this function, which is likely to be impactful, stressful, and hard. Given the nature of the profession, you may also come into touch with people who are in a state of great suffering. The IOPC understands this and provides all personnel with a variety of wellness benefits, including TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) peer-to-peer support, a dedicated wellness Advisor, and free private therapy. All employees are strongly urged to proactively seek and interact with available support. If you would want to discuss this aspect of the role with someone who already does similar work at the IOPC, please email humanresources@policeconduct.gov.uk and this can be facilitated.

Rydym yn croesawu ymgeiswyr i ymgeisio am rolau trwy gyferwng y Gymraeg fel eu dewis iaith.