A Proper Job?

Thanks go to the reader for drawing my attention to the following that serves to admirably confirm why probation should never be part of the MoJ monolith, run by command and control civil service bureaucrats. I would argue the language is completely alien to our core philosophy and modus operandi likely to provide any positive public benefit. Will someone rid us of all this mind-numbing, insight-driven, horizon-scanning, brand-building, risk-mitigating and metric-evaluating shite?       

Head of Probation Communications

Ministry of Justice
Location Petty France, Central London
Salary £60,295 - £76,000
Closing date 12 Jun 2020

Ref 34337

The role

We are looking for an exceptional communications professional to join the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) communications team in the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).

This role leads communications for the National Probation Service (NPS), a large statutory criminal justice service which supervises offenders released into the community. You will ensure our diverse audiences are kept informed and engaged, and staff are inspired, proud of their work and feel valued. You will oversee the national HMPPS communication’s work for NPS, working hand-in-hand with a wide range of colleagues to ensure coherent messaging across internal and external channels.

About You

We are looking for an individual with experience of leading large-scale internal communication programmes and major change communications. You will have strong experience using insight to shape your approach, effectively evaluating results to inform future activity. You’ll be adept at using insight to develop communications strategies and campaigns, which give clear direction across a range of communications disciplines and which drive proven results. Experience leading high-profile communication campaigns, both with and without budget is desirable.

Your role in HMPPS Communications

You will be a key member of HMPPS Communications’ Senior Management Team. You will bring together the work of a wide range of communications, policy, HR and operational colleagues to deliver an exemplary communications service for NPS. As a senior member of the team you will play a key role in shaping the direction and positive culture of the team.

About Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system. We work to bring the principles of justice to life for everyone in society.

We are looking for an exceptional communications professional to join the HM Prison and Probation communications team in the Ministry of Justice. You will manage a team to deliver a strategic and internal communications function to support the work of the National Probation Service (NPS). NPS is a large statutory criminal justice service which supervises offenders released into the community, based across over 400 sites. You will play a central role in developing and delivering both the NPS and the wider HMPPS communications strategy.

Working to the Deputy Director, Head of HMPPS Communications, you will lead probation communications ensuring staff, service-users, stakeholders and the public are informed about policies and reform, and staff are engaged, inspired and feel valued. You will bring rigour and coherence to probation internal and external communications, straddling campaigns, stakeholder communications, digital and working hand-in-hand with MOJ Press Office. You will also play an important role in the relationship between HMPPS and the Government Communications Service, making sure our plans tie in with wider Government communications objectives.

We are looking for an individual with experience of using insight to develop communications strategies and campaigns, which give clear direction across a range of communications disciplines and which drive proven results. Experience in leading major change communications and large-scale internal communication, using insight to shape the communications approach, effectively evaluate results and inform future activity is essential. Experience leading high-profile campaigns, both with and without budget is highly desirable.

This role will require close working with teams across MoJ’s Communications and Information Directorate. As a senior member of the team you will be expected to play a key role in shaping the direction and positive culture of the team, and you will hold oversight for the work of a team of communications specialists.

Main responsibilities:

• Oversee the full range of national HMPPS comms team support for probation including internal comms, leadership comms, stakeholder, digital, campaigns and national support for local communications
• Strategic Communications - Oversee the development and delivery of annual strategic communication plan for National Probation Service, and the development and deployment internally of a strategic narrative explaining what the service is and what it will be in the future
• Campaigns - Oversee the delivery of integrated, ‘digital by default’ and evidence-based communication campaigns and oversight of the setting of key metrics and evaluation for those campaigns. Ensure key strands are properly resourced and the team is fully integrated within HMPPS and the wider Communications Directorate
• Oversee building and maintaining of an annual calendar of communication campaigns which sets out plans for effective communications that meet business objectives, linked to probation and HMPPS business plan
• Oversee creating and delivering effective, integrated, and evidence-based probation communications campaigns, both internal and external. Oversee the setting of key metrics and evaluation for those campaigns.
• Be the senior communication representative at key probation board meetings
• Leadership Comms – ensure probation communications is prominent within the agency’s communications channels and well represented in the HMPPS series of visits, events and internal comms
• Branding - Oversee the NPS brand and how this relates to the wider HMPPS brand
• Horizon scanning - Oversee a calendar of key probation comms risks and opportunities and put in place plans to mitigate those risks and take best advantage of the opportunities
• Relationships - Build effective working relationships with relevant Directors and Director-General (and their offices). Maintain a strong, collaborative working relationship with all communications and engagement teams working on Probation Comms including co-chairing the Probation Communications and Engagement Stakeholder Board
• Quality Control – ensure all probation communications products issued by the national comms team are accurate, timely and consistently high quality
• Member of HMPPS Communications Senior Management Team helping to set direction for and support the wider team

Competencies and Strengths

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

1. Communicating and Influencing - Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.

2. Working Together - Encourage joined up teamwork within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support. Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another. Put in place support for the wellbeing of individuals within the team, including consideration of your own needs. Make it clear to all team members that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Actively seek and consider input of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

3. Managing a Quality Service - Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence. Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives and timescales. Successfully deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers’ needs and gives value for money. Identify risks and resolve issues efficiently. Involve a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners in developing suggestions for improvements. Establish ways to find and respond to feedback from customers about the services provided.

4. Developing Self and Others - Prioritise and role-model continuous self-learning and development. Identify areas individuals and teams need to develop in order to achieve future objectives. Support colleagues to take responsibility for their own learning and development. Ensure that development opportunities are available for all individuals regardless of their background or desire to achieve promotion. Ensure individuals take full advantage of learning and development opportunities available to them, including workplace based learning. Encourage discussions within and between teams to learn from each other’s experiences and change organisational plans and processes accordingly.