Deputy Head of Communications
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 24th January 2025
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About the job
Job summary
The Supreme Court (UKSC) is the United Kingdom’s highest court of appeal. It hears appeals on arguable points of law of general public importance, concentrating on cases of the greatest significance. The UKSC is the final court of appeal for all United Kingdom civil cases, and criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and (in certain cases) Scotland. The Court plays an important role in the development of UK law. The impact of UKSC decisions extends far beyond the parties involved in any given case, helping to shape our society. Its judgments directly affect everyday lives both in the UK, and overseas through the work of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC).
The UKSC is a small non-ministerial department. The vision of the Court is to be world leading and the staff (known as the administration) support the Supreme Court Justices to deliver the highest quality judgments in a unique and high-profile location in Parliament Square, which is open to the public. We are a values-driven organisation which puts our users at the heart of everything we do.
We will complete our three-year Change Programme by March 2025, delivering our vision to become a modern, world leading court which is customer-centric, open, transparent, inclusive and efficient, with increased levels of public awareness and trust. Delivering the programme on time and to budget has been due to providing sound and robust governance and putting our people at the heart of the Programme, whilst ensuring the Court’s business as usual activities are maintained. As we transition from the Change Programme we will continue to realise its benefits, supported by effective internal and external communications.
Job description
The postholder will support the Head of External Affairs & Communications to carry out the full range of communications services for Justices and officials of the UKSC and JCPC, developing internal and external communications strategies and activities.
The postholder will also support the development and delivery of education and outreach programmes (welcoming visitors to the Court and administering work with schools and colleges) delivered by one of the two staff this post will manage. The other team member they will manage is responsible for events and international engagement, so this role will offer a unique opportunity to understand and enhance the important reputation of the Court both in the UK and overseas.
This is a varied, fast-paced and challenging post that involves a wide range of communication functions: reactive and proactive press and media handling, social media channel management including digital content creation, internal communications, external communications including complaints and Freedom of Information requests, and campaigns for a range of events, projects and programmes.
Person specification
Key responsibilities:
Reporting directly to the Head of External Affairs and Communications and deputising where appropriate, the postholder will be responsible for:
Media and PR
- With the Head of External Affairs & Communications, lead on day-to-day media issues and communication campaigns (e.g. key announcements).
- Provide the Chief Executive and Justices with appropriate communications handling advice and oral/written briefings on key announcements and events, as well as any reactive events.
- Set up and manage media facilities, organise interviews for UKSC justices and spokespeople, and support them at external events.
- Draft engaging communications materials, including press notices, Q&A briefings and lines to take, press articles and spokesperson statements.
- Monitor breaking news stories and issue swift, robust and appropriate responses, sometimes at short notice and under pressure. An understanding of the wider political and legal environment surrounding the Court’s work is required.
- Participate in the reactive press enquiries service for the media, handling and responding to incoming queries and requests in a timely and accurate manner.
- Help develop proactive longer-term communications campaigns and media handling strategies that promote the Court’s work.
- Be available to support the press office out-of-hours service, for which an additional allowance is paid.
- Manage media monitoring, NLA Media Access (NLA), media database and print media contracts.
Digital
- Use the full range of channels to promote the Court’s work in an innovative and engaging way, maximising digital tools and using audience insight.
- Contribute to the production and delivery of engaging content (stories, images, infographics, videos, blogs) across the Court’s social media channels and other digital mediums such as e-newsletters.
- Evaluate the Court’s digital communications, using results and insights to improve promotion of the work of the Court, in particular the websites for the UKSC and JCPC.
Internal Communications
- Devise and deliver the Court’s internal communications plans of upcoming appeals, events, announcements, visits and works.
- Working closely with the Website Manager, manage the UKSC intranet – developing a content plan and writing/editing news stories.
- Support project managers to deliver effective internal communications, including the Court’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging calendar.
Leadership
- Work alongside the Head of External Affairs and Communications on producing key comms data as required by senior managers. This includes taking an active role in comms and engagement of projects.
- Support the Head of External Affairs and Communications to ensure communications tools and systems are fit for purpose and value for money.
- Represent the Court and build strong relationships across the wider communications and engagement community, including the Ministry of Justice, Judicial Office and the NAO in a professional manner which builds cross functional relationships.
- You will line manage two (later rising to three) Band C members of the Communications Team and oversee the quality of their work and support their development.
- Role model the values of the UKSC and be a champion of the Court to all internal and external customers.
- You will work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience of working in a communications team for a high-profile public, private or voluntary sector organisation, with a good working knowledge of internal and external communications. Or, relevant experience in journalism.
- Strong experience in media relations, with up-to-date knowledge of the structure and working practices of the UK media. Excellent judgement and a sharp nose for a story.
- Experience of handling proactive and reactive media stories.
- First-class writing skills with the ability to turn around clean, crisp copy in plain English to tight deadlines. Understanding of how to write for different audiences.
- A sound understanding of social media and the importance of engaging digital content. Experience managing professional social media channels.
- Good oral communications skills combined with the confidence to deal with and influence people at all levels.
- The ability to prioritise and work under pressure.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
- Working Together
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Corporate membership to Benenden Health
- EdenRed employee benefits and discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Yearly eye test voucher
- Option to buy or sell up to 5 days annual leave per year
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application process
Applications are via CV and Supporting Statement.
The supporting statement should explain why you have the relevant skills and experience for the role linked to the essential criteria and behaviours required. Your CV and Supporting Statement (maximum word limit 1,500 words) should be sent to:
comms-recruitment@supremecourt.uk.
If you need to speak to a member of the recruitment team regarding the process, please call 0207 960 1500 and ask for John McManus.
Shortlisting will be based on your CV and supporting statement with reference to the Essential Criteria and the Behaviours, listed in the job description and Success Profile. If there are a large number of applicants, the panel will sift on the lead strengths which will be seeing the big picture, communication and influencing, and making effective decisions.
Candidates will be assessed at interview and asked to give a sort presentation, the subject of which will be shared upon invitation.
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Friday 24th January 2025.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : John McManus
- Email : comms-recruitment@supremecourt.uk
- Telephone : 0207 960 1500
Recruitment team
- Email : comms-recruitment@supremecourt.uk
Further information
