26.114 Strategic Communications Manager (Fixed Term Appointment)
Disclosure & Barring Service
- Department
- Disclosure & Barring Service
- Location
- This role is available on a remote, hybrid, or office basis. Initially, all DBS employees' contracts are office-based at one of our two sites. Employees can apply for remote or hybrid work from day one.
- Openings
- 1 post
- Grade
- HEO
- Salary
- £36,444
- Closing
- 13 days left
- Profession
- Administration
- Contract
- Fixed term
- Security clearance
- BPSS
- Working pattern
- Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time
Job summary
The Strategy and Impact Directorate incorporates core functions that are critical to achievement of the outcomes in the DBS Strategy 2025-28.
The Communications team has four functions: External Communications, Internal Communications and Engagement, Strategic Communications; and Editorial and Design.
Working alongside another Strategic Communications Adviser, you will be involved in the development and delivery of communications relating to our DBS 2025-28 strategy and key projects and programmes at DBS. You will develop engaging content for a range of channels and ensure that corporate messages are communicated to key stakeholders effectively.
What they’re looking for
- Essential Criteria
- Ability to communicate complex/technical concepts clearly to a diverse audience in an inspiring way
- Proven ability to identify, analyse and segment different audience groups and adapt communications approaches accordingly
- Excellent copywriting and verbal communication skills, including ability to adapt style depending upon audience and occasion
- Ability to implement communications evaluation frameworks, including setting metrics, measuring audience engagement, and using data to improve communications effectiveness
- Proven experience of working in a communications role, with a demonstrable track record in media relations, public relations and digital media.
- An in-depth understanding of various communications channels and how to use them effectively to maximise engagement
- Experience developing strategic communications plans that align with organisational objectives
- Experience of communicating within a complex organisation using different channels
- Knowledge of accessibility requirements and inclusive communications standards
- Desirable Criteria
- A degree in Public Relations/ Communications or similar qualification
- Membership of a relevant professional body, such as CIPD
- Knowledge of government communications frameworks including OASIS, COM-B behavioural principles and GCS Evaluation Cycle
- Familiarity with content management systems and intranet platforms
- Further Information:
- To view the DBS Recruitment and On-boarding Privacy Notice, please click the link below:
- DBS Recruitment and On-boarding Privacy Notice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- This privacy notice covers personal data collected during the recruitment, security clearance and on-boarding process.
Behaviours you’ll be assessed on
This advert says the panel will score you against these behaviours at HEO level. Each one links to worked examples.
Job description
- Job descriptionTo develop and deliver effective communications to employees throughout all parts of DBS about the strategy and projects
- To ensure communications activity is consistent with DBS’s messaging and campaigns
- To develop and implement communications plans following GCS approaches.
- To use the GCS evaluation cycle to monitor the effectiveness of communications relating to the strategy and projects and recommend evidence-based improvements that support corporate priorities
- To develop existing and new communications channels to maximise the delivery and effectiveness of corporate messages relating to the strategy and projects, incorporating digital best practices and accessibility standards
- To maintain and update DBS intranet pages relating to the strategy and projects, ensuring content meets accessibility requirements and user needs
- To source content and write copy for all communication channels relating to the strategy and projects, adapting messaging for different audience segments and stakeholder needs
- To work collaboratively with colleagues and teams across DBS to ensure consistent messaging about the strategy and projects
- To provide communications advice and guidance to project teams and stakeholders on effective communication approaches
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Selection process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
To apply for this role, please provide a CV along with a personal statement of no more than 750 words, outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, including all essential and desirable criteria.
As part of the recruitment process the Disclosure & Barring Service will conduct an experience and behaviour based sift exercise and interview process.
For all candidates who are successful at the initial sifting stage, you will be invited to interview.
The interview will consist of a panel-based interview.
The aim of the panel interview will be to assess your ability to demonstrate the following behaviours:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Seeing the Bigger Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Managing a Quality Service
Interviews will be held online via MS Teams. Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.
Recruitment Timeline:
The following timetable outlines indicative dates. Please note, these dates may be subject to change without prior notice.
Advert closing date: Monday 12th October at 10am
The initial candidate sift is due to take place week commencing 12th October 2026.
Interviews are due to take place week commencing 19th October 2026.
Whilst we will endeavour to provide some flexibility with regards to dates wherever possible, it is unlikely that we will be able to offer an alternative date once an appointment has been scheduled.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Practise before you apply
Civil Service panels score every answer against the Success Profiles behaviours at HEO level. Practise STAR answers and get them marked against the same framework.
3 free questions · No card needed
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