Lancashire Constabulary is seeking a skilled and motivated Press and PR Officer to join our Corporate Communications team. This is a key role supporting the Constabulary’s reputation, helping to build trust and confidence with communities, stakeholders and the media.
As a member of the Constabulary’s Press and PR team you will work to provide a high quality, comprehensive proactive and reactive press and PR service for the Constabulary, it’s stakeholders and the media, with the aim of increasing public confidence and reducing the fear of crime.
No two days are the same, with incidents varying day-to-day. Working on call can be challenging, but rewarding, providing support out of hours for officers who need your help. Issuing appeals which help police make arrests or solve crimes, shows you’re making a difference.
Key Responsibilities:
- To take the lead, under the direction of the Senior Press and PR Officer, for the media management of all serious/major crimes and incidents countywide;
- To recognise and manage incidents and issues, including those on social media, which could expose the force to international, national or regional media attention in order to enhance and protect the corporate reputation of the Constabulary and to increase public confidence and reduce fear of crime.
- To promote the positive work of the Constabulary and to identify and maximise opportunities to deliver operational PR activity, both through traditional media and all the Constabulary’s social media channels.
- To work closely with colleagues across the Media and Engagement department to maximise the potential of all press and public relations work through effective teamwork, including the areas of internal communications, campaigns and digital.
- To work closely with the wider organisation to provide support and focus to operational policing, and to attend meetings (eg Gold Command) to offer expert support and advice to colleagues where appropriate.
Please see the attached job specification for further details.
Skills and Experience:
- Experience of all forms of media liaison including call handling, press briefings, press conferences, facilitation of interviews and planning communication/media strategies
- Ability to work as an effective team member in a demanding environment
- Experience of sourcing, researching, writing and distributing a range of press releases for a variety of media, including industry publications.
- Demonstrable experience in a public relations or journalism field within the Police or other public sector organisation.
- must hold a qualification in journalism or public relations equivalent to NVQ Level 5.
- must hold a full UK Manual driving licence
Vetting and Medical:
Please be aware, as a condition of your appointment you must undergo and pass Recruitment Vetting (RV). Please be aware there is a minimum 3 year UK residency requirement for Recruitment vetting and you must be 18 years old at the point of applying. Successful applicants will also be subject to a medical assessment.
Benefits:
- 25 - 31 days annual leave (role dependant) plus 8 bank holidays pro rata
- Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions from 5.5% to 12.5% depending on your salary
- Sick pay provisions
- Generous maternity / paternity and adoption leave entitlements
- Option to become a member of the onsite unions
- Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme
- Access to on-site-gyms – HQ
- Cycle to work scheme
- Support from our Health and Wellbeing Centre including Welfare Officers, Counselling, Physiotherapy and Mental Health Peer Supporters
- Hybrid / Agile working (role dependant)
Closing date: Thursday 21st May at 10 am
Please note if you are put on a reserve list or offered the role on a temporary basis, you will need to get support from your line manager.
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Applicants are encouraged to carefully review and personalise all responses to ensure they accurately reflect their individual experiences, qualifications, and intentions.
Before you complete the online application, we would advise you to read the attached Information and Guidance documents.
