Deputy Head of Engagement and Communications

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is an armed police service dedicated to the nuclear industry. Our vision is to be recognised nationally and internationally as the United Kingdom’s leading organisation for the provision of protective policing for the civil nuclear industry and other critical national infrastructure. Given the critical nature of our work, it’s vital that we recruit skilled and committed professionals to our team. We play a key role in the Strategic Armed Policing Reserve and have been deployed across the country as part of Operation Temperer in response to terrorist attacks.

The Corporate Communications department supports the CNC in all aspects of communication; internal, external, stakeholder, public, media and social media. They are responsible for communicating daily with all CNC employees and maintaining numerous communications channels, including the CNC and CNPA websites, the CNC intranet and all social media. The department works to a Communications and Engagement Strategy which is approved and reports directly to the Executive Team and CNPA Board to evidence its performance.

The Deputy Head of Engagement and Communications is required to undertake a multi-disciplinary role, which oversees and manages the development and implementation of both operational and organisational communications strategies and activity. This gives our people, our partners and the public we serve, trust and confidence in the force. The successful candidate will be educated to degree level, and/or a professional qualification in communications, public relations, media or equivalent experience. They will have proven experience of delivering impactful communications and possess strong crisis communications skills.

The role supports the Head of Engagement and Corporate Communications in leading, developing and overseeing a corporate communications department to deliver effective and efficient internal, external and stakeholder communications in line with the force’s vision, priorities and delivery plan.

Responsibilities

Responsible for line management and budgetary decisions in the absence of the Head of Engagement and Communications
Manage a multi-disciplinary communications team, supplying day to day managerial support and providing opportunities for them to develop and grow within their roles
To deputise for the Head of Engagement and Communications by assuming responsibility for the whole department in their absence
Assist with the development and implementation of the CNC’s long-term communication and engagement strategy, to promote the reputation of the CNC and ensure that relationships with key stakeholders are managed effectively
Assist with the development and review of communication and engagement policies, including the annual communications and engagement plan (internal and external), to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and continue to support CNC’s strategy and mission
Engage and partner with the executive team and senior management team to develop and articulate CNC’s position on policy changes and operational issues. The role holder will also play a key role in acting as the role model for change by demonstrating the desired behaviours to support the CNC culture, such as collaborative working and customer service orientation
Develop communication material and develop appropriate communication tools and systems to manage communication across all channels and platforms including external media, web site management, and internal communication forums
To manage proactive and reactive media issues including liaising with journalists, senior managers within the CNC and stakeholders, preparing statements and briefings and media reporting. This includes managing prompt responses, clear record keeping of media enquiries and regular briefings to relevant staff members.
To assist on reputation management and crisis management communications for the CNC including emergency planning and major incidents

Experience

Degree or equivalent experience in similar role with a recognised professional qualification such as NCTJ, CIPR, CIM or CAM
Extensive senior level internal, external and stakeholder communications experience in a large organisation, with a fast paced, pressurised environment, ideally including crisis communications
Highly developed strategy and planning skills, with the proven ability to think, analyse, plan and to identify and mitigate risk in response to reputational issues in a politicised environment
Proven experience developing and motivating teams
Extensive experience of working with media and PR professionals and a comprehensive understanding of media law
Experience of developing communication material for print as well as online platforms with a strong understanding of the compliance, auditability and legislative environment relevant to all content
Knowledge of UK Policing, Public Sector and central government, or emergency services/military or other regulated organisation is desirable

Benefits

27.5 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Generous pension scheme (20.7% employer contribution)
Recognition of previous police service where applicable
Bonus scheme of up to 7% of annual salary
Enhanced family friendly and wellbeing policies
Hybrid working
Free parking
Cycle to Work scheme
Officers and staff also have the opportunity to join the national Blue Light Card scheme which offers discounts on a variety of products and services to those working in the emergency services, NHS, and Armed Forces

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At CNC we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.

Through the dedicated commitment of our affinity networks, ED&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our ED&I commitments, ensuring the CNC is an employer of choice, where everyone feels included.

Please review the video links below which will give you an overview of the vetting process that you will be required to go through if you are successful in your application to join the CNC:

Vetting: An Overview - https://youtu.be/lRit8RA7Zpo
Vetting and Finances - https://youtu.be/JmZP7r-9MEE
Vetting and Life Experiences - https://youtu.be/jVPHvgpB8nc
Vetting and Internet Use - https://youtu.be/hvXPicGQmYg

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at jobs@cnc.police.uk.