Senior Communications Officer (Legitimacy) - Hybrid Working

We’re looking for a Senior Communications Officer, specialising in issues which affect trust and confidence in organisations, to join our award-winning Corporate Communications department, offering a unique chance to make a real difference.

You’ll join a friendly, supportive, and highly motivated communications team dedicated to helping keep people safe, combatting crime and building the trust and confidence of both the public and our 6000+ workforce.

You’ll benefit from blended working across home and the office (primarily based at Police HQ in Portishead) and enjoy a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment in an organisation which values its people and giving them the autonomy to be creative and try something new.

The role:

As the Senior Communications Officer (Legitimacy), you’ll be responsible for implementing and managing an internal and external communications programme of to support the Constabulary in addressing the significantly lower levels of trust and confidence among some communities.

Reporting into the Strategic Communications Team Leader, you will provide specialist communications and engagement (internal and external) advice to the wider Corporate Communications Department and organisation, including as part of critical incidents relating to legitimacy and / or disproportionality.

You will be a subject matter expert on national and local efforts to improve trust and confidence of groups that historically have lower levels, due to a legacy of over policing and under-protection. For example, people from racially and ethnically diverse communities, women and girls, and LGBT+ communities.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Identifying, engaging and building effective relationships with internal and external influencers and leaders, diverse communities, staff associations, specialist media outlets, and community representatives.
Acting as a central point of contact for internal stakeholders and the team for advice and ideas, in relation to trust and confidence.
Delivering and supporting on the creation of timely, accurate and appropriate communications using effective, audience-led communication tactics to meet defined objectives.
Create compelling written content for media and marketing materials including but not limited to press releases, website articles, social media posts, marketing materials etc.
Embrace a culture of learning and continuous development.

Skills and experience required:

Relevant degree or equivalent experience in communications or journalism
Strong understanding of issues relating to legitimacy and disproportionality
Significant experience in fast-paced journalistic, or communications roles
Experience of devising and implementing media and reputation management strategies
Experience of delivering high impact, integrated communications campaigns
Confident handling local and national media queries and preparing press materials
A natural communicator with excellent writing skills and ability to create content for diverse audiences
Well-organised with strong local/community media connections
Experienced in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Able to influence and work effectively with senior leaders

What we can offer you:

A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in, including:

Flexible working
Free on-site parking at our HQ site
Continuous professional development
Local Government Pension Scheme
Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment
Staff discount scheme for savings on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays.

Additional Information

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

If your application is successful at shortlisting, you will be invited to attend a interview on 22nd or 23rd October 2025, at Headquarters in Portishead.

For more information please see attached job description or contact Zoe Almond - zoe.almond@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Does this sound like the role for you? Click on the blue button below to apply.