Press Officer
Department for Work and Pensions
Job Description
This job description has been professionally rewritten, optimized for search engines, and structured according to your critical SEO requirements.
Our Mission and Impact
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) significantly impacts the lives of millions of individuals and families across the United Kingdom. The DWP Communications Directorate plays a vital role in upholding and enhancing the Department's reputation among internal colleagues, the media, stakeholders, and the public, delivering work that genuinely makes a difference.
Our core function within Government Communications is to strategically shape and deliver government priorities. We operate in close collaboration with policy teams, guiding initiatives from ideation through to implementation and successful delivery. Our focus is on identifying the most effective solutions, expertly managing risk, and protecting our reputation, all while providing first-class communications to the public. The DWP Communications team is dedicated to building public awareness and fostering support for the Department’s vision and initiatives through thoughtful and strategic communication, concurrently protecting the DWP's standing and facilitating essential change.
We leverage our expertise in audience insight and research to inform strategic partnerships, drive impactful campaigns, and shape policy, thereby improving lives. A notable example is our highly successful campaign to boost Pension Credit take-up, which resulted in nearly 60,000 additional pensioners receiving crucial support. We are committed to cultivating a truly inclusive DWP Communications Directorate and warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those new to the Civil Service.
Job Summary
As a Government Communications Press Officer, you will be at the forefront of major news stories, directly influencing public understanding and media narratives on issues that affect everyday lives. This presents an inspiring and challenging opportunity to develop significantly as a professional communicator, operating at the heart of government.
A primary aspect of this role involves expertly managing reactive media inquiries and participating in a round-the-clock duty rota. You will proactively monitor breaking news and media coverage, identifying and addressing potential inaccuracies or requiring clarification, providing swift and effective responses to comment requests, and keeping the Department fully informed of developments.
Success in this position requires the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences. You will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing innovative communication plans across various platforms, extending beyond traditional print and broadcast to include digital and social media channels, ensuring broad audience reach. Collaboration is fundamental; you will work closely with Ministers, communication professionals, and other key stakeholders to craft coherent communication strategies and finalize critical messaging. This is a full-time position, based at Caxton House, Westminster.
Key Responsibilities
- Reactive Media and Press Management: Effectively manage breaking stories, developing and delivering timely 'lines to take' and accurate information to journalists, while continuously updating the Department on evolving media situations.
- Proactive Media Handling: Draft compelling proactive press releases and comprehensive communications handling plans that clearly and succinctly articulate the government’s narrative. Collaborate with policy colleagues and Special Advisers to agree on key messages and strategies, maximizing ministerial time, including during official visits.
- Strategic News Management: Demonstrate an acute ability to swiftly identify both potential challenges and strategic opportunities within the news cycle, enabling the positive insertion of a government voice.
- Digital Communications Leadership: Support and facilitate the creation, shaping, sharing, and exchange of government information across various online and virtual networks.
Reference Number
462207
Job Grade
Higher Executive Officer
Department
DWP - Communications
Working Pattern
Full-time
Behaviours
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be evaluated on their consistent demonstration of the following critical behaviors, which are essential for effective contribution within this role and will be assessed throughout the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Working Together
Security Requirements
Job Summary
All successful candidates for this role will be required to undergo a comprehensive criminal record verification process as a mandatory prerequisite for employment.
Nationality Requirements
Nationality and Work Authorization Eligibility for UK Civil Service Careers
This section outlines the essential nationality and work authorization criteria for prospective candidates seeking employment opportunities within the UK Civil Service. Adherence to these requirements is fundamental for consideration.
- UK Nationals: Individuals who hold British citizenship.
- Republic of Ireland Nationals: Citizens of the Republic of Ireland.
- Commonwealth Nationals with UK Work Rights: Citizens of Commonwealth countries who possess a legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
- EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals & Family Members (EUSS Status Holders):
- Nationals of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and their family members, who have secured settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Nationals of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and their family members, who have submitted a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- For detailed information on the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), please consult the official guidance: European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Individuals with Limited or Indefinite Leave to Remain (EUSS Eligibility): Candidates holding limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for the EUSS on or before December 31, 2020.
- Turkish Nationals with Civil Service Work Rights: Turkish nationals, including certain family members, who have accrued the specific right to work within the Civil Service.
For comprehensive information regarding all nationality requirements pertaining to Civil Service employment, please refer to the official government guidelines: Further Information on Nationality Requirements.
Selection Process Details
Job Summary
This exceptional vacancy meticulously employs the government's comprehensive Success Profiles framework, ensuring a robust and equitable assessment process. Prospective candidates will be thoroughly evaluated across critical domains, including demonstrated Behaviours, inherent Strengths, relevant Experience, and essential Technical skills.
Job Description
This job description has been professionally rewritten, optimized for search engines, and structured according to your critical SEO requirements.
Our Mission and Impact
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) significantly impacts the lives of millions of individuals and families across the United Kingdom. The DWP Communications Directorate plays a vital role in upholding and enhancing the Department's reputation among internal colleagues, the media, stakeholders, and the public, delivering work that genuinely makes a difference.
Our core function within Government Communications is to strategically shape and deliver government priorities. We operate in close collaboration with policy teams, guiding initiatives from ideation through to implementation and successful delivery. Our focus is on identifying the most effective solutions, expertly managing risk, and protecting our reputation, all while providing first-class communications to the public. The DWP Communications team is dedicated to building public awareness and fostering support for the Department’s vision and initiatives through thoughtful and strategic communication, concurrently protecting the DWP's standing and facilitating essential change.
We leverage our expertise in audience insight and research to inform strategic partnerships, drive impactful campaigns, and shape policy, thereby improving lives. A notable example is our highly successful campaign to boost Pension Credit take-up, which resulted in nearly 60,000 additional pensioners receiving crucial support. We are committed to cultivating a truly inclusive DWP Communications Directorate and warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those new to the Civil Service.
Job Summary
As a Government Communications Press Officer, you will be at the forefront of major news stories, directly influencing public understanding and media narratives on issues that affect everyday lives. This presents an inspiring and challenging opportunity to develop significantly as a professional communicator, operating at the heart of government.
A primary aspect of this role involves expertly managing reactive media inquiries and participating in a round-the-clock duty rota. You will proactively monitor breaking news and media coverage, identifying and addressing potential inaccuracies or requiring clarification, providing swift and effective responses to comment requests, and keeping the Department fully informed of developments.
Success in this position requires the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences. You will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing innovative communication plans across various platforms, extending beyond traditional print and broadcast to include digital and social media channels, ensuring broad audience reach. Collaboration is fundamental; you will work closely with Ministers, communication professionals, and other key stakeholders to craft coherent communication strategies and finalize critical messaging. This is a full-time position, based at Caxton House, Westminster.
Key Responsibilities
- Reactive Media and Press Management: Effectively manage breaking stories, developing and delivering timely 'lines to take' and accurate information to journalists, while continuously updating the Department on evolving media situations.
- Proactive Media Handling: Draft compelling proactive press releases and comprehensive communications handling plans that clearly and succinctly articulate the government’s narrative. Collaborate with policy colleagues and Special Advisers to agree on key messages and strategies, maximizing ministerial time, including during official visits.
- Strategic News Management: Demonstrate an acute ability to swiftly identify both potential challenges and strategic opportunities within the news cycle, enabling the positive insertion of a government voice.
- Digital Communications Leadership: Support and facilitate the creation, shaping, sharing, and exchange of government information across various online and virtual networks.
Reference Number
462207
Job Grade
Higher Executive Officer
Department
DWP - Communications
Working Pattern
Full-time
Behaviours
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be evaluated on their consistent demonstration of the following critical behaviors, which are essential for effective contribution within this role and will be assessed throughout the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Working Together
Security Requirements
Job Summary
All successful candidates for this role will be required to undergo a comprehensive criminal record verification process as a mandatory prerequisite for employment.
Nationality Requirements
Nationality and Work Authorization Eligibility for UK Civil Service Careers
This section outlines the essential nationality and work authorization criteria for prospective candidates seeking employment opportunities within the UK Civil Service. Adherence to these requirements is fundamental for consideration.
- UK Nationals: Individuals who hold British citizenship.
- Republic of Ireland Nationals: Citizens of the Republic of Ireland.
- Commonwealth Nationals with UK Work Rights: Citizens of Commonwealth countries who possess a legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
- EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals & Family Members (EUSS Status Holders):
- Nationals of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and their family members, who have secured settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Nationals of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and their family members, who have submitted a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- For detailed information on the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), please consult the official guidance: European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Individuals with Limited or Indefinite Leave to Remain (EUSS Eligibility): Candidates holding limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for the EUSS on or before December 31, 2020.
- Turkish Nationals with Civil Service Work Rights: Turkish nationals, including certain family members, who have accrued the specific right to work within the Civil Service.
For comprehensive information regarding all nationality requirements pertaining to Civil Service employment, please refer to the official government guidelines: Further Information on Nationality Requirements.
Selection Process Details
Job Summary
This exceptional vacancy meticulously employs the government's comprehensive Success Profiles framework, ensuring a robust and equitable assessment process. Prospective candidates will be thoroughly evaluated across critical domains, including demonstrated Behaviours, inherent Strengths, relevant Experience, and essential Technical skills.
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