About the job

Job summary

This position is based nationally

Job description

About this role

Publications Officer (Band D) – 20-25hrs per week

Overview

HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of probation and youth justice services. You can find out more about our work and values on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website.

The Communications Team is responsible for designing, publishing and promoting the Inspectorate’s reports and findings. The team is also responsible for organising and managing some online events.

The Publications Officer will be involved in all aspects of internal and external communications, including some design work according to predetermined templates and format. There is also scope for the Publications Officer to create and design new products too.

The interview may be conducted by video conference, rather than face to face. We will provide further information to successful candidates prior to interview.

The post is for 20-25 hours per week. We offer flexible working, and the successful candidate will be based at the Civil Justice Centre in Manchester, or satellite office closest to your home. There will be occasional travel to the Manchester office, as well as the annual staff conference.

All the posts we offer will be conditional upon evidence from references and various statutory checks.

Key requirements of the role

• Using relevant templates, design documents ready for publication using Microsoft Word.
• Take the lead in managing and monitoring the progress of the Inspectorate’s publications, including inspection reports.
• Post social media content in accordance with the Inspectorate’s policy.
• Manage and maintain the content of the Inspectorate’s website according to accessibility requirements and house style.
• Organise and manage online events
• Plan, compile and issue stakeholder communications and evaluate their use and impact to inform the overall strategy for external communication.
• Create and collate content for the Inspectorate’s staff bulletin and support other internal communications activity. Evaluate their use and impact to inform the overall strategy for internal communication.
• Evaluate and report on communications to inform the overall strategy of the team, directorate and organisation.
• Explore and make proposals on the use of new technology and software.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure that requirements are understood and facilitate. good working relationships, acting on feedback as appropriate.
• Recognise and promote diversity issues in all aspects of work.

We warmly welcome applications from minority ethnic and/or Welsh speaking candidates.

The option of part‑time or job-share contracts can be discussed individually.

Selection process
You must complete your application by no later than 23:55 on Friday 21 June 2024.

The interview may be conducted by video conference, rather than face to face. We will provide further information to successful candidates prior to interview.

We recruit using the Civil Service Success Profiles https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles

About us and contact information

Our mission

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of probation and youth justice services in England and Wales. Our mission is to promote positive changes in these services. Our recommendations, research and effective practice guidance drive improvements at individual, local and national levels. This leads to improved outcomes for adults on probation and children in contact with youth justice services, better information and support for victims; and better protection of the public. 

We work in ways that are influential, independent, professional, diverse and inclusive. Read more about our vision, mission and values on our website:  www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation 

Person Specification - Success Profiles

Behaviours

Making Effective Decisions 

Take responsibility for making effective and fair decisions, in a timely manner. Analyse and research further information to support decisions. Talk to relevant people to get advice and information when unsure how to proceed. Explain how decisions have been reached in a clear and concise way, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrate the consideration of all options, costs, risks and wider implications, including the diverse needs of end users and any accessibility requirements.

Communicating and Influencing 

Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money. Interact with others in an enthusiastic way. Express ideas clearly and with respect for others. Listen to and value different ideas, views and ways of working. Respond constructively and objectively to comments and questions. Handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity.

Review existing sources of insight (including previous communication activity) to understand the overall context for communication and audience. Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to identify stakeholder and audience insights. (Government Communications Service)

Developing Self and Others 

Identify gaps in own and team’s skills and knowledge. Set and consistently meet development objectives. Seek learning opportunities. Support the development plans of all colleagues, recognising how diversity of experience/background can help to build an inclusive team culture. Consider the contributions of all team members and delegate work to aid the learning and development of all. Encourage and listen to developmental feedback from colleagues. 

Delivering at Pace 

Follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation to complete your work. Have a positive and focused attitude to achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks. Regularly check performance against objectives, making suggestions for improvement or taking corrective action where necessary. Ensure that colleagues are supported where tasks are challenging.

Ability
Ability to deliver work accurately and to tight deadlines    Essential

Experience

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (especially Word)    Essential

Experience in using design software    Essential

Experience of using social media channels    Desirable

Selection Process
Stage    Content    Testing
Sift    Application form     Ability, Behaviours and Experience
Assessment    Interview    Strengths

Further information

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. We will not discriminate on grounds of gender, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, faith or any other factor not relevant to a person's work.

If you would like to discuss this post, please contact: Zach Rathore, Senior Publications Officer, on 07394 715417 or zach.rathore@hmiprobation.gov.uk, marking your email ‘Publications Officer recruitment 2024’.

Person specification

Please refer to Job Description

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,223, Ministry of Justice contributes £7,377 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.