Job Description

Details

Reference number

325621

Salary

\xc2\xa337,295 - \xc2\xa344,724

National Minimum - \xc2\xa337,295 Maximum - \xc2\xa341,425 London Minimum - \xc2\xa340,262 Maximum - \xc2\xa344,724. For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading \xe2\x80\x98Salary\xe2\x80\x99.

A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

Strategic Change Projects Directorate

Type of role

Other

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1


Contents

• Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York
About the job

Job summary

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people\'s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. Strategic Change Projects Directorate The Strategic Change Projects Directorate works with senior leaders and the most important delivery programmes in the organisation to track and deliver Defra\xe2\x80\x99s outcomes. To deliver our ambitious outcomes we need to work more efficiently and invest in our people so they can thrive. We need to work more collaboratively and change the way we operate so we can create a Future Defra group which is more unified and designed to deliver. With over 26,000 people in the group it has never been so important to develop an engaging story to collectively take our people on that journey. Our Future Defra Story is our corporate narrative and does just that. It explains our vision for change and how we need to equip our people so they understand how they can play their part in making our vision a reality. We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups.

Job description

We are looking for an experienced communicator to join the Engagement Team within the Strategic Change Projects Directorate. The Future Defra Story was launched in April 2023 and sets out our long-term vision for how we need to change as an organisation. We are currently expanding this narrative to the wider Defra group. This exciting role is crucial to delivering that narrative, which puts people at the heart of transformation and aligns change across the wider organisation. As well as developing the next iteration of the Future Defra Story, the team is also responsible for building a comprehensive programme of communications and engagement activities to embed it. You will take a lead on considering the best communication channels to use, develop the right messages and products to support the delivery of the narrative and provide crucial insight on how it lands with our audiences. The narrative is designed to be iterative and co-created - taking on feedback and adapting the Future Defra Story to ensure it resonates and creates behaviour change is crucial to its success. You will need to create mechanisms for gathering and responding to feedback and to develop evaluation criteria and strategies. You will work with teams in the Directorate, Defra Communications and project teams across the wider organisation to embed and position the Future Defra brand. You will provide strategic communications and engagement advice and support, managing our forward look and delivering key engagement projects \xe2\x80\x93 coming up with ideas and taking them through to delivery and evaluation. This is an opportunity to contribute towards and influence the development of the corporate story, building up a network of stakeholders to drive forward the changes we need and further develop the narrative. You will be uniquely placed to work in a high-profile Directorate at a time when effective communication and engagement with staff of all grades has never been more important. This post may include line management responsibility.

Person specification

The successful candidate will:

• Plan and coordinate Future Defra communication moments, including managing our planning grid, positioning Future Defra in corporate announcements, and identifying opportunities for engagement.
• Design and deliver high-impact communications campaigns to embed the Future Defra Story across the group. This will include highlighting examples of Future Defra in action and using communication tools to bring the story alive.
• Write briefing materials, case studies and further develop the Future Defra Story so that it reflects feedback from across the group and aligns with wider initiatives such as A modern Civil Service.

• Develop ways of working and processes so that we capture insight and data to inform our communication and engagement strategy, managing risks and identifying opportunities.

• Work closely with our key stakeholders to understand their level of awareness and buy in, consider sentiment, and refine our narrative through user testing.

• Own the Future Defra brand. Identifying opportunities to join up and align work across the organisation, and ensuring it is positioned in a clear and meaningful way.

• Support the delivery of engagement projects/events to support the wider Directorate.

• Work closely with Internal Communications colleagues across the group to plan Future Defra content, evaluate activity and ensure we share successes, insight and learning across our teams.
• Motivate, lead, and provide strategic direction within the team to direct reports, as applicable.

Person Specification

• Demonstrate strong experience of having previously worked in a strategic communication, internal communication, and/or media role.

• Ability to establish strong internal and external relationships, and to communicate with different audiences, including senior decision makers.

• Ability to work flexibility, with an understanding of the use of different channels and formats for different audiences.

• Ability to self-motivate, especially in times of ambiguity and organisational change.

• Building networks and relationships of influence at all levels, including senior leaders, to deliver objectives successfully.
• Ability to see the bigger picture and apply strategic thinking.
• Excellent decision making and judgement skills, and ability to synthesise complex issues effectively and at pace to senior decision makers.

• Be able to work flexibly, managing several competing deadlines and rapidly changing priorities at short notice and to short timescales.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work with independence.

Behaviours

We\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Seeing the Big Picture

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of \xc2\xa337,295, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes \xc2\xa310,069 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

A career in the Civil Service is like no other. If you\xe2\x80\x99re looking to join a world class team and develop your career with us, then the Civil Service is the place for you! You might be wondering, \xe2\x80\x9cwhat\xe2\x80\x99s in it for me\xe2\x80\x9d? Take a look below at some of the benefits available to you as a civil servant in Defra.

Strategic Change Projects Directorate Benefits Learning and Development Everyone in Defra is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, Defra, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role, while also working with you to connect you with a civil service mentor to help empower you in your new role with the opportunity to benefit from paid for coaching.

Most importantly, we\xe2\x80\x99re keen to invest in you! As a civil servant, you will also have access to Civil Service Learning where you can participate in professional development programmes across a wide spectrum of subjects and professions. Department Benefits Technology We\xe2\x80\x99re a firm believer in agile and flexible working. When you join Defra, we\xe2\x80\x99ll kit you out with a new Windows 10 Laptop, smartphone and rucksack to make sure that you perform your best wherever you are.

Leave
25 days\' paid leave per annum rising to 30 days after five years\xe2\x80\x99 service, in addition to eight public holidays and the King\xe2\x80\x99s Birthday privilege day. We also offer

• Competitive maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave;
• Study leave for the pursuit of academic studies;
• 3 days paid leave for volunteering per annum;
• 15 days paid leave per year for reservist training; and,
• Generous paid sick leave.

Cycle to Work Scheme Defra loans you a bike for your commute as a tax-free benefit. At the end of the loan period, you have the option to buy the bike, saving 30% of the original cost.

Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan We offer interest-free season ticket loans, to all Defra employees with more than three months\xe2\x80\x99 service, for purchasing train and bus season tickets, as well as station car parking. For those unable to take advantage of tax-free benefits, we also offer an interest-free bicycle loan to enable the purchase of a bicycle for commuting.

Gym, Social and Sports Activities Our offices have a range of different onsite facilities, including gym, fitness facilities, games room, showers and cycle storage. There are also a variety of networks and social groups to join. Ask your line manager for more information.

Restaurant and Caf\xc3\xa9 Facilities A range of our offices offer onsite restaurant and caf\xc3\xa9 facilities.

Civil Service Benefits

Pension Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package, and you will be given the chance to join one of three different pension plans. You can find more information on the Civil Service Pension on the MyCSP Website at www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk

Civil Service Sports Council The Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) organises a wide choice of activities throughout the UK, from art, gliding, abseiling and orienteering to cabaret weekends and quiz and curry nights. Your CSSC membership will provide you with FREE access to hundreds of national and local sites, in addition to savings at many high street stores, cinemas, restaurants and historic houses. Blended Working Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others. Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.
Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Application Process As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, 750 Word Personal Statement and Lead Behaviour - Communicating and Influencing. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Sift Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour \xe2\x80\x93 Communicating and Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. Sifting is likely to be occur w/c 27th November with interviews likely to take place w/c 11th December. These dates are indicative only. Interview If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours and experience . You may also be asked to give a presentation. Interviews are expected to last no longer than 45 minutes. Location Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. Candidates applying for these roles will be based at one of the Defra hubs as advertised. For information, our core Defra hub locations are:

• York \xe2\x80\x93 the Kings Pool;
• Newcastle \xe2\x80\x93 Lancaster House
• Bristol \xe2\x80\x93 Horizon House (Please note that space at this office is limited and it may not be possible for all Policy roles to be recruited to this location)
• London \xe2\x80\x93 2 Marsham Street

Internal (core Defra) employees can apply for this role and choose to remain in their current location or to be based in one of the advertised locations. All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised locations. Defra continues to support a blended working model and candidates are currently expected to attend their office base for 40-60% of the week. Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location. Reserve List A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Merit Lists Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application. Salary New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. Visa Sponsorship Statement Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Reasonable Adjustment If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• Complete the \xe2\x80\x9cAssistance required\xe2\x80\x9d section in the \xe2\x80\x9cAdditional requirements\xe2\x80\x9d page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you\xe2\x80\x99re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Accessibility If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the \'Contact point for applicants\' section. Criminal Record Check If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check maybe carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognize in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. Internal Fraud Database Check Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant\xe2\x80\x99s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Higher Security Clearance: Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter. Job offers are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer. If you are successful at interview, we will ask you to undertake basic security clearance before the role is confirmed. If you are based in London, we will need you to pass a higher level of clearance (CTC) because of the security requirements for the Marsham Street office. This is a permanent role as an SEO in the Future Defra Engagement Team. Childcare Vouchers Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
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.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• 
  Name :
  Strategy, People and Resourcing
  Email :
  sandc.resourcing@defra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• 
  Email :
  defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact:
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.