Head of Internal Communications

Eligibility

This role is open to House of Commons, Parliamentary Digital Service and R&R Client Team employees only.

Introduction 

The Central Communications Office leads the communications strategy for the House of Commons. We work to improve access to – and understanding of – the work of the House of Commons, and to ensure that everyone who works here has the information they need to do their job. Our impartial, challenging and trusted communications and counsel are at the heart of the organisation, building understanding, connection, and trust with our diverse audiences.

It is a busy but supportive team, where you will have the opportunity to further develop your communications skills while delivering high profile campaigns and projects, working collaboratively with internal and external communications specialists across the House.

The Role 

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Internal Communication Team as we are looking for two Head of Internal Communications. Each one looking after a specific area:

Head of Internal Communications (Campaigns and Engagement)

• Responsible for the development and delivery of an effective leadership and staff engagement strategy, including communications in relation to culture, behaviour, and inclusion and diversity. Responsible for internal communications on behalf of the Speaker, the Clerk of the House and Commons Executive Board.

Head of Internal Communications (Members’ Services)

• Responsible for the development and delivery of an effective communications strategy for Members and Members’ staff.

As Head of Internal Communications, you will take a strategic approach to communicating with a range of internal audiences, while ensuring all of our communications support the priorities set out in the House Administration strategy. You will be responsible for ensuring the Internal Communications team delivers communications to a high standard across all of our channels, products and events, using insight and innovation to continually improve our approach. You will also be responsible for ensuring Internal Communications contributes to planning, horizon scanning and evaluation as part of the wider Communications Office.

You will provide trusted communications advice to senior leaders on a range of complex and sensitive issues, and develop effective working relationships with other areas of the Communications Office, the wider Communications Network, and stakeholders in both Houses to deliver on our shared objectives.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Ensure that internal communications across the House support the delivery of House-wide communications priorities, including the House Administration strategy and communications strategy.
• Lead and deliver strategic communications campaigns, based on insight and evaluated in line with agreed objectives.
• Provide trusted and impartial communications advice and support to senior stakeholders, including Managing Directors and Members of Parliament, on a range of complex and sensitive issues, with a strong understanding of the political context we work in.

Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Proven success overseeing the development and delivery of effective communications strategies, underpinned by robust evaluation programmes.
• Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate teams working under pressure, while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong relationship management skills, effective at negotiating and influencing at a senior level, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Good political awareness, news sense and understanding of reputational risk, with experience working in a complex organisation and with multiple stakeholders.
• Good knowledge of the wider communications landscape, and developments in internal communications, including the role of digital channels and content.

Next Steps and Additional Information

• CV & Supporting Statement – If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and supporting statement with a 500-word limit.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Contact Details

For more information about the role, or for an informal chat, contact Annabel Ellis.