Communications Manager
Greater Lincoln Area, United Kingdom Full-time Posted 4 hours ago
The role will be based in a local Forestry England office with flexibility for blended working. We would anticipate the role spending one day each fortnight in our Bristol head office. Travel across England will be required with occasional overnight stays necessary.
Job Summary
This role leads communications and public engagement for a high-profile national programme to create and install Covid-19 commemorative features in the nation’s forests. These features will provide spaces for reflection, remembrance and recognition of the lives lost, the impact of the pandemic, and the sacrifices made
across society.
Working closely with the programme director, a multidisciplinary team and communications colleagues in Forestry England’s national team and six districts, you will manage all aspects of communications for creating and installing the features in forests. This will include media relations and stakeholder and community
engagement. The role requires strong communications management, excellent content creation skills, and a commitment to inclusive and accessible communications.
As well as excellent communications skills, this role requires the ability to lead compassionate engagement with people affected by loss and trauma, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected with care, respect and dignity.
This is a fixed-term role aligned to the lifespan of the programme, with a strong emphasis on legacy, accessibility, and community collaboration.
This is a temporary appointment until 31 March 2028 with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee. Travel across England will be required with occasional overnight stays necessary. The role will be based in a local Forestry England office with flexibility for blended working (see details below). Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job Description
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
Communications strategy and planning
Communications strategy and planning
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential professional and technical experience
Essential
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
How To Apply…
You will also be asked to answer the following question:
Set out your experience of planning, delivering and evaluating community and stakeholder engagement on a sensitive issue or project. (150 words)
You will then be asked to write a 200-word statement on your relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
You will be assessed on both during sifting. More details about how to apply are listed on the application form.
You will be assessed on behaviours and strength-based questions during your interview, and also asked to do a short presentation.
The Behaviours Being Assessed At Interview Are
Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and the government baseline personnel security standard check.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, please email fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk.
If you're planning to use AI to support your application, please ensure you've read our guidelines here first.
Read more about our application process and working with us on the Forestry England website.
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.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
Working for the Civil Service
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
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.
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FCE by email: englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Job Summary
This role leads communications and public engagement for a high-profile national programme to create and install Covid-19 commemorative features in the nation’s forests. These features will provide spaces for reflection, remembrance and recognition of the lives lost, the impact of the pandemic, and the sacrifices made
across society.
Working closely with the programme director, a multidisciplinary team and communications colleagues in Forestry England’s national team and six districts, you will manage all aspects of communications for creating and installing the features in forests. This will include media relations and stakeholder and community
engagement. The role requires strong communications management, excellent content creation skills, and a commitment to inclusive and accessible communications.
As well as excellent communications skills, this role requires the ability to lead compassionate engagement with people affected by loss and trauma, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected with care, respect and dignity.
This is a fixed-term role aligned to the lifespan of the programme, with a strong emphasis on legacy, accessibility, and community collaboration.
This is a temporary appointment until 31 March 2028 with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee. Travel across England will be required with occasional overnight stays necessary. The role will be based in a local Forestry England office with flexibility for blended working (see details below). Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job Description
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
Communications strategy and planning
- Develop and deliver an integrated communications plan collaborating with colleagues nationally and in Forestry England’s districts, to engage the public, stakeholders and media in Forestry England's Covid19 commemoration programme.
- Develop consistent messaging and a clear communications approach whilst responding to local contexts and audience needs.
- Use audience insights and data analytics to refine content strategies, measure success and deliver targeted communications effectively to different audiences.
- Make sure all communications follow accessibility best practice and are inclusive by default, supporting diverse audiences including those with disabilities.
- Create engaging, accessible content to be used across multiple channels including digital and news media, meeting Forestry England's tone of voice and brand guidelines.
- Liaise with colleagues managing Forestry England's channels so that publication is timely with the potential to achieve maximum impact.
- Develop case studies, news stories, video content and social media assets that bring the programme to life and demonstrate community participation and creative opportunities.
- Lead the programme team to plan and deliver high-quality community stakeholder engagement events and opportunities as part of community participation in the programme.
- Develop communications materials that facilitate meaningful, sensitive engagement with communities, advisory groups and stakeholders.
- Ensure communications reflect the diverse experiences of the pandemic across different communities, cultures and backgrounds.
- Work collaboratively with commissioned artists and creative partners to communicate artistic intent in an accessible and engaging way.
- Collaborate with Forestry England national teams, district colleagues including communications leads, and external partners including government communications contacts to co-ordinate messaging and maximise impact.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regional and local media, developing proactive stories and responding to media enquiries.
- Provide expert communications advice and support to programme team colleagues and senior leaders.
- Co-ordinate with the national media and reputation team to ensure consistent messaging and accurate, compelling context about the breadth of Forestry England’s work.
- Provide reactive and crisis communications support, working closely with colleagues in the national media and reputation team, to respond in a timely and accurate way to issues concerning the development and delivery of the programme.
- Monitor social media and other digital platforms to track relevant news and discussions and help prepare responses when needed to correct misinformation.
- Take a lead role in evaluating the effectiveness of communications, using insights and data to enhance how we engage with targeted audiences.
- Provide timely reporting information about the development, delivery and communications impact of the programme.
- Contribute to regular updates and evaluation reports for the programme board and external stakeholders including the funders.
- Any other tasks reasonably requested by your line manager.
Communications strategy and planning
- Develop and deliver an integrated communications plan collaborating with colleagues nationally and in Forestry England’s districts, to engage the public, stakeholders and media in Forestry England's Covid19 commemoration programme.
- Develop consistent messaging and a clear communications approach whilst responding to local contexts and audience needs.
- Use audience insights and data analytics to refine content strategies, measure success and deliver targeted communications effectively to different audiences.
- Make sure all communications follow accessibility best practice and are inclusive by default, supporting diverse audiences including those with disabilities.
- Create engaging, accessible content to be used across multiple channels including digital and news media, meeting Forestry England's tone of voice and brand guidelines.
- Liaise with colleagues managing Forestry England's channels so that publication is timely with the potential to achieve maximum impact.
- Develop case studies, news stories, video content and social media assets that bring the programme to life and demonstrate community participation and creative opportunities.
- Lead the programme team to plan and deliver high-quality community stakeholder engagement events and opportunities as part of community participation in the programme.
- Develop communications materials that facilitate meaningful, sensitive engagement with communities, advisory groups and stakeholders.
- Ensure communications reflect the diverse experiences of the pandemic across different communities, cultures and backgrounds.
- Work collaboratively with commissioned artists and creative partners to communicate artistic intent in an accessible and engaging way.
- Collaborate with Forestry England national teams, district colleagues including communications leads, and external partners including government communications contacts to co-ordinate messaging and maximise impact.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regional and local media, developing proactive stories and responding to media enquiries.
- Provide expert communications advice and support to programme team colleagues and senior leaders.
- Co-ordinate with the national media and reputation team to ensure consistent messaging and accurate, compelling context about the breadth of Forestry England’s work.
- Provide reactive and crisis communications support, working closely with colleagues in the national media and reputation team, to respond in a timely and accurate way to issues concerning the development and delivery of the programme.
- Monitor social media and other digital platforms to track relevant news and discussions and help prepare responses when needed to correct misinformation.
- Take a lead role in evaluating the effectiveness of communications, using insights and data to enhance how we engage with targeted audiences.
- Provide timely reporting information about the development, delivery and communications impact of the programme.
- Contribute to regular updates and evaluation reports for the programme board and external stakeholders including the funders.
- Any other tasks reasonably requested by your line manager.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential professional and technical experience
- Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to write clearly and present effectively for diverse audiences.
- Experience in developing and delivering multi-channel communications plans to build awareness and influence behaviours.
- Experience of working with news media proactively and reactively with a focus on reputation management.
- Experience of engaging with and shaping communications around sensitive and emotionally complex subjects
- Excellent skills to create content across digital, social media, print and other channels.
- Understand and effectively use digital and social media platforms
- Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and building effective working relationships at all levels.
- Experience in community engagement and co-creation approaches.
- Experience in creating accessible, inclusive communications that reach diverse audiences.
- Ability to analyse complex information and create clear, audience-appropriate messaging.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and communications tools.
- Experience managing communications on creative, environmental, heritage, cultural or placemaking projects.
- Experience working with government departments or public sector bodies.
- Understanding of the health and wellbeing benefits of green spaces.
Essential
- Degree or equivalent experience in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field.
- Professional communications qualification or membership of professional bodies such as CIPR.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
How To Apply…
You will also be asked to answer the following question:
Set out your experience of planning, delivering and evaluating community and stakeholder engagement on a sensitive issue or project. (150 words)
You will then be asked to write a 200-word statement on your relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
You will be assessed on both during sifting. More details about how to apply are listed on the application form.
You will be assessed on behaviours and strength-based questions during your interview, and also asked to do a short presentation.
The Behaviours Being Assessed At Interview Are
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and the government baseline personnel security standard check.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, please email fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk.
If you're planning to use AI to support your application, please ensure you've read our guidelines here first.
Read more about our application process and working with us on the Forestry England website.
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.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
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
Working for the Civil Service
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
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.
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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 : fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk
- Email : fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk
- Email : fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FCE by email: englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
