Senior Communications Advisor

Standards and culture have never been more important topics in policing. We are looking for a talented and experienced communications specialist to drive this agenda across our workforce and ensure Bedfordshire Police is a diverse and inclusive place to work. Helping embed our culture will comprise a range of communications tactics and you will be responsible for creating, leading and implementing our internal communications strategy.

The role leads the force in using multiple communications channels to reach a mobile workforce which is more often than not away from their desk and out in our communities. We are looking for someone to drive transformation, improve employee awareness and understanding of the connection between their roles and the delivery of the force vision and values.

This is a key role in influencing behaviours and culture to help us deliver a quality policing service that keeps our communities safe and helps Bedfordshire Police be a great place to work.

You will also have a hand in external communications, taking part in a duty rota, handling media enquiries, writing appeals and publishing across a variety of internal and external channels in response to key operational and reputational issues.

We are a small force with big challenges and often find ourselves in the national spotlight, so this role would be a perfect opportunity for a communications professional looking to progress their career and make an impact here in Bedfordshire.

Design and video-editing skills would be an advantage.

**Additional Information**

Internal applicants within Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary or Hertfordshire Constabulary (BCH), should upload either a CV or provide relevant skills, experiences and qualifications on Word/PDF document.

This vacancy is live to those at risk of redundancy and will remain open to redeployees until the conditional offer stage throughout the recruitment process. Redeployees will take priority over other applicants at any point during the recruitment process up until conditional offer. If a redeployee is successful and accepts an offer, they will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions.

**It is recommended that you download and store a copy of the role profile as this will no longer be available once the advert has closed.**

To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.

**Why work for Bedfordshire Police?**

We have gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.

If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then we are the force for you.

**Benefits include**:

- Access to the local government pension scheme (police staff) or Police pension scheme (Police officers) including career average, employer contributions and death in service.
- Paid leave days depending on force and length of service (police staff - 24 to 33 days, police officers 22 to 30 days).
- Paid sick leave of six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
- Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (dependent on service).
- Carers and discretionary leave.
- Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job share, annualised hours and agile working (depending on role requirements).
- Gym facilities, weekly yoga classes, exercise classes, squash facilities, exercise space etc. are available (depending on location).
- Each force has its own sports or sports and social club, offering discounts, trips, and events.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Access to Blue Light Card providing discounts to Emergency Services on the high street and online.
- Access to Police Mutual providing financial support including savings plans, insurance, breakdown cover, loans and independent financial advice.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Various support groups including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support Group, Christian Police Association (CPA), Disability Awareness Network (DAWN), Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual & transgender (LGBT), Menopause Action Group, Police Chaplains.
- Access to a Trade Union (UNISON)/Staff Association (Federation).
- The Backup Buddy Police Support app is designed to help with mental health issues and gives practical advice and support as well as a range of podcasts.
- Opportunities for development and further study including Further You Talent Management, Be You BCH Senior Leadership Programme, and supervisory leadership workshops.

**Equality, Diversity and Inclusion**

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities,