3290 - Head of Audience Insight and Communications Intelligence

ResponsibilitiesScroll down for a complete overview of what this job will require Are you the right candidate for this opportunityLead the production and dissemination of regular insight products (e.g. daily media and sentiment summaries, weekly trends, monthly audience insight briefings).Identify emerging issues and trends that impact public perception, trust, and information integrity.Monitor misinformation and disinformation narratives—particularly online—and provide timely briefings to communication and policy teams.Advise on counter‑messaging strategies and evidence‑ approaches to maintaining public confidence.Provide targeted insight support for priority campaigns, cross‑government communications, and reactive situations.Tailor insight outputs to suit a range of audiences, including ministers, communications professionals, and policy colleagues.Collaboration and InfluenceBuild strong working relationships with communications and policy teams across departments.Maintain and grow partnerships with polling agencies, academic institutions, fact‑checking organisations, and UK Government insight teams.Share learning, coordinate insight activity, and promote best practice across the Welsh public sector.Facilitate collaboration between strategic communication planners and analysts to ensure joined‑up, evidence‑led decision‑making.Capability Building and InnovationLead the development of insight capability within the communications profession, including upskilling colleagues in how to interpret and apply data.Promote the effective and ethical use of AI‑powered tools, providing guidance, use cases, and practical training.Build internal awareness and capability to monitor and respond to misinformation and influence operations.Support the growth and continuous improvement of the Central Insight Function, ensuring outputs are evaluated and refined based on user needs and feedback.Governance and StandardsEnsure all activity complies with the Civil Service Code, market and social research standards, and relevant data protection regulations.Put in place clear governance, quality assurance, and ethical oversight for insight and misinformation monitoring activity.Monitor performance of the Central Insight Function and report on its contribution to communication effectiveness, resilience to misinformation, and public engagement outcomes.Person SpecificationStrategic LeadershipStrategic LeadershipManage a Central Insight Function that delivers high‑quality insight to underpin communications and reputation management across Welsh Government.Provide expert advice to senior officials and ministers on public opinion, audience insight, misinformation risks, and communication vulnerabilities.Work with Knowledge and Analytical Services (KAS) to maintain methodological standards and alignment with wider analytical functions.Champion innovation in communications, particularly the use and embedding of AI to enhance research, messaging and campaign planning across the profession in Wales.BehavioursWe’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Seeing the Big PictureMaking Effective DecisionsLeadershipA reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.A presentation on ‘Seeing the big picture’ will be required at interview. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage.In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Behaviour 3 Leadership . Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter‑terrorist check.See our vetting charter.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.Nationality RequirementsUK nationalsNationals of the Republic of IrelandNationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKNationals 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)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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.Legal and EEO statementsWe recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Please see the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles on the Commission’s website.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: BenefitsLearning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Alongside your salary of £61,098, Welsh Government contributes £17,700 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. xpwpeyx Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.#J-18808-Ljbffr