Head of Media Freedom & Projects
| Posting date: | 25 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £49,839 to £55,531 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 May 2024 |
| Location: | M2 3AW |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 351099/1 |
Summary
We pride ourselves on our inclusive and respectful team environment, with ample opportunities to get involved in corporate work or staff networks. Our staff survey scores show positive engagement in all areas, with a high level of interest in our work.
The UK media plays an invaluable role in our national life and in ensuring a thriving democracy. The government is committed to supporting the UK media sectors, including ensuring media freedom, plurality and sustainability in the face of economic and social change created by new digital technologies.
We are looking for a policy professional to join the Press Radio & Media Freedom team as Head of Media Freedom & Projects. The team is responsible for a number of high profile policy areas that are priorities for DCMS Ministers and No.10, including media mergers and media ownership, press sustainability and taking important radio and press measures through the Media Bill.
This is a high profile role, which involves regular, fast-paced engagement with Ministers, Special Advisors, senior stakeholders across government and press stakeholders on complex, politically sensitive issues.
The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders inside and outside of Government to champion an independent press and protect media freedom. They will also lead on and deliver the Government’s commitment to improving the safety of journalists operating in the UK. Responsibilities are likely to include:
- Upholding media freedom by working with stakeholders including the press sector, police, and other government departments such as the Home Office, MoJ, FCDO and DSIT, to ensure HMG policy delivers the press sector needs and priorities.
- Development and delivery of legislation, including implementation of the Online Safety Act’s protections for news publishers’ content.
- Delivery of the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, refreshed in October 2023, and leading an effective secretariat function of the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists.
- Leading an effective secretariat function for the SLAPPs Taskforce and the successful delivery of its work plan, published in December 2023.
- Strategic press projects, which may include urgent and/or high-priority work across the press policy team, as well as research and policy development responding to the changing nature of the press industry.
- Line management of one HEO, with the potential for further task/line management as required.