Communications Officer
| Posting date: | 30 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,366 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 13 August 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 20089 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council- Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- £33,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Fixed Term (Up to 3 years)
We’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Communications Officer in the Suffolk Resilience Forum you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
- Work on the development and delivery of multiple communications activities and campaigns, employing an appropriate mix of communications techniques, channels and behavioural change skills.
- Work within tight campaign budgets, accounting for spend and delivering value for money communications activities and campaigns.
- Using sound judgement and professional knowledge, deliver a range of daily communications activities e.g. media summary and analysis, staff newsletters and stakeholder mapping.
- Handle appropriate contentious issues and crisis communication situations.
- Protect and enhance the Suffolk Resilience Forum’s reputation, including handling media enquiries.
- Deputise for Senior Communications Officers, as required.
- Be part of the communications team on call rota, as required.
- Collaborate with communication officers from all agencies within the SRF to build a joint preparedness campaign to support the SRF Community Risk Register.
- Maintain and update the SRF website and social media channels.
- Support the SRF working groups to deliver regular communications with identified stakeholders.
You will need
- An interest in communications, media, emergency planning and resilience.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentations, reports, publicity, digital and marketing materials.
- Previous experience in a multiagency environment would be beneficial.
- Great organisational skills, self-motivated, able to work under pressure and through quieter periods and able to work under your own esteem.
- To be creative and continually seeking to find new ways influence people through communications activities and campaigns
- Experience of project management would be beneficial with experience of being flexible to adapt to changing timelines.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Currently the team is transitioning to a new structure which includes strategic leadership from the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO). The CRO post coordinates workstreams across community resilience, communications, climate adaptation, data integration and business resilience.
This role will be split across the Communications Team and the Suffolk Resilience Forum team.
Communications Officers report to the Communications and Public Affairs Managers, alongside Senior Communications Officers, Communications Assistant and Graphic Designer. This role does not have line-management responsibilities. The Assistant Director for Communications and Public Affairs leads the whole team.
Together, the communications team will create, implement and evaluate a range of engaging campaigns to help Suffolk County Council achieve its organisational objectives. This will include campaigns that aim to have a positive impact on people’s behaviour, including Suffolk County Council staff and Suffolk residents. The team will also work to protect and enhance the reputation of Suffolk County Council.
The main partnership work is carried out on Working on Wednesday ‘WoW’ days which are normally hosted at Police Headquarters and Tuesdays are team working days usually based at Endeavour House.
The SRF team tends to work 2-3 days a week in office, which can be at Endeavour House, Landmark House and Police HQ although can include other sites across Suffolk.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Becky Heginbotham-Blount (she/her) or Lloyd Jones (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263610 or emailing becky.heginbotham-blount@suffolk.gov.uk or Lloyd.Jones@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read theJob and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Tell us about a time when you had to explain a complex issue to a non-specialist audience. How did you ensure your message was clear and understood?
- Describe a situation where you worked with others to deliver a piece of communications work under pressure or to a tight deadline. What was your role and what did you learn?
- Give an example of a communication product (e.g. social media post, leaflet, press release) you helped develop. What was your contribution and how did you know it was effective?
- Give an example of a time you had to manage communications during a complex or crisis situation. How did you handle it and what was the result?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 13 August 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- £33,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Fixed Term (Up to 3 years)
We’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Communications Officer in the Suffolk Resilience Forum you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
- Work on the development and delivery of multiple communications activities and campaigns, employing an appropriate mix of communications techniques, channels and behavioural change skills.
- Work within tight campaign budgets, accounting for spend and delivering value for money communications activities and campaigns.
- Using sound judgement and professional knowledge, deliver a range of daily communications activities e.g. media summary and analysis, staff newsletters and stakeholder mapping.
- Handle appropriate contentious issues and crisis communication situations.
- Protect and enhance the Suffolk Resilience Forum’s reputation, including handling media enquiries.
- Deputise for Senior Communications Officers, as required.
- Be part of the communications team on call rota, as required.
- Collaborate with communication officers from all agencies within the SRF to build a joint preparedness campaign to support the SRF Community Risk Register.
- Maintain and update the SRF website and social media channels.
- Support the SRF working groups to deliver regular communications with identified stakeholders.
You will need
- An interest in communications, media, emergency planning and resilience.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentations, reports, publicity, digital and marketing materials.
- Previous experience in a multiagency environment would be beneficial.
- Great organisational skills, self-motivated, able to work under pressure and through quieter periods and able to work under your own esteem.
- To be creative and continually seeking to find new ways influence people through communications activities and campaigns
- Experience of project management would be beneficial with experience of being flexible to adapt to changing timelines.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Currently the team is transitioning to a new structure which includes strategic leadership from the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO). The CRO post coordinates workstreams across community resilience, communications, climate adaptation, data integration and business resilience.
This role will be split across the Communications Team and the Suffolk Resilience Forum team.
Communications Officers report to the Communications and Public Affairs Managers, alongside Senior Communications Officers, Communications Assistant and Graphic Designer. This role does not have line-management responsibilities. The Assistant Director for Communications and Public Affairs leads the whole team.
Together, the communications team will create, implement and evaluate a range of engaging campaigns to help Suffolk County Council achieve its organisational objectives. This will include campaigns that aim to have a positive impact on people’s behaviour, including Suffolk County Council staff and Suffolk residents. The team will also work to protect and enhance the reputation of Suffolk County Council.
The main partnership work is carried out on Working on Wednesday ‘WoW’ days which are normally hosted at Police Headquarters and Tuesdays are team working days usually based at Endeavour House.
The SRF team tends to work 2-3 days a week in office, which can be at Endeavour House, Landmark House and Police HQ although can include other sites across Suffolk.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Becky Heginbotham-Blount (she/her) or Lloyd Jones (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263610 or emailing becky.heginbotham-blount@suffolk.gov.uk or Lloyd.Jones@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read theJob and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Tell us about a time when you had to explain a complex issue to a non-specialist audience. How did you ensure your message was clear and understood?
- Describe a situation where you worked with others to deliver a piece of communications work under pressure or to a tight deadline. What was your role and what did you learn?
- Give an example of a communication product (e.g. social media post, leaflet, press release) you helped develop. What was your contribution and how did you know it was effective?
- Give an example of a time you had to manage communications during a complex or crisis situation. How did you handle it and what was the result?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 13 August 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.