Strategic Lead Comms and Engagement
| Posting date: | 21 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £57.95 to £80.00 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | • PAYE: £57.95 per hour • Limited/Umbrella: £80.00 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 January 2026 |
| Location: | Chichester, West Sussex |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | OR21605 |
Summary
Neway International are seeking a Strategic Lead Comms and Engagement – Devolution (Interim) to join our client West Sussex County Council within the Chief Executive’s Office.
Location: 25 West St, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RQ
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 04 February 2026
Duration: 9 weeks
Work Pattern: Expected in the office 1–2 days per week
Pay Rates:
• PAYE: £57.95 per hour
• Limited/Umbrella: £80.00 per hour
About the Client
West Sussex County Council is progressing a significant devolution programme and requires senior-level communications expertise to support the development of a combined county authority and Mayoral model. The Chief Executive’s Office leads this strategic work, ensuring strong governance, effective engagement, and clear communication across the region.
The Role
Reporting to the Interim Devolution Chief Officer, the Strategic Lead will provide expert communications and engagement leadership. This interim assignment focuses on shaping and delivering a comprehensive communications, partnerships, and consultation strategy to support the emerging combined county authority.
Key Responsibilities
Define the scope, objectives, audiences, and resources required for the devolution communications and consultation strategy
Develop a delivery structure aligned with government communications best practice, incorporating innovation, automation, and modern creative approaches
Establish a communications toolkit, including frameworks for website and intranet content, media handling, policy briefings, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring dashboards
Build a platform for ongoing participatory consultation, community co‑production, and digital engagement, with a focus on reaching underrepresented groups across Sussex
Work collaboratively with partners and communities to improve outcomes and drive efficiencies
Candidate Requirements
Proven experience as a Head of Communications or senior communications manager
Strong leadership capability with experience managing modern communications and engagement functions
Practical understanding of working with democratically elected politicians
Excellent relationship‑building and partnership‑working skills
Ability to lead, coach, and support teams to deliver high‑quality, impactful communications
Credibility, strategic insight, and the ability to operate confidently in a complex, high‑profile environment
Location: 25 West St, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RQ
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 04 February 2026
Duration: 9 weeks
Work Pattern: Expected in the office 1–2 days per week
Pay Rates:
• PAYE: £57.95 per hour
• Limited/Umbrella: £80.00 per hour
About the Client
West Sussex County Council is progressing a significant devolution programme and requires senior-level communications expertise to support the development of a combined county authority and Mayoral model. The Chief Executive’s Office leads this strategic work, ensuring strong governance, effective engagement, and clear communication across the region.
The Role
Reporting to the Interim Devolution Chief Officer, the Strategic Lead will provide expert communications and engagement leadership. This interim assignment focuses on shaping and delivering a comprehensive communications, partnerships, and consultation strategy to support the emerging combined county authority.
Key Responsibilities
Define the scope, objectives, audiences, and resources required for the devolution communications and consultation strategy
Develop a delivery structure aligned with government communications best practice, incorporating innovation, automation, and modern creative approaches
Establish a communications toolkit, including frameworks for website and intranet content, media handling, policy briefings, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring dashboards
Build a platform for ongoing participatory consultation, community co‑production, and digital engagement, with a focus on reaching underrepresented groups across Sussex
Work collaboratively with partners and communities to improve outcomes and drive efficiencies
Candidate Requirements
Proven experience as a Head of Communications or senior communications manager
Strong leadership capability with experience managing modern communications and engagement functions
Practical understanding of working with democratically elected politicians
Excellent relationship‑building and partnership‑working skills
Ability to lead, coach, and support teams to deliver high‑quality, impactful communications
Credibility, strategic insight, and the ability to operate confidently in a complex, high‑profile environment