Head of Digital Content & Editorial

Job Title: Head of Digital Content & Editorial - ProtectUK - NaCTSO - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Salary: The starting salary is £45,073, which includes allowances totalling £2,841. The salary is broken down as £42,232 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £50,385. Plus, a location allowance of £1,841 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location: West Brompton

Could you make the ProtectUK website the best it can be? If so, bring your skills to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) for a highly fulfilling role.

The ProtectUK website is managed by Counter Terrorism Policing HQ, NaCTSO and the Home Office, and contributes directly to our mission to protect businesses and the wider public from terrorism. As Head of Digital Content & Editorial, you will work closely with our partners to improve the content on this trusted and authoritative site.

We are looking for a leader, or aspiring leader, who has the experience and confidence to streamline and improve the current content offer on ProtectUK. Using your technical skills, your understanding of content management systems and your editorial, copywriting and digital skills, you’ll lead the build and development of ProtectUK in line with a fresh vision that is shaped by our audiences. It means working closely with your team and stakeholders, ensuring consistency and accuracy with a multi-channel approach, and liaising with internal and external content owners.

Your primary goal will be to ensure that our key audiences have the information they need, when they need it, all in an easily digestible and engaging format. You’ll be a positive advocate for communications as a profession and able to explain how it contributes to CTP’s overall mission.

Job Summary

The job holder will be responsible for the editorial function and digital content management of ProtectUK. ProtectUK is managed by Counter Terrorism Policing HQ, NaCTSO and the Home Office and contributes directly to the mission to protect the business and the wider public from terrorism. You will work closely with colleagues across the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the national Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) network, Home Office and other partners as part of your role.

You will lead the build and improvement of ProtectUK using your technical skill and understanding of content management systems alongside your editorial, copywriting and digital communications skills and experience.

You will ensure that our content is relevant, accurate and timely by understanding and engaging with our audiences and key operational and strategic teams.

ProtectUK is aimed at owners and operators of venues and public spaces, including businesses, public sector and local government. Its purpose includes:

1. Support, information and guidance to effectively protect against, and prepare for, the event of a terrorist attack.
2. Provide the tools and templates to produce a risk assessment and support to implement mitigating measures.
3. Provide interactive e-Learning packages to raise awareness of the terror threat among staff and the public.

You’ll be part of a highly motivated team, with the chance to directly contribute to the UK’s ability to protect against, and prepare to respond to, a terror attack. You’ll also have the opportunity to draw on your own experience and initiative to work with partners across CT Protect and Prepare to identify the most relevant content and present it in a way which resonates with our priority audiences.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a leader, or aspiring leader, who has the experience and confidence to streamline and improve the current content offer on ProtectUK with a fresh vision that is informed by our audiences, working closely with all stakeholders.

We will rely on your editorial and copywriting skills to work hand in hand with your experience working with content management systems to provide an interactive and intuitive user experience on the website and app. Your interest and understanding in digital communications will take ProtectUK forward as an authoritative and trusted voice on protective security for business, venues and public spaces across the UK helping keep people safe from terrorism. The impact of your work and leadership through ProtectUK and NaCTSO will support the wider counter terrorism Protect and Prepare mission.

You will need to be a self-starter, able to quickly grasp new projects or priorities, or refresh and refine an existing approach. You will need to balance the strategic with the tactical, with a real focus on delivery. You’ll need to build excellent relationships with senior officers and colleagues right across the country, as well as with stakeholders across NaCTSO, CTP and law enforcement partners, government, business, and other groups.

You will have knowledge or will be able to quickly grasp and learn about the work of NaCTSO and CTP and understand and differentiate the type of content that should be on the website and the app as well as what is needed to support a positive user experience by different audiences.

You will have a good understanding of the different channels at your disposal and will use audience insight to choose the right approach. You’ll be focused on outcomes and changing behaviour and will use evaluation to drive continuous improvement of your plans. You’ll take responsibility for planning and producing content, and will work collaboratively with others to plan, programme, and deliver your work.

You’ll build and maintain great relationships and use your network to support not only your own projects but the wider mission.

You’ll make your presence felt as a positive and proactive member of the team and national network. You may have line management responsibilities, but whether you have direct reports or not, you’ll be constantly on the lookout for opportunities to share best practice, support your colleagues and contribute to wider network initiatives, including on Learning and Development. You will take active steps to contribute to our shared commitment to Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (IDE).

You will bring energy, purpose, and new ideas to our mission. You’ll look for opportunities to improve what we do and help to ensure that the work we do is constantly evolving to meet the threat from terrorism that we face, and the communications environment that we operate in.

Key Tasks

The post holder will be required to do the following:

1. Commission, produce and edit innovative and impactful content that engages our external audiences.
2. Collaborate with relevant teams to support the delivery of high-quality content.
3. Manage different types of content including articles, visuals, e-Learning, training tools, videos, webinars and innovative content that isn’t yet on ProtectUK.
4. Upload and develop different types of content using our digital content management system, working closely with the Digital Content Officer who you will line manage.
5. Chair the Editorial board and develop our content prioritisation process to effectively future-proof and plan in alignment with legislation, policy and media campaigns.
6. Consistently review content to update and finesse ProtectUK in an adaptive and flexible way.
7. Work closely with content owners to support their needs and ideas about what should be shared on ProtectUK.
8. Draw on evaluation and insight from the ProtectUK platform and wider sources to constantly review and develop the platform content and user journey.
9. Collaborate with key partners and stakeholders to produce high quality, effective and audience-led communications products, with due consideration for use of a wide range of formats (including video, images, webinars).
10. Quality assure CTP products, ensuring they reach our highest standards.
11. Effectively represent ProtectUK, promoting our brand and reputation, presenting our work to relevant audiences, with confidence and knowledge of the benefit we bring to the CT Protect and Prepare mission.
12. Advocate for our shared commitment to Inclusion, Diversity and Equality in everything we do.
13. Work with our Marketing and Insights team to understand the interaction with content and support campaigns.
14. Support the wider delivery effort of CT Protect and Prepare and crisis response as part of any national CT major incident.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Confidentiality Agreement

Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.

Our Employee Commitments

Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of “Working to keep people safe from Terrorism”.

Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today’s complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part-time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).

How to Apply

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement, and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on the 2nd of January 2025. Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager. The application review for this vacancy will commence January 2025. Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview. Interview dates will commence January 2025.

Essential For The Role

Essentials experience:

1. Proven experience (4+ years) leading large scale communications projects, with track record of translating business challenges into successful strategies, plans and campaigns.
2. Proven experience working with content management systems and associated components including Drupal and Opigno.
3. Proven experience working with digital partners in both CMS build and content design.
4. Strong understanding of digital communications.
5. Excellent writing skills, specifically for digital communications.
6. Ability to use insight and research to plan and refine communications activity to reach and engage target audiences.
7. Strong understanding of a range of communications disciplines and channels, using knowledge to plan and adapt chosen approach.
8. Experience of forward planning and managing day-to-day communications and engagement activity, coordinated as part of wider organisational activity.
9. Strong track record of delivery, including taking responsibility for commissioning and producing high quality content and other deliverables.
10. Innovative and creative mind-set, bringing new ideas to solve tough challenges.
11. Evidence of best practice in tracking and measuring the impact of communications and its contribution to wider organisational objectives.
12. Ability to form effective working relationships across a full range of internal and external stakeholders, including with senior management.
13. Confidence and credibility in a range of scenarios, including delivering impactful and engaging presentations and communications advice on your projects.
14. Actively seek out best practice and new ideas, collecting and sharing insights about what performs best to help shape the future agenda for ProtectUK.
15. Motivation to contribute to key thematic areas within the national network, for example Learning and Development, and Inclusion, Diversity & Equality.
16. Experience and/or interest in crisis communications skills with the capacity to contribute to under pressure.

Desirables:

1. Professional interest in the application of behavioural science to communications.
2. Proficiency in using analytical tools and data to improve communications outcomes.

Management Skills

Provides leadership and support to direct reports, putting in support strategies where required. Keenly attuned to the welfare and wellbeing of colleagues. Sets a great personal example, role modelling ethics and values, and demonstrates self-motivation, energy, creativity and a commitment to high-quality communication. Excellent planning skills, and ability to quickly respond to changing priorities. Conveys positivity and enthusiasm in meeting the challenges of difficult or complex changes and tasks, encouraging and supporting others to do the same. Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and deliver on competing demands. Ability to work flexibly in managing a range of activities and able to work independently and as part of a team. Able to work with external suppliers and manage budgets, timelines and high-quality delivery. Maintain a supportive network, both to support day to day work, but also to help deliver a coordinated and effective response during critical incidents. Willing to participate in an out-of-hours rota and be prepared to work flexibly out of normal office hours if circumstances require it.