Stories journalist jobs

We’re recruiting for a Senior Communications Officer.

Job title: Senior Communications Officer
Location: Home-based, with monthly in-person team meetings (generally somewhere in the London-Oxford-Bristol corridor), and regular travel to London.
Contract type: 4/5 days a week (30/37.5 hours per week), permanent.
Salary: £33-34K per annum plus benefits (FTE).

Would you like to make a positive impact for rural communities across England? Would you like to help tackle rural deprivation and ensure rural areas have fairer access to essential services? Would you like to help rural communities reach their full potential?

About Us

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is the only national charity speaking up for everyone in rural areas.  We champion thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural communities that have the services they need and the resources to secure equitable outcomes for everyone.  We work closely with our 38 member organisations who support local communities across England.  Together we campaign for change, enable local action, and improve support for people most in need. We work with government and other national partners to explore the issues affecting rural communities and identify solutions so that no one is disadvantaged by where they live.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and creative Senior Communications Officer to join our ambitious team. This is a new post that will play a key role in delivering our new five year strategy Rural Ambition: enabling communities to thrive.  This includes a commitment to speak up more boldly for rural communities and to build new alliances to widen our reach.  Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will be responsible for our external communications, including telling eye-catching stories, building relationships with journalists and overseeing our digital communications.  You will support our engagement with policy makers and other stakeholders, and advise and support other team members and our member organisations to promote their work and the impact they are making.

About You

You will be experienced in developing compelling stories and helping to deliver campaigns that raise awareness of low profile issues and drive change.  You will enjoy having a varied role that offers the opportunity to be creative, build new connections and work with colleagues in the team and our wider network.  You will be excited by our ambition to speak up more boldly for rural communities and to focus on the issues where we can make the most impact.  You will be a self-starter as well as a team player, enjoy working in partnership with other organisations, and be used to delivering several projects at one time.  You will have direct experience of living in a rural community or have a strong empathy with our cause.

This role is a great opportunity for a communications professional who is keen to take the next step in their career and give a voice to communities that are often forgotten.  You will be joining a small, focused and energetic organisation while being part of a unique national network. If you share our vision and ambition, please get in touch.

Working at ACRE

The ACRE team is home-based. We meet together at least once a month, generally somewhere in the London-Oxford-Bristol corridor.  Benefits include up to 30 days holiday, a contributory pension scheme, life cover and flexible working arrangements.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and ways of life. Please note you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 19 November, at 23:59
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 25 November in Woodstock, Oxfordshire
NB: Please confirm when you make your final application that you are able to attend on this date.

Please assume that you have not been shortlisted if you have not heard from us by 24 November.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

Contract Type: Fixed Term until December 2026

Location: Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London or Manchester - hybrid working, 40-60% per week in the office. 

Interviews: Will be held via Teams on 10th & 12th November 2025

The King’s Trust is looking for a passionate and highly skilled Communications Manager to join our talented Communications team as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026.

In this fixed-term role, you will play a key part in delivering The Trust’s external communications activity during our anniversary year. By helping The Trust to maximise this milestone moment, the work you do will help to boost our public profile, reach new supporters, and thank our communities meaningfully – ultimately increasing engagement with and support for our work.

You will lead communications projects for our anniversary by developing bespoke activations and messaging, always ensuring the stories of Trust-supported young people are at the heart of everything we do.

You will empower young people who have been through our programmes to tell their stories across a range of different media and digital channels. As part of this, you will support the Senior Communications Manager in working with our Young Ambassadors, who are young people who volunteer to share their experiences of being supported by The Trust with our audiences.

In this unique role within the Communications team, you will be instrumental in shining a light on how we support young people to change their lives for the better, ultimately engaging more people in The Trust’s work during our 50th year and increasing support for young people.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Communications Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Communications Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Job Profile

Job Title:  Communications Specialist – South East

Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising and Communications

Reports To:  Regional Communications Manager

Matrix Reporting To:  None

Disclosure Check Level: None

Date created/last reviewed: April 2024

Overall Role Purpose

The Communications Specialist – South East helps people with sight loss to live the life they choose by driving the awareness and saliency of the Guide Dogs brand nationally and in their region by leading the development and delivery of central, regional and local integrated communications activity.

The role communicates the strategy and work of Guide Dogs, engaging key audiences both externally and internally (including service users, volunteers, staff, and supporters) to strengthen the brand and further awareness of the charity

Key Responsibilities

· Brand – Drive the awareness and saliency of the Guide Dogs brand nationally and in the region by bringing to life the brand positioning through all customer experience touchpoints.

· Champion the brand identity in the region, leading the implementation across all touchpoints. Lead the regional activation of all aspects of the brand campaign, working closely with the central brand, comms and digital teams.

· Communications & Digital – Lead the development, delivery and review of central, regional and local integrated communications & digital activity in the region to include print and broadcast media, social media, publications, advertising, events, direct marketing and internal communications as appropriate, ensuring objectives are set and measured. Create and edit key regional publications, as and when required.

· Case studies – Source and create local case studies, and work with Content Team to maintain the Chorus case study library with content to support local and national campaigns

· Media relations - Build strong and on-going relationships with national and regional journalists through proactive and reactive media relations, including dealing with issues and crises that are a risk to the organisation’s reputation.

· Work with all areas of the charity to story spot and develop compelling service user case studies that will engage journalists and turn into national news stories 

· Generate region-based stories and articles for corporate publications

· Manage creative agencies to help deliver national and regional campaigns

· Volunteer management - Develop and maintain a network of volunteer media champions across all regions.

· Spokesperson - Be a key spokesperson on behalf of Guide Dogs for regional media and where appropriate nationally.

· Advice and training - Provide both strategic and tactical advice on communications activities and issues for staff and volunteers within the region. Provide media training and develop communication skills to staff and volunteers nationally and within your area and ensure they are adequately briefed for media interviews.

· To take part in an out of hours duty rota and respond appropriately in the event of a crisis.

· Quality - Work across departments and functions both at Central Office and within your region, to ensure that Guide Dogs online and print communication channels are up-to-date and reflects regional content and context.

Breadth/Scope of Accountability

People Accountability

Number of Direct Reports: None

Number of Indirect Reports: None

Number of Volunteers Supervised: Up to 10

Financial Accountability

Annual Income Accountability: None

Assets Managed: None

Budget Accountability: Up to £10K

Application of this Job Profile

All employees are required to carry out other such duties as may reasonably be required to fulfil their role and support functional and organisational objectives.

All employees must also:

· Comply with all organisational policies

· Promote the vision and values of the organisation

· Engage in continuous personal development

This job profile is accurate as at the date shown above. It does not form part of contractual terms and may be varied to reflect or anticipate changes to the role.

Working at Guide Dogs

As well as other services to enhance the lives of people who are blind and partially sighted, we breed and train guide dogs. Staff and volunteers in all our locations support this work. Therefore, all employees must be comfortable working in environments where dogs may be present.

Guide Dogs is a volunteer-involving organisation and as such all staff are required to support volunteers in their roles. This may or may not mean the direct supervision of volunteers but will require all staff to play a supporting role. From time to time you may be asked to support / volunteer your time at Guide Dogs events that take place outside of normal working hours. All employees will be expected to advocate for Guide Dogs at all times and be a fundraiser.

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees and volunteers to demonstrate this commitment.

Guide Dogs will require proof of identity and the right to work in the UK.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

· A degree or an equivalent level qualification or equivalent experience.

Job-Related Experience

Essential

· Proven experience of creation and implementation of communications and digital campaigns and projects to meet business objectives, with experience of targeting different audiences through media channels.

· Proven experience of generating positive media coverage for a brand

· Understanding of measurement and evaluation, and knowledge of the latest techniques to measure the success and impact of a campaign against our strategic objectives

Desirable

· Experience of working in the third sector.

· Previous brand management experience.

Knowledge

Essential

· Up to date with best practice and innovation in brand marketing, communications and digital

· Awareness and understanding of the current media landscape and what journalists are looking for today

· Strong digital skills including a good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, e.g. Word and PowerPoint.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

· Excellent written and communication skills, being able to adapt style to different channels or audiences.

· Excellent digital marketing skills.

· The ability to spot gaps and opportunities within a comms calendar and develop ‘news out of nothing’ by mining content from the organisation independently

· Able to give authoritative verbal advice and information on marketing, media and communications.

· Excellent organisational skills, working under pressure and to deadlines.

Behaviours

Our behaviours capture the essence of what it is to be Guide Dogs people, whether staff or volunteer. They describe the experience we expect everyone – the people we support, donors, partners, our volunteers and staff – to have while working with us. Guide Dogs people are:

• Person-centred - We are a group of people working to help each person affected by sight loss. We listen, and recognise that every individual is different in where they’ve come from and where they’re going. We are open, empathetic and inclusive. We place the person at the centre of every decision.

• Expert - We are specialists in what we do. We are committed to excellence and will never stop innovating. We respect our history, but seek out ways to adapt and improve, and are always willing to learn.

• Optimistic - We are relentless in our belief that people with vision impairment can lead the life they choose. We are passionate about helping each person, committed to challenging barriers, and proud of who we are and what we achieve.

So, we: -

• Partner - We only change lives when we collaborate. We build valued relationships with donors. We work together with our service users and colleagues, volunteers and partners – and our dogs, of course – to deliver great outcomes. We support and develop each other.

• Lead-by-example - We can all be a guide. We take the lead and then hand it over, empowering people to make progress independently. We gain trust by having faith in others, and influence by example. We do what we say we will.

• Engage - We cannot change lives if we look on from the side-lines. We get involved, take ownership, and feel responsible for all we do, think and say. We celebrate wins big and small, and we hold ourselves and each other to account.

We use competency-based questioning within our recruitment processes to assess the extent to which candidates demonstrate these behaviours – in ways appropriate to this role – in how they are at work and generally as people.

Safeguarding

If the role does or may involve working with children, young people or vulnerable adults, or supervising those that do, we’ll also be assessing ‘safeguarding competencies’ as part of the process. These are:

· Appropriate motivation to work with vulnerable groups;

· Emotional awareness;

· Working within professional boundaries and self-awareness; and

· Ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults and protect from harm.

Mobility

A flexible approach with a willingness to work outside of core hours and away from home when required.

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation working to end the death penalty and abuses committed under the banner of national security. Founded in 1999, our mission remains critically relevant as governments worldwide increasingly adopt authoritarian tactics, expanding executive power at the expense of civil liberties.

You can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. We provide vital legal and investigative support to those facing execution and victims of rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killing, and citizenship stripping. Our work spans multiple jurisdictions, challenging states' most egregious human rights violations through strategic litigation, investigations, and advocacy.

We support cases in courts worldwide while building the legal and political momentum necessary to consign these practices to history.

Based in London with Fellows and partners globally, Reprieve operates at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights, working alongside governments, senior legal practitioners, and civil society to advance systemic change.

We collaborate closely with our independent partner organization Reprieve US.

About the Role

The role of the Media Officer is to support Reprieve’s communications through traditional and social media, in support of the organisation’s strategic and fundraising objectives. You will be responsible for building relationships with journalists, providing media advice to Reprieve staff, and working with colleagues to ensure external messaging is consistent in quotes, briefings, social media content, and on Reprieve’s website. You will help to find and develop stories, collaborating with journalists and external partners on media that has an impact: revealing human rights abuses, shaping policy and raising the profile of our clients.

The successful candidate will have excellent writing and communication skills, and a proven ability to produce exceptional work under pressure. They will have a deep understanding of all forms of media and how to use these platforms for maximum impact, and a track record of securing media coverage on challenging issues.

Length and Salary

This is a full-time role on a one-year fixed term contract, subject to extension depending on funding. The annual salary is £42,193 per annum less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

This role is based in Reprieve’s London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid working model and we require staff to work 40% of their working hours from the London office and the rest of the week from home.

Further information and how to apply

Please see the job description for full details including more detail on the role and a person description. To apply for this role please follow the link in the job description to download and complete an application form. Please note that CVs, cover letters and other documents cannot be accepted for this role. The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday 16 November 2025.

Do you find your heart singing when you tell the stories of amazing people? Do you want to feel inspired knowing you’re improving the health and happiness of patients in our hospitals? And do you have a passion for marketing and communications that will motivate our supporters?

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity raises funds for all ten hospitals in the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW). Millions of patients pass through the doors each year and 15,000 NHS staff care for them.

We’re looking for a Communications Manager to work in our small but mighty Brand & Marketing team (who were shortlisted for Communications Team of the Year at last year’s Third Sector Awards, no biggie) to raise the charity’s profile, drive income and demonstrate the impact our charity makes across the hospitals.

Job Summary

Ensure effective delivery of the charity’s marketing and communication plans to raise the charity’s profile, generate income, achieve our fundraising targets and demonstrate the impact the charity makes to its beneficiaries.

Working with the Head of Brand & Marketing, you will play a key part in activating our new five-year strategy and successfully communicating our new organisational purpose. You’ll master the art of engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in both University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and the wider community to join us in doing great things.

You are our lead press contact and will work with local, regional and national media and partner PR teams to amplify the charity’s voice further and generate increased coverage of Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC).

You’ll lead on key marketing activity, including fundraising events, campaigns and appeals, including the annual Christmas campaign.

Central to the role is ensuring we have excellent relationships with our NHS colleagues and hospital staff to enable us to identify storytellers, building on our “one team” approach and delivering impact reporting.

You’re our go-to person for our celebrity champions ensuring they are well looked after and engaged with our campaigns and appeals for additional reach and endorsement.

Key Accountabilities

Share meaningful content and powerful stories

• Lead the creation of specific charity key messaging and a case for support per project (e.g., Christmas, appeals) and ensure this is adhered to throughout all communications
• Understand our different audiences, utilising research and insight, and target communications accordingly
• Work closely with our fundraising teams on a content plan and delivery of communications, understanding the importance of stewardship, internal communications and our calendar of events
• Develop our impact portfolio, including the creation and design of the annual impact report
• Sensitively interview our storytellers, including patients, fundraisers and hospital staff, ensuring we’re using authentic voices throughout our communications
• Work closely with our grants team to ensure visibility around the hospitals
• Edit website content and ensure our news section is up to date
• Plan, create and post content on BWHC’s social media channels
• Create and submit content for UHBW’s Viva Engage that increases awareness and engagement with the charity, working closely with the internal and external UHBW communications teams to utilise other UHBW channels where available
• Lead on the content and design of Reach, our supporter newsletter, creating engaging and impact driven content
• Commission new photography and video, including obtaining permissions and consent for use. Monitor our image database to ensure it is compliant with GDPR.
• Create engaging video content promoting events, appeals or impact as and when relevant.

Champion our marketing campaigns

• Lead the promotion, activity and implementation of integrated marketing plans and materials as and when required across the year
• Manage the marketing materials workplan for the Brand & Marketing team
• Be the Brand & Marketing team lead on fundraising events, ensuring they have a good ROI and hit the fundraising/sign up target
• Work with the Head of Brand & Marketing to ensure any opportunities that arise from our partnership with NHS Charities Together and other charity partners are optimised
• Play a key role in the development and promotion of new ways of income generation, including merchandising.

Forge connections with PR teams and journalists

• Develop effective contacts and build personal relationships with local journalists and partner PR teams to initiate coverage and build strategic partnerships
• Lead communications activity for key national celebration/awareness days that BWHC can maximise income or engagement on
• Support colleagues with media interviews and delivering presentations, including supplying briefings or FAQs where necessary
• Monitor media coverage to ensure effective evaluation and reporting
• Lead on crisis communications planning and response and advise the Senior Management team as necessary.

Lead by example with internal communications and reporting

• Support the Head of Brand & Marketing with the quarterly team trustee report
• Provide data for analysis, KPI monitoring and internal reports
• Guide our internal communications to ensure BWHC staff are engaged and understand the activities and direction of the charity, including leading on Viva Engage
• Provide content for speeches, presentations and executive materials
• Work to continually improve internal processes to ensure they are effective and fit for purpose
• Support the CEO on LinkedIn content planning and creation
• To provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence and holiday.

Drive planning and budgeting

• Support the Head of Brand & Marketing in the development of the short and long-term Brand & Marketing strategies, business plans and budgets, prioritising workload across the year
• Manage the budget throughout the year and ensure any unexpected variance can be explained or accounted for
• In particular, lead, direct and deliver a new annual communications strategy, which includes our press and public relations strategy and our digital content/activity plan (working closely with the Digital & Communications Officer)
• Be an engaged member of the Management Team, contributing effectively to all departmental plans
• Manage and record any accompanying communications expenditure within the Brand & Marketing budget following correct ordering and purchase order procedures.

Lead and manage

• Line manage and offer direction to our two Digital & Communications Officers, ensuring they are supported in their tasks and responsibilities and meet their KPIs and performance targets
• Hold regular 121s, appraisal meetings and discuss training requirements/plans
• Support with the recruitment and management of our UHBW Charity Champions and ensure they are engaged, informed and convey key charity messaging
• Manage the relationship with our Celebrity Champions and ensure they are active and engaged with the charity and utilising their networks to maximise charity benefit and awareness.

Deadline for applications: 11:59pm, Sunday 2nd November
Interviews planned for: W/C Monday 10th November

Benefits

• 27 days annual holiday entitlement (pro-rata) plus an additional day off on your birthday and a wellbeing day. Plus an additional two days leave after five years of service. 
• Commitment to hybrid and flexible working
• Competitive pension scheme. We'll match employee pension contributions up to 8% (minimum 5%)
• Additional support via our enhanced Employee Assistance Programme, including up to eight sessions with a licensed counsellor
• Life assurance cover - 4x annual salary
• Commitment to training and development with budget set aside
• Medicash health plan - claim cash towards a range of medical costs
• Free Blue Light Card that allows access to hundreds of discounts at major retailers.

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from. 

At the heart of Marie Curie’s Marketing & Communications department, our PR & Media team works to amplify the charity’s voice across national and regional media platforms. We’re a supportive and ambitious team, collaborating with colleagues across Fundraising, Research, Caring Services and Policy, as well as with our network of media professionals and agencies.   

As PR and Media Officer, you will play a crucial role in raising the profile of Marie Curie through compelling storytelling, high-impact media campaigns, and strategic press engagement. Reporting to the National PR and Media Lead for Research and Policy and working closely with the wider team, your work will directly contribute to influencing public understanding of end of life care, and positioning Marie Curie as the UKs leading end of life charity.   

Your creativity, media know-how, and relationship-building skills will help us deliver standout coverage and meaningful public engagement that drives the charity’s long-term goals.

Main responsibilities:  

• Support the development and delivery of national PR campaigns that promote organisational objectives.  

• Help manage the charity’s national press office/newsroom, proactively and reactively responding to media opportunities.  

• Draft and distribute press releases, statements, briefings, and Q&As to position Marie Curie as a leading voice in end of life care.  

• Build and nurture relationships with journalists across print, online and broadcast media.  

• Work closely with internal teams to source stories and case studies that drive media impact and support strategic KPIs.  

• Identify and prepare media spokespeople and storytellers, ensuring authentic and powerful representation of lived experiences.  

• Monitor emerging issues and support on reputational risk and crisis communications.  

• Take part in the on-call rota, including occasional out-of-hours, weekend and bank holiday working.  

• Track and evaluate media coverage against agreed performance metrics.  

Key Criteria:  

• Previous experience in public relations (in-house or agency), particularly in a press office/newsroom setting or as a journalist. 

• A confident communicator and skilled writer, with strong attention to detail and sensitivity when handling personal stories.  

• Strong knowledge of the UK media landscape and current affairs, with a proven ability to secure impactful coverage.  

• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.  

• A nose for a good story and the initiative to pursue media opportunities as they arise.  

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.  

• A proactive self-starter, comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team.  

• Ability to work unsocial hours as part of the PR team out of hours rota. 

Please see the full job description . 

Application & Interview Process  

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.  

• Close date for applications: Nov 9, 2025  

Salary:  £28,000 per annum (+ £3,500 London Weighting Allowance if applicable + out-of-hours allowance) 

Contract: Fixed-term (6 months), full-time (35 hours per week)  

Based: Hybrid working. Home-based with 2 days per week in the Embassy Gardens office in London.  

Benefits you’ll LOVE: 

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage. 

• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays) 

• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%) 

• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets 

• Continuous professional development opportunities. 

• Industry-leading training programmes 

• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes 

• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits 

• Access to Blue Light Card membership 

• Subsidised Eye Care 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [email protected]

We are looking for a National Press Officer to manage and develop PCS's media profile.

Salary and Location

• Band 4, London, Spine points 27-23
• Starting salary: £51,759 p.a. rising to £58,877 p.a. in annual increments
• PCS Clapham

Successful candidates for the post of National Press Officer will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of working with the media as a press officer or journalist
• Planning successful strategic media campaigns
• Knowledge of how print, broadcast, social and digital media work, including editorial steer, deadlines and readership
• Articulate and persuasive writing skills suited to a variety of diverse audiences
• An understanding of the trade union movement

The main duties of the National Press Officer role include:

• Being first point of contact representing PCS in the media, through press releases, stories and quotes
• Planning and implementing campaigns and media strategies
• Supporting and developing PCS representatives to gain positive media coverage

The ability to organise your own work, identify and set priorities and work to tight deadlines are all essential requirements for a successful National Press Officer. As well as excellent communication skills, the National Press Officer will have an interest in and understanding of trade unions and the issues facing PCS's members.

Closing date: at 12 midday on Monday 3 November 2025

Interviews will be held by Zoom: Thursday 20 November 2025

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: NATIONAL PRESS OFFICER

Ref: 0725

Grade: Band 4, London

Salary:

London Spine points 27-23

London Starting salary £51,759 p.a. rising to £58,877 p.a.

Location: PCS Clapham

Purpose of the job:

To promote PCS in the media and maximise media coverage of PCS campaigns.

Responsible to: National Officer - National Bargaining & Policy Unit

Responsible for: n/a

Contacts

External:

Media, employers, other trade unions and related bodies, campaigning and community bodies, political parties and elected representatives.

Internal:

PCS lay reps and staff including other HQ Departments, Regional Offices and Senior Managers.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Representing PCS in the media

• Be first point of contact and respond promptly to enquiries from the press and media on PCS issues and stories, including the provision of out of hours cover
• Establish and develop good working contacts with the press and media
• Generate media and press interest in PCS and campaigns
• Draft press releases, quotes and articles/blogs
• Ensure all media opportunities, including television, radio, digital and social media are exploited effectively
• Monitor media coverage, producing relevant reports on the analytics

2. Campaigning, media strategies and implementation

• Help plan and implement campaign strategies, ensuring the most effective use of print, digital, social and broadcast media outlets
• Arrange press conferences and journalist briefings

3. Supporting and developing lay activists

• Support PCS representatives in producing local press releases
• Provide support, training and guidance to PCSs full-time officers in drafting press releases, liaising with the press and lay activists
• Assist in providing training for PCS staff and activists on all aspects of dealing with the media

4. Team Working

• Proactively promote team working
• Participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide assistance to team members

5. General

• Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes
• At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required)

Person Specification: NATIONAL PRESS OFFICER

Ref: 0725

Date: October 2025

Location: PCS Clapham

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of working with the media as a press officer or journalist
• Experience of planning strategic media campaigns
• Experience of preparing reports on media coverage analytics

TRAINING (including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
• Commitment to undertake job-related training
• Commitment to staff development

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of how print, broadcast, social and digital media work, including editorial steer, deadlines and readership
• Excellent press and media contacts
• Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union
• Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions

SKILLS

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to write good press releases and articles
• Good communication and persuasive skills, both oral and written, for a variety of audiences
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Use of social media as part of media relations
• Ability to deliver training for PCS staff and activists on all aspects of dealing with the media

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions

The Press Officer will be a member of the External Affairs Team. This role is designed to support the development and implementation BABCP’s external affairs plan with a view to raising the profile and influence of BABCP amongst the general public and promoting the benefits of CBT.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

As a member of the staff team:

• To work collaboratively with other members of the staff team to deliver our Member and External. Communications, as relevant.
• To contribute towards delivering our organisation strategy.
• To contribute towards the values of the Association.
• Promoting equity, equality, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of Member Engagement.

As the Press Officer:

• Work effectively and flexibly as part of the External Affairs team, elevating BABCP’s profile through media. coverage in ambitious and creative ways.
• Monitor media trends and generate a daily news summary to staff.
• Proactively identifying any potential reputational risks.
• Work with the Head of External Affairs to provide monthly reports on media coverage and analysis.
• Secure new stories, opinion pieces, features, reviews and other coverage in a wide variety of publications, broadcast and digital media both trade and national.
• Provide staff cover in the Out of Hours (OOH) rota.
• Work with the Head of External Affairs and the Policy and Public Affairs Officer to devise advocacy campaigns and evaluate them.
• Work with the Head of External Affairs to develop and implement impactful media strategies.
• Be the first point of contact for media requests, working with the Head of External Affairs.
• Work with the Head of External affairs and Communication Officers to generate content for our social media channels.
• Support the events, Accreditation and membership teams ensuring appropriate coverage of our annual events, Accreditation and registration courses and other events as needed.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in media, press or communications preferably within the healthcare, public, or membership sectors.
• Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with journalists, internal and external contacts influencing change.
• High level of ICT literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and document management systems).
• Strong understanding of UK and/or Irish trade and national media landscape, particularly health and mental health.
• Outstanding spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into simple accessible information at pace.
• Creative thinking with the ability to develop relevant content independently.
• Able to work effectively and collaboratively in fast-paced environments, and prioritising workload.
• Good attention to detail, drafting accurate copy ready for sign off.
• Understanding the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in the context of mental health inequalities.
• Commitment to demonstrate the values of BABCP.
• Willingness to work flexibility to provide for the needs of the Association and the External Affairs Department.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 sides by the deadline of 12th November 2025, interviews are to be held in the last week of November.

Due to the high volume of applications, it may not always be possible to contact unsuccessful candidates. If you have any queries regarding your application, please contact us.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all communities.