Specialist Content Comms Officer

Job title: Specialist Content Comms Officer
Grade: PO 1
Role code: EU60533
Status: Police Staff

Main purpose of the role:

Provide specialist communications support and management for key projects for the force. The postholder will identify, plan and deliver projects such as documentaries and other long-form content which showcase the work of Essex Police in protecting and serving our county. In addition to working on documentary projects the postholder will deliver specialist content packages for any and each of our communications objectives as operationally required. In the main this will principally involve supporting the Campaigns, Events and Partnerships Team in their delivery of campaigns and public affairs, however the postholder may be called upon to support the wider department and force in delivering specialist pieces of work including, but not limited to, large-scale operations, supporting high profile cases or pieces of content which require dedicate support over an extended period of time.

Main responsibilities:

• Work with senior colleagues, including the Deputy Head of Department to assess all requests to make documentaries received from broadcast media companies. Liaising with the Press Office to identify opportunities for working with broadcast media, to promote the work undertaken by Essex Police officers, ensuring that all proposals are in line with the Force Plan and Media & Communications Strategy.
• Proactively identify areas of work across the force that could be promoted via broadcast footage or documentaries and work with the Head and Deputy Heads of Department to pitch ideas to broadcast media, identifying and commissioning broadcast material for use externally (using videographer or BWV opportunities) in order to ensure that the work of the Force is effectively portrayed and promoted.
• Provide day to day support to Essex Police officers and staff during the making of documentaries including: offering support, guidance and providing training where required to ensure that representatives of the Force are fully briefed and prepared; ensuring the effective and timely provision of filming logs to comply with disclosure obligations; oversee filming that happens during working hours; be part of an on-call rota where necessary and appropriate to ensure filming of cases is captured from the early moments of an investigation; be the conduit between Essex Police officers and staff, senior departmental management and production companies to ensure filming runs smoothly and problems are identified early on and are resolved working with the Deputy Head of Department.
• Take the lead in acknowledging receipt of and assessing filming bids; gaining approval from relevant Chief Officers and Command Heads; liaising with and briefing stakeholders throughout so that all parties are fully informed and content with complex projects.
• Ensure that legal agreements are drawn up and agreed before the commencement of any filming, and subsequently adhered to.
• Work under the direction of senior managers including the Deputy Head of Department to: assess footage requests, seek relevant consents to review and release appropriate footage as well as supporting to assess and identify any legal issues or any concerns that would be detrimental to the Force, investigations or public confidence.
• Work under the overall direction of senior leaders and the Deputy Head of Department and specialist disclosure advisers to ensure compliance with all facets of the law and CPIA.
• Co-ordinate and take responsibility for the appropriate vetting of external visitors, such as filmmakers and producers who require it as part of any filming agreement.
• Under the direction of senior managers and the Deputy Head of Department and working with Press Office colleagues, deliver wider external and internal publicity for documentaries in the run up to broadcast.
• Along with colleagues in the Campaigns, Events and Partnerships Team and wider department, maintain a high level of trust and credibility in policing in Essex by working on great campaigns which employ excellent content and multiple channels to deliver our key messages to external audiences.
• Help to unite our Team and our Community by supporting the Campaigns, Events and Partnerships team to delivery campaigns and events which reflect the themes within the Force Plan and PFCC objectives in order to provide credible and consistent messages and Calls-to-Action to all audiences.
• Assist the Press Office and Content, Platforms and Insights Team in delivering specialist content packages, as directed by the Head and Deputy Heads of Department, these may include, but are not limited to: large-scale operations; long-running cases or operations which may require ongoing media support; support for high-profile cases.

Created November 2021.

Necessary experience:

The post holder should be able to demonstrate professional communication skills with a broad and deep range of practical skills and experience including but not limited to media law, content development, media relations, campaigning, filming and editing, media relations, advising senior management, crisis communications.

The post holder will be either:

- qualified to degree level in a relevant subject (ie public relations, graphic design, film and tv production);

- a NCTJ or BJTC-qualified journalist;

- a professional with at least three years experience in a similar role or operational press office environment.

A sound knowledge of media law is essential and previous experience of dealing with major incidents, high profile court cases and positively managing issues which have posed a significant reputational risk is essential.

The post holder will have a good understanding of the media and possess excellent media management skills.

Previous experience of successful crises management and filming projects, as well as a good understanding of the principles of good practice in communicating with the public and stakeholders is also required. The post holder will need to be able to work under minimal supervision to deliver projects with tight deadlines.

Suitable candidate must be able to advise and support a professional team, be self-motivated, and have the capacity to manage a substantial workload sometimes under high levels of pressure. Excellent communication skills with a passion for plain English are essential.

The post holder will have a sound understanding of the policing environment.

Behaviours:

Analyse Critically (Level 2)

I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.

Collaborative (Level 2)

I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.

Deliver, Support and Inspire (Level 2)

I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.

Emotionally Aware (Level 2)

I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.

Innovative and Open-minded (Level 2)

I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.

Take Ownership (Level 2)

I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.

Values:

Impartiality (Accredited)

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

Integrity (Accredited)

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

Public Service (Accredited)

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

Transparency (Accredited)

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Technical skills:

Health and Safety (Level 4)

Has received Supervisor training and takes responsibility for the safety of directly subordinate staff and visitors. Understands the procedures in place for the safe storage of hazardous substances, fire precautions and evacuation. Resolves hazards or problems identified within roles or work environments. Undertakes skills passport assessments for new and existing staff. Re-assesses passport as and when new equipment /technology is introduced.Completes annual reviews of skills passports, training needs analysis.

Information Gathering and Analysis (Level 5)

Information gathered is sufficient, valid and reliable and is consistent with the organisation's values, policies, guidelines and procedures. Able to deal with situations when information is insufficient, contradictory or ambiguous. Able to organise and interpret information so that conclusions can be drawn.

Information Management and Technology (Level 5)

Can retrieve information from computer searches across data source boundaries e.g. across a number of data sources, across county. Can analyse and compare data from such searches. Understands significance of findings and can provide guidance on the reliability of forecasts resulting from data analysis. Can monitor data quality in the work of others, and may manage the impact of data quality issues.

Interviewing - General (Level 4)

Has received some training in reliable interviewing techniques and is able to apply these techniques fairly, consistently and to good effect. Identifies the key issues for examination and tests these using open and probing questions. Identifies weaknesses and inconsistencies in the account and seeks clarification. Keeps good written records of the interview for future.

Journalism and Media (Level 5)

Maintains an up to date awareness of all matters connected with the Force which are of interest to the media and provides briefings and press releases as appropriate. Able to effectively persuade media representatives to the Force viewpoint in the face of challenging and probing questioning. Provides coaching and guidance to officers involved in more sensitive or controversial investigations, or those where there is prolonged media interest.

Knowledge of Police Environment and Policy (Level 4)

Displays a general appreciation of changes affecting the police service. Understands the inter-relationships between the roles of the various Operational and Support activities, and how organisation structures and police systems work. Possesses a detailed understanding of working procedures, practices and policies relevant to the current role and the roles of subordinates and ensures that these are followed at all times. Is clear about Force goals and effectively contributes to local business plan objectives.

Mgmt of Police Information (MOPI) (Level 4)

Full compliance with Level 3. Has successfully completed all standard relevant Information Management and Security training package(s). Accurate use of Government Security Classification (GSC). Ensures physical and digital records are stored with appropriate security relevant to the sensitivity of the documents and has working understanding of appropriate National Retention Schedules. Is able to quality assure own records management processes as well as those of any staff for whom they have supervisory responsibility. Is aware of where to seek further support in relation to Records management within force when necessary. If nominated as an Information Asset Assistant is familiar with the NPCC Information Asset Owners Handbook.

Office Technology (Level 5)

Expert in the use of one or more office software products. Is proficient in the use of these packages to significantly enhance the quality and/or presentation of work required within the role. This is likely to relate to the use of spreadsheet, database or desktop publishing packages and may include the manipulation of reports, moving data between applications, using scanning or optical storage peripherals, etc. to make the best use of information Recognises and makes the best possible use of office systems and/or understands how office systems can be used to improve the way work is undertaken.

Photography and Digital Imaging (Level 4)

Demonstrates a sound working knowledge of all aspects of photographic and digital imaging. Plans, prepares and undertakes assignments in a range of standard and non - standard situations. Aware of the technical products available that will enhance the final image. Uses colour, exposure, framing, lighting and printing techniques to produce results that meet client needs. Identifies processing and printing faults and is aware of their causes and treatments. Understands the range of different presentation, storage and retrieval techniques to ensure the physical care of images and minimise the risk of damage. Is capable of offering photographic advice to colleagues.

Risk Management (Level 5)

Able to anticipate, accurately define and establish the relative level of risk likely to affect their specialistfunction, in terms of likelihood and impact, together with how the challenges facing the wider organisation might affect their role within the force. Assesses the risks of national initiatives providing feedback at the relevant level. Has an understanding of pathways to alert all appropriate senior managers to flawed or ineffective control strategies and provide continuity/recovery options. Has an appreciation that seizing opportunities also generates risks.

Training (Level 4)

Understands the various principles and methods of training and utilises them effectively. Creates, structures and delivers training from a basic outline or a previously identified skills gap. Able to tailor the training to address the needs of the group to be trained. Able to deliver a range of training courses/ packages on related subjects. Identifies and utilises available internal/external trainers, training resources and packages, as appropriate.