Head of Communications and Engagement

Job purpose

This is a hands on, tactical role where the postholder will be required to develop and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement and management strategies to support the Commissioner in the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan.

Main responsibilities

• Produce and sign off comprehensive engagement, consultation and communication strategies on behalf of the Commissioner to meet the policing and crime aims and objectives.
• Ensure the Commissioner meets their duties and responsibilities for equality, diversity and human rights and help the Commissioner’s commitment to equality.
• Develop, implement and review a consultation and engagement strategy, undertaking appropriate research, benchmarking and identification of best practice, to ensure continuous improvement in community engagement. Ensure the strategies and associated mechanisms continue to be effective and meet the needs of the diverse communities of Cheshire.
• Identify and test radical, innovative and practical consultation and engagement mechanisms which meet the Commissioner’s statutory duties in respect of equality, priority setting and consultation, and gather public opinion about policing services, and budgets.
• Identify any gaps in consultation and engagement, in particular, segments of the community who traditionally have not been reached through communication and consultation exercises, and research and implement ways to overcome barriers and engage those groups.
• Encourage active participation and involvement of the public in policing by engaging the voluntary, community and faith sectors, together with external agencies to develop links that improve coordination and collaboration in relation to community engagement.
• Design and deliver a programme of community engagement for the Commissioner, including supporting the Commissioner at external meetings with key stakeholders and other bodies as required to ensure actions are recorded and progressed.
• Develop effective working relationships with the Constabulary’s Corporate Communications Department to ensure the appropriate coordination of activities where necessary.
• Act as lead spokesperson for the Commissioner in all media activity.
• Manage the Communications officer to ensure they deliver their responsibilities.
• Work with colleagues in the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner on the production and publication of the Police & Crime Plan, Annual Report and other strategies and documents maintaining the Commissioners corporate style and clarity of message.
• Attend engagement and consultation events ensuring the Commissioner is represented in a professional manner.
• To maintain an awareness of the activities across the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, anticipating demand, highlighting risks and providing support and assistance as necessary to ensure the officer delivers the Commissioner’s agenda.