We are recruiting a Senior Press Officer to be part of our supportive and high-performing press team. As part of the Press Office, you will be responding to breaking news stories and planning media activity across broadcast, print, online and social. You will need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, engaging with journalists and reacting quickly and confidently to developing issues and breaking news. You will need excellent news judgment, the ability to be able to think strategically, strong interpersonal skills and an aptitude for digesting complex information quickly which you are then able to explain in plain English. Ideally, you will have a good understanding of social and online media, the political landscape, the workings of Whitehall, Parliamentary procedure, devolution and propriety. You will lead and develop a small team, championing them both across the department and the Governments communications profession. You will be working in a supportive team and tasked with delivering communications objectives that form a critical part of this Governments priorities. Successful candidates can expect to be involved in a range of the following : Handling interview requests. Developing and managing proactive and reactive media. Offering handling advice and potential oversight of a small team. Oversee a small team to provide a timely, accurate and professional service to journalists. This role is also part of an out of hours duty rota. Some travel may be required for business purposes. Travel costs will be re-imbursed in these cases. Person specification Essential Criteria Excellent judgment and understanding of how the news cycle works Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and reacting quickly and confidently to breaking issues Excellent writing skills including, identifying media opportunities across print, broadcast, online and social channels and planning stories Leadership and line management qualities and experience suitable for managing a small team of press officers Knowledge of media channels, including the role of online and social media Experience of briefing and advising senior officials, executives or VIPs Comfortable managing and prioritising competing demands, often at a fast pace Willingness to be a self-starter and set and maintain high working standards DCS Criteria additional information: If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may also be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards Hybrid Working This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. Regular time in the office is essential when you work as part of the wider DWP Press Office. Being in the office is essential at times, with the need to work closely with key stakeholders that include, Ministers, No. 10, Press,colleagues, etc., often via in-person meetings. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders in-person, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance. As stated, If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. Visa Information We strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed. Due to legal considerations in this area, if you have questions about visas, please contact the VISA Sponsorship Team for assistance at visa.sponsorship@dwp.gov.uk. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Working Together Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Insight Ideas Implementation Impact Benefits Alongside your salary of 55,807, Department for Work and Pensions contributes 16,167 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes: Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. Generous annual leave at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (prorata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave. Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme. Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly). Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 years continuous service. Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes. An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Womens Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. The Civil Service uses a Success Profiles to assess candidates, knowledge and skills. You will be assessed against experience, behaviours, strengths and Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills. Well assess both what candidates a r e good at, as well as what they enjoy, to help us measure candidates behaviours, st r engths and their potential. The assessment process comprises of a written application and for shortlisted candidates, a short scenario-based exercise and interview. Written application Youll need to complete a CV and Personal Statement when you apply. Your CV should set out your career history with key responsibilities and achievements. Your Personal Statement (max 750 words) should explain how your personal skills and qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Your CV and personal statement will both be assessed against the essential criteria set out on slide 5 in the candidate pack. Interview A blended interview lasting around 45 minutes to 1 hour will test a mix of behaviours, technical skills and strengths: It may help to use the WHO or STAR model to explain: What the task/ work was, How you approached the task/work/situation and what the Outcomes were, what did you achieve? Or What was the Situation ? What were the Tasks ? What Action did you take? What were the Results of your actions? Written Application The written sift will be conducted using evidence from your CV and Personal Statement and will be assessed against the Key Criteria within the advert. Please note If there are a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be undertaken based on the first four essential criteria. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interview. Interview Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. This will be a face to face interview. The interview panel will be a minimum of two people. The interview will assess: 1. Well assess candidates against the following Civil Service Behaviours at SEO level: Leadership Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Working Together 2. For this professional communications role, youll also be tested against the following Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills at SIO level Insight Ideas Implementation Impact 3. Youll also be assessed against two Civil Service Strengths relevant to the role. These arent defined by grade. 4. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to carry out a short scenario-based exercise at the start of the interview. You do not need to prepare in advance for this. This exercise will be assessed against Civil Service behaviour Delivering at Pace and GCS technical skill Implementation. Our anticipated timetable - which may be subject to change - is as follows: Shortlisting will take place commencing W/C 13/10/2025 Interviews will commence W/C 27/10/2025 Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview. To apply for this post please follow the instructions in this candidate pack or the job advert on Civil Service Jobs. Please submit your application no later than 23:55pm 13/10/2025 If youre an existing Civil Servant and want to know more about transferring to another Department, refer to your current departments guidance on transfers within the Civil Service. Candidates should not resign from their current job until all appropriate checks have been successfully completed. If you have questions about the role, DWP or the application process, please contact Hayley.allen1@DWP.gov.uk Further Information At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce. Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub. Reserve List A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note: If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health). If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list. Disability Confident Scheme If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards. Reasonable Adjustments We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the Reasonable Adjustments section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. Integrity, plagiarism, Civil Service Principles and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. Examples of plagiarism can include: Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks To process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service or Disclosure Scotland on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out. Important New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks. Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWPs Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role. Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions. Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary. Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website. Feedback Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Hayley Allen Email : Hayley.allen@dwp.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commissions Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission. Attachments 422707 Senior Press Officer CP Opens in new window (pdf, 618kB) Government-Communications-Professional-Competency-Framework (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 5307kB) DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 Opens in new window (docx, 17kB) Success-Profiles-Candidate-Overview-Accessble-Version Opens in new window (docx, 70kB)