Senior Communications Officer – Policing & Reform
Application Deadline: 23 May 2026
Department: Policing & Crime
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Sheffield Head Office
Reporting To: Fiona Topliss
Compensation: £39,153 - £41,772 / year
Description
* Hours: Full Time
* Contract: Fixed Term
* Salary: £39,153 - £41,772
* Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
This role is fixed term maternity cover until the end of February 2027.
The Senior Communications Officer will support the delivery of high‑impact communications, engagement and campaigns for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor across the Policing and Reform Directorate, including the Violence Reduction Unit.
Working as part of the Communications and Engagement Team, you will lead on proactive and responsive communications, manage media enquiries, develop engaging content and support campaigns that enable the public to shape and influence policing and crime priorities across South Yorkshire.
Please note, this is a deemed a ‘sensitive’ politically restricted post. The effect of the designation in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 prevents employees from having any active political role either in or outside the workplace. Police vetting is also required for this role.
About the role
You will work closely with SYMCA colleagues, South Yorkshire Police, local authorities and commissioned partners, providing expert communications advice and supporting reputation management in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment. The role also provides resilience and deputising support for the Communications and Engagement Manager.
Key responsibilities include:
* Deliver internal and external communications across policing and crime priorities
* Plan and deliver communications campaigns and engagement activity
* Create high‑quality digital, social media, written, photo and video content
* Monitor media coverage and advise on emerging risks and opportunities
* Support partner and commissioned services with communications planning
* Maintain webpages and ensure brand consistency across platforms
About you
You will be an experienced communications professional with excellent writing skills, strong media handling experience and the ability to operate confidently in a political or complex public sector environment. You will be organised, proactive and able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Essential criteria
* Proven experience delivering strategic and tactical communications
* Strong media relations and campaign delivery experience
* Excellent written communication skills
* Experience using traditional, digital and social media channels
* Journalism qualification or equivalent professional experience
* Knowledge of legislation affecting media and criminal justice
* Experience in policing, politics or public sector communications is desirable.
Benefits
All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
* Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.
* Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave
* Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
* Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time‑off in the form of Flexi‑Leave or banked Annual Leave.
* Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
* Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications
* Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.
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