London Job Summary The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting for a copywriter to be part of our supportive and high-performing social media team. You will be helping to shape copy across DWP owned channels and across broader paid digital communications, including breaking press stories. The work of the DWP makes a difference to the lives of millions of people across the country – from delivering cost of living payments to low-income households and supporting people to start or return to work via our national network of Jobcentres, enacting policy to improve the lives of disabled people and ensuring pension savers are protected from unscrupulous scammers. To succeed in the role, you will have strong copywriting skills, the ability to think strategically, excellent interpersonal skills, and an aptitude for digesting complex information and explaining it in plain English. We are a close-knit team that collaborates closely with the press, external affairs and campaigns teams, as well as private offices, policy and frontline colleagues. This post will be based at Caxton House, London Only. If this sounds like the right fit for you, we would love to hear from you! Job Description As a Social Media Campaigns Copywriter press you will : Collaborate with comms colleagues, including Campaigns, Press and Design Teams, to complement campaign creative assets with messages rooted in customer insights, optimised for chosen communication channels and audiences. Effectively prioritise demands for copywriting support, focusing on the key campaigns that deliver DWP’s priorities and Digital Ambition, becoming the authority on DWP’s tone of voice. Lead by example and promote a learning culture – represent the voice of our customers across our campaigns, regularly reviewing available customer insight and performance metrics. Develop campaign messaging and copy that drives customer outcomes by distilling complex subject matters into lucid and engaging communications. Provide expert advice on appropriate messages, tone of voice, editorial style and brand positioning for specific audiences. Generate distinct, multi-platform campaign copy in response to briefs and aligned to policy and press teams. From social media content to snappy video scripts, to compelling internal messaging, and user-focused website content, as well as finessing subtitles for video content. Present finalised ideas and concepts, explaining clearly and confidently how the writing reflects the brief. Understand the Government’s Plan for Change, DWP’s strategic objectives and our Digital Ambition to deliver work that aligns to these objectives and commitments. Help to deliver a tone of voice that rings true to our audiences, to drive trust in DWP. Due to the nature of the role, candidates will be required to work full time hours. As a Social Media Campaigns Copywriter Press You Will Collaborate with comms colleagues, including Campaigns, Press and Design Teams, to complement campaign creative assets with messages rooted in customer insights, optimised for chosen communication channels and audiences. Effectively prioritise demands for copywriting support, focusing on the key campaigns that deliver DWP’s priorities and Digital Ambition, becoming the authority on DWP’s tone of voice. Lead by example and promote a learning culture – represent the voice of our customers across our campaigns, regularly reviewing available customer insight and performance metrics. Develop campaign messaging and copy that drives customer outcomes by distilling complex subject matters into lucid and engaging communications. Provide expert advice on appropriate messages, tone of voice, editorial style and brand positioning for specific audiences. Generate distinct, multi-platform campaign copy in response to briefs and aligned to policy and press teams. From social media content to snappy video scripts, to compelling internal messaging, and user-focused website content, as well as finessing subtitles for video content. Present finalised ideas and concepts, explaining clearly and confidently how the writing reflects the brief. Understand the Government’s Plan for Change, DWP’s strategic objectives and our Digital Ambition to deliver work that aligns to these objectives and commitments. Help to deliver a tone of voice that rings true to our audiences, to drive trust in DWP. Due to the nature of the role, candidates will be required to work full time hours. Person specification Candidates for this role must be able to demonstrate they can meet the following essential criteria: A strong track record of writing impactful paid for and low-cost campaign messages, copy editing and proofreading. Proven ability to manage multiple projects, allocating time effectively and communicating progress throughout. Understanding of how to adapt tone and style to a range of mediums, from social copy to video scripts and print material, in line with departmental and accessibility guidelines. Experience working collaboratively across comms disciplines on a range of creative projects. Excellent written English, including accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation. We will ensure that you are fully supported and can develop your career as a skilled communications professional. DWP is committed to creating an organisation and workforce which is as diverse as the customers we serve. As such, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation. 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: Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Seeing the Big Picture Working Together Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Insight Ideas Implementation Impact Alongside your salary of £48,672, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £14,100 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 (pro–rata 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 year’s 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 Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. Selection will be by a written sift, followed by a Face to Face Interview. 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. We’ll assess both what candidates are good at, as well as what they enjoy, to help us measure candidates’ behaviours, strengths and their potential. The assessment process comprises of a written application and for shortlisted candidates, an interview and short copywriting exercise. Written application You’ll 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. 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 3 essential criteria listed on slide 5. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interview. DCS Criteria additional information: 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 Interview Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. This will be Face to Face at Caxton House, London. The interview panel will be a minimum of two people. Selection and Feedback We will notify all candidates as soon as possible. Feedback will only be provided following an interview. Candidates should not resign from their current job until all appropriate checks have been successfully completed. If you’re an existing civil servant and want to know more about transferring to another department, refer to your current department’s guidance on transfers within the civil service. If you have questions about the role, or the application process, please contact laura.minns1@dwp.gov.uk Selection Process Continued A We’ll assess candidates against the following Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours www.gov.uk at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) grade: Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Seeing the Big Picture Working Together Skills B. For this professional communications role, you’ll also be tested against the following Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills at Executive Officer (HEO) grade: Insight Ideas Implementation Impact C. You’ll also be assessed against three Success Profiles: Strengths - GOV.UK relevant to the role. These aren’t defined by grade. D. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to carry out a short social copywriting assignment at the start of the interview, this will be assessed against the GCS technical skills Ideas and Implementation. You will not need to prepare in advance for this. Further Information Find out more about Working for DWP A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. 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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website. If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service 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. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. 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 applicant’s 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. 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. 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. 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. Applications will be screened and if evidence of plagiarism or copying examples/answers from other sources is found, your application will be withdrawn. Internal DWP candidates may also face disciplinary action. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. Reasonable Adjustment At DWP we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce. 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 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 you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. Feedback Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. 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. 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. 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). 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 : Marina Julian Email : marina.julian@dwp.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s 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.