Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
The starting salary for this role is £79,260 per annum, based on a 36 working hour week.
We are hiring Head of Communicationsto join our Communications Team. We are looking for someone with a real passion for communications with a proven track record of outstanding leadership, political judgement and external affairs handling, as well as a strategic mindset to deliver the communications strategy for Surrey County Council (SCC).
Rewards and Benefits
1. 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
2. Annual leave allowance (for bank) or remove for term time
3. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
4. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
5. Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
6. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
7. A generous local government salary related pension
8. Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
9. 2 paid volunteering days per year
10. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the TeamYou will join the Communications & Engagement team which works to directly support services in their policy making and delivery, in order to improve outcomes for residents and ultimately deliver the council's overarching ambition that no one is left behind.
Our team is full of variety and opportunity. We look out for each other, socialise and enjoy flexible working, so you will always feel supported and part of the Communications & Engagement family, with a good work life balance.
About the Role
A strategic leader of the Communications Team, this role manages the Senior Communications Managers aligning to SCC service directorates and is responsible for the Council's reputation and external affairs, as well as the delivery of the Communications Strategy. This role is part of the Communications Senior Leadership Team, deputises for the Director of Communications when required, and has a shared responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Communications Team with the Head of Brand & Marketing.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence:
11. Responsible for setting and delivering the Communications Strategy
12. Responsible for all external messaging, content and media handling for the council
13. Responsible for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Communications & Engagement workstream
14. Leads the review and development of the communications function across the organisation
15. Acts as key liaison between Cabinet Members and officers, regarding corporate narrative, communications priorities and strategy, and external communications advice
16. Key conduit of information between the directorate communications teams and the Director of Communications
17. Shared responsibility for monitoring CPA&E budget, alongside Head of Brand & Marketing
Contact details
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14/07/2025 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here:
Our ValuesOur values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
18. The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
19. The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
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