Job Description - Internal Communications Excellence Programme Manager, GCS
Context
For the last four years the Government Communication Service has pursued IC Excellence, a programme to further excellence in internal communications across government and public service organisations affiliated to GCS..
Broadly, the IC Excellence programme is there to achieve three things:
1. Maximise the professionalism with which internal communications is practised across GCS
2. Ensure there is an effective pipeline of talent of internal communicators throughout the profession
3. Help to embed the above across teams in the Civil Service so that it’s a great place to work, and better able to handle organisational change.
A lot has been achieved in three years. Standards have been established, and socialised, for
- the operating model of internal communications (compatible with MCOM)
- a performance framework for heads of internal communications
- standard job descriptions for practitioners and the career pathways and with regular monitoring/ reporting to ensure that advertised posts comply with the agreed principles
- the IC Space, an interactive community website of resource and practice - a distinct and supportive community for those practising internal communications in the main Whitehall departments and ALBs, and with tools (eg Basecamp) to support this
- formalised networks for heads of internal communications across Whitehall and across the principal ALBs
- a suite of training courses for IC practitioners at senior, intermediate and foundation level
- Simply Engage, a Civil Service-wide course for line managers, especially at the operational level, to help them be better communicators
- a specific evaluation framework for measurement that is compatible with other GCS evaluation and measurement approaches.
Over 1000 people across GCS register internal communications as their primary discipline. In addition, interest in the IC Excellence programme has been established across wider public sector and worldwide audiences.
The role
We are now looking for a sharp, bright and self-starting G6 or G7 who can work on an equivalent basis of up to 10 hours a fortnight to support Russell Grossman GCS Head of IC Profession to ensure that the programme aims and achievements are maintained and built upon.
The principal tasks are, in no particular order, to :
- discuss the management and momentum of the various initiatives with the Head of Profession on a regular basis (eg weekly/fortnightly)
- support the IC Space editor and Editorial Board to maintain a quality, interactive and best practice resource in The IC Space
- assist the Head of Profession’s work with the IC heads of Whitehall departments and ALB groups to raise and maintain their profile and output.
- research the latest IC approaches across the world and suggest ways to incorporate this into IC Excellence best practice
- work with the lead for the ‘Simply Engaging’ programme to ensure its effective roll out and deployment at the relevant levels of the appropriate Departments and ALBs. This will include liaison with the Civil Service HR community.
- work with the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) and others to identify and pursue appropriate training initiatives for the IC community .
- maintain effective links at working level between Cabinet Office communications and the IC Excellence programme to ensure that the Cabinet Office is a visible exemplar of this programme.
- Ensure there is at any one time a suite of up to date content which effectively illustrates the story, progress and ambitions for IC Excellence (for example, for contextualising for various GCS face to face events).
- Organise regular face to face learning events in London and the regions (minimum two events a year).
- undertake other specific projects as required. For example, digital internal communications across the Civil Service remains a challenge with inconsistent platforms, capability and skills across departments.
The Person
IC Excellence has been one of the largest and most ambitious programmes of its kind in the UK, and probably beyond. Some 80 people have worked on the programme in one way or another over the last four years. Many have used their experience on the programme as a stepping stone to develop their skills and build their communications career.
This role will suit an organised, self-starting communicator at G6/7 with the initiative, energy and resolve to ensure the success of the various project strands…..as well as getting on with their day job.
While the role requires an experienced communications practitioner, specific experience in internal communications, while good, is not an essential component.
Far more important is a can-do attitude, a strong work ethic, and the ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of people across the IC community to achieve results.
Further details : Russell Grossman 0791 772 0651
June 2017