Communications officer

Band 4 · Communications officer · 288 job evaluation points

Writes and publishes content for internal and external channels and supports the communications team with routine media and campaign work.

Responsibilities

Write and edit news, intranet content, newsletters, and social media posts.
Publish approved content on the website, intranet, and social media.
Log media enquiries and monitor coverage.
Support campaigns and events with content and logistics.
Check content for accuracy, accessibility, and plain English.

Skills

Skill	Expected level	What this level means
Internal communicationsThis reference	Working (2)	You can: write and edit news, briefings, and newsletters for staff plan content for internal channels and measure engagement
Digital and social mediaThis reference	Working (2)	You can: plan and publish content for websites and social media respond to comments and spot issues that need escalating report on channel performance
Media relationsThis reference	Awareness (1)	You can: explain how the organisation handles media enquiries pass media enquiries to the communications team straight away
User-centred content designUK GDaD PCF	Working (2)	You can: design content to meet user needs and make complex language and processes easy to understand present the right information in the right format for what users need show robust experience in writing, editing and publishing digital content, and experience in using content management systems and content production processes to publish content write in plain language in a way that users understand, making information accessible to all understand government accessibility requirements and design content that works with common assistive technologies use data, research and evidence to review and evaluate content to make improvements consistently and effectively apply content standards and style guidelines to your work work to continuously improve content, and understand why content life cycle management is important work autonomously
Communicating informationUK GDaD PCF	Working (2)	You can: listen to the needs of design and business stakeholders and interpret information take part in discussions within a multidisciplinary team be an advocate for the team externally, and can manage differing perspectives shape and share communications relevant to the audience
Information governance and data protectionThis reference	Awareness (1)	You can: follow the organisation's rules for handling personal and health information recognise and report a data breach or near miss
Equality, diversity, and inclusionThis reference	Working (2)	You can: recognise and challenge behaviour that excludes others consider different needs when you plan your work

Typical qualifications and experience

Experience of writing for different audiences, or a qualification in communications or a related subject, or equivalent experience.

Band 4 outline

Knowledge: Detailed knowledge of the work area, typically from a foundation degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience.
Autonomy: Works within guidelines; resolves most day-to-day problems; manager available for advice.
Scope: Own work and a defined service or process.
Leadership: May supervise a small team or coordinate others' work.
Accountability: Delivery of a defined service or process.

Job evaluation (illustrative)

Factor	Level	Level summary	Points
Communication and relationship skills	4	Gives complex, sensitive, or contentious information needing persuasion, negotiation, or training skills, or highly complex information.	32
Knowledge, training, and experience	4	A range of procedures, mostly non-routine, needing intermediate theory (for example a foundation degree or equivalent experience).	88
Analytical and judgemental skills	3	Judgements on a range of facts or situations needing analysis or comparison of options.	27
Planning and organisational skills	2	Plans straightforward tasks or activities, some ongoing.	15
Physical skills	3	Developed skills needing speed or accuracy, such as advanced keyboard use.	27
Responsibility for patient and client care	1	Helps patients, clients, or relatives during incidental contact.	4
Responsibility for policy and service development	2	Implements policies for own area and proposes changes to its practices.	12
Responsibility for financial and physical resources	2	Handles cash or valuables, looks after equipment used by others, controls stock, or authorises small payments.	12
Responsibility for people	2	Supervises or coordinates staff day to day, trains others regularly, or gives basic HR advice.	12
Responsibility for information resources	3	Takes formal minutes, regularly writes reports or queries, or maintains information systems as a significant duty.	16
Responsibility for research and development	1	Carries out surveys or audits for own work; occasionally takes part in research or testing.	5
Freedom to act	2	Follows standard procedures and precedent; someone is usually available to ask; work may be checked.	12
Physical effort	2	Frequent sitting or standing in a restricted position, or occasional light to moderate effort.	7
Mental effort	2	Frequent concentration on predictable work, or occasional concentration on unpredictable work.	7
Emotional effort	1	Rare exposure, or occasional indirect exposure, to distressing circumstances.	5
Working conditions	2	Occasional unpleasant conditions, frequent travel or outdoor work, or near-continuous screen use on most days.	7
Total (Band 4: 271 to 325)			288