Communications Officer

West Yorkshire Police; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force in Wakefield is looking for two full-time Communications Officers to manage internal and external communications. Candidates should demonstrate experience in content creation, media relations, and possess a degree in communications, journalism, or public relations. These roles require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work flexibly, supporting operational needs. The salary ranges from £40,383 to £42,612 per annum, and the position is suitable for job share. Closing date for applications is January 25, 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a communications role with a focus on media and public relations.
• Ability to manage a busy workload and deliver high-quality content under pressure.
• Understanding of legislation related to media and communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications strategies for operational incidents.
• Engage with local communities and media on behalf of the police force.
• Support major operational incidents and media interactions.

Skills

Content creation

Media relations

Social media

Interpersonal skills

Crisis communication

Education

Degree in communications, journalism, or public relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Advert

THIS POST IS ADVERTISED EXTERNALLY

Job Role: Communications Officer

Location: Wakefield

Two fixed term posts of 37 hours to provide maternity cover

Salary: 40,383-42,612 per annum

Are you skilled and experienced communicators capable of using a wide range of internal and external channels to communicate and engage on behalf of West Yorkshire Police?

We have two exciting opportunities to join our Corporate Communications team as a full-time Communications Officers.

Working as part of the country’s fourth biggest police force, no two days are the same. You’ll cover the full spectrum of Corporate Communications including content creation, internal communications, media relations and social media.

You will need to be as confident in dealing with the media as you are communicating directly with local people, as we strive to support operational policing and improve trust and confidence with West Yorkshire’s communities.

We’re looking for communicators who can prioritise, use their initiative, and offer sound advice in a fast paced and often pressurised environment. Managing your own daily schedule and dealing sensitively, professionally and appropriately with operational colleagues and members of the public is essential.

You will attend at and provide support for major and critical operational incidents and be able to develop communications strategies to help prevent, reduce and respond to range a crime types.

The right people will require a flexible approach and will have the ability to juggle a varied workload and be clear concise communicators, with “can do” attitudes and well-developed interpersonal skills.

You will have the ability and willingness to travel for business purposes and work flexibly in order to support the work of the Corporate Services Department. You will be prepared to take part in a rota for news desk cover and an out of hours call out rota, working flexible hours as demand dictates.

The successful candidates will have a degree or relevant qualification in one of the following communications fields: journalism, Public Relations, digital communications, and will have a detailed knowledge of legislation relating to media and communications, particularly the rules of sub-judice and contempt.

You will have a sound working knowledge of and the ability to use a wide range of relevant computerised packages, including Microsoft Office.

The 2024 version of the Competency Values Framework applies to this process. Please disregard the old link to the 2016 version which is contained in the role profile.

This post will close on 25th January 2026 at 23:55 hours

The post is suitable for job share.

West Yorkshire Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last five years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.