Deputy Head of News

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); London; Hybrid; GBP 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department for Work and Pensions is seeking a Deputy Head of News to lead its press operation. The ideal candidate will possess sharp news sense, exceptional communication skills, and experience managing media strategies in a governmental context. This role is critical for supporting ministers and stakeholders, ensuring that the Department’s communications align with government objectives while effectively managing public perception and media relationships.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Civil Service Pension benefits

Health and wellbeing support

Support for financial wellbeing

Development and learning opportunities

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Proven track record in news and media in a large business or government.
• Experience managing high performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional stakeholder influencing skills with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead press operations and manage media strategies for ministers.
• Provide media handling advice and coordinate crisis responses.
• Build relationships with journalists and stakeholders.

Skills

Influencing Skills

Communication

Crisis Management

News Judgement

Leadership

Job description

Westminster

Job Summary

The Department for Work and Pensions is at the heart of the Government’s growth and opportunity agenda and so is rarely out of the headlines.

We are offering an exciting opportunity to lead our busy press operation as Deputy Head of News. This is a role that requires a razor-sharp news sense and understanding, exceptional influencing skills, leadership of a team and the credibility to counsel a wide range of parties, from Ministers to the most senior operational executives. The ideal candidate will have the ability to navigate Whitehall and media, as well as playing a key role in the Government Communications Service, providing leadership to the Press team, and have a strong track record in delivery.

Job Description

Responsibilities will be:

• Ensure that ministers are supported and have media strategies across a range of channels which reflect the government's Plan for Change, Mission delivery and departmental priorities.
• Provide media handling advice to ministers, senior officials, and special advisers on departmental announcements, journalist queries and emerging issues. Leading on crisis communications, managing breaking news stories and co-ordinating multi-departmental responses.
• Work with colleagues across the directorate to ensure that communication opportunities are maximised, reputational risk is managed, creativity and innovation are harnessed and that audience focussed communications are at the heart of delivery.
• Manage and lead the specialist news desks who ensure the departments policies and position is accurately represented in the media.
• Be a trusted advisor and provide robust media handling advice to ministers and senior leaders ensuring there is a long-term media strategy aligned to strategic communication plans which manage risk and promote the work of DWP accurately.
• Be a visible, proactive and supportive leader who takes responsibility for standards of work and the development of their team. Also taking part in the back up rota to support those on duty.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, commentators, and stakeholders across government departments and external organisations.
  
  

Responsibilities Will Be

• Ensure that ministers are supported and have media strategies across a range of channels which reflect the government's Plan for Change, Mission delivery and departmental priorities.
• Provide media handling advice to ministers, senior officials, and special advisers on departmental announcements, journalist queries and emerging issues. Leading on crisis communications, managing breaking news stories and co-ordinating multi-departmental responses.
• Work with colleagues across the directorate to ensure that communication opportunities are maximised, reputational risk is managed, creativity and innovation are harnessed and that audience focussed communications are at the heart of delivery.
• Manage and lead the specialist news desks who ensure the departments policies and position is accurately represented in the media.
• Be a trusted advisor and provide robust media handling advice to ministers and senior leaders ensuring there is a long-term media strategy aligned to strategic communication plans which manage risk and promote the work of DWP accurately.
• Be a visible, proactive and supportive leader who takes responsibility for standards of work and the development of their team. Also taking part in the back up rota to support those on duty.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, commentators, and stakeholders across government departments and external organisations.
  
  

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• An experienced communications professional with a proven track record in news and media in a large business or in government with excellent political understanding and news judgement.
• Experience as a strong and supportive leader, with a history of managing, motivating and developing large and high performing teams
• Experience of working in a fast-paced Press Office, with highly effective news management, proactive news, rebuttal and crisis management skills.
• Exceptional stakeholder influencing skills with experience of working with senior leaders.
• Proven track record in using insight to reach target audiences across traditional, consumer and digital channels.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft media strategies, compelling narratives and clear messaging.
• Experience of developing and working with new media channels to target audiences.
• Experience in developing long term strategy and evaluation in a news environment.
  
  

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.

Please Note

• If there are a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be undertaken based on the first 4 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

• If high application volumes are received, 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
  
  

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.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
  
  

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Insight
• ideas
• implementation
• impact
  
  

Alongside your salary of £81,904, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £23,727 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.

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, a short scenario-based exercise and interview.

Written application

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Your CV should set out your career history with key responsibilities and achievements. Your Personal Statement (max 1000 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.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the first 4 essential criteria Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

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?

We recognise that AI may be helpful when applying for this role, but it is important to use it in the right way. Read the DWP AI Candidate Guide to understand how you can make the best use of GenAI while ensuring your application remains authentic and effective.

The Evidence You Provide Must Relate To Your Own Experience. If Evidence Of Plagiarism, Or Sharing Of Questions, Information Or Answers Throughout Any Part Of The Selection Process Is Found, Your Application Will Be Withdrawn. Examples Of Plagiarism Can Include

• Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
• Copying content from an online/published source
• Using forms of Artificial Intelligence to produce application content which you present as your own.
  
  

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 4 essential criteria listed on slide 5. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interview.

Interview

Shortlisted Candidates Will Be Invited To Attend An Interview. This Will Be a Face-to-face Interview. The Interview Panel Will Be a Minimum Of Two People. The Interview Will Assess

• We’ll assess candidates against the following Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours www.gov.uk
  
  

At G6 Level

• Communicating and influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Making effective decisions
• Leadership
  
  

b. For this professional communications role, you’ll also be tested against the following Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills at G6 level

• 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 expected to carry out a short scenario-based exercise at the start of the interview. You do not need to prepare in advance for this. This exercise will be assessed against Civil Service behaviour Leadership.

Sift And Interview Dates

Our anticipated timetable - which may be subject to change - is as follows:

• Shortlisting will take place commencing 23rd June 2025
• Interviews will commence W/C 7th July 2025
• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided if you are successful and shortlisted.
• To apply for this post please follow the instructions in this candidate pack or the job advert on Civil Service Jobs.
• Please submit your application no later than 23:55 23rd June 2025
  
  

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.

Candidates should not resign from their current job until all appropriate checks have been successfully completed.

If you have questions about the role, DWP or the application process, please contact [e-mail]

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 [e-mail] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

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.

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.

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 [e-mail] 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.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

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 : Syma Cullasy-Aldridge
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

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: [e-mail].

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.