Associate Inspector – Media/Comms

Are you an analytical thinker who is able to assimilate information quickly, thoroughly and accurately, draw together findings and contribute to reports and media constructively. Do you have experience in planning, prioritising and managing heavy workloads with minimal supervision.

 

If so HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) are seeking applications from experienced professionals to fill the role of Associate Inspector – Media/Communications.

 

Our role is to inquire into the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the Police Service of Scotland (Police Scotland) and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), as set out in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.

 

HMICS operates independently of Police Scotland, the SPA and the Scottish Government. We also have a statutory duty to ensure that the Chief Constable and the SPA meet their obligations in terms of best value and continuous improvement.

 

The working pattern will be dependent upon the work that is allocated to the post holder. Hours will be allocated on an ad hoc basis. The remuneration for this post is a Fee of £278.12 per day. If successful you will employed on a 47 month fixed term and pensionable appointment.

 

We recently published our revised Scrutiny Plan setting out how we will meet our statutory duties and describing scrutiny priorities for 2022-2025. Our approach is to support Police Scotland and the SPA to deliver services that are high quality, continually improving, effective and responsive to local needs. HMICS often works with other inspectorates and agencies across the public sector to share expertise or jointly examine areas where Police Scotland works in partnership with others and contributes to shared outcomes. As a values-led organisation, we conduct our scrutiny activity in a way that is independent, accountable, proportionate, transparent and user-focused.

 

You will work alongside our senior management team and/or Lead Inspectors to conduct a range of inspections as set out in our Scrutiny Plan and contribute to key findings, final published reports and recommendations for the improvement of policing across Scotland. Associates Inspectors may be involved in single agency thematic or assurance work or work alongside other scrutiny bodies. Experience of conducting high quality professional reviews and inspections in the public service arena and presenting measured, objective and authoritative findings is essential.

 

You must be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of current issues facing Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, with the ability to deliver effective, high quality and relevant documents.

 

Within HMICS, Associate Inspectors form part of a skilled cadre whose knowledge and expertise from working across various different organisations is invaluable to the scrutiny of policing.

 

•Provide professional communications advice to HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, the Assistant Inspector of Constabulary and to HMICS team as required
•Prepare communications plans allied to inspection work and reports
•Write media releases relating to publications
•Handle media requests for interviews
•Write position statements and ‘if asked’ media lines
•Prepare key strategic messages to minimise reputational damage when reputation is at stake
•Protect HMICS brand
•Brief and prepare HMCIC and HMICS spokespeople for interview and Scottish Parliamentary Committees

Competencies
Analysis and use of evidence
Improving performance
Communications and engagement
Leading others

Essential criteria
1. Significant experience of media handling, specifically relating to policing issues of high public interest
2. Demonstrate strong awareness of the political and public context and ability to anticipate impact of HMICS activity
3. Professional ability to identify key points and write succinct media releases and position statements
4. Experience of providing media advice to senior policy and decision makers

 

Location
St Andrews House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG

 

Sift/Interview dates
To be confirmed

 

Vetting
There is an expectation that you will be vetted or able to achieve a suitable standard of vetting to allow exposure to sensitive police material.

 

How to apply
To apply, please fully complete the application and submit evidence based examples to demonstrate your knowledge/skills (300 words). Remember, your answers should be clear, concise and reflect what actions you undertook. You may want to use the STAR® approach to respond to each criterion.

 

Additional information

For further information on this vacancy please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

 

Person_Specification_Band_C Updated Oct23 (V3)

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Mark Hargreaves at [email protected]

 

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