Location
London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£42,859 per annum

About the Role
Join a small, busy communications team within HM Inspectorate of Prisons, an independent inspectorate led by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons. The team works to scrutinise the conditions and treatment of prisoners and detainees, reporting findings to ensure detention is humane, safe, respectful, and supports rehabilitation. The Communications Officer will work alongside the Head of Communications and another Communications Officer, gaining diverse experience across media, digital platforms (including social media), publications, events, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications.

The team is responsible for publishing inspection reports on prisons, immigration removal centres, and young offender institutions in England and Wales, and managing strategic communications to enhance the Inspectorate’s reputation and influence on detainee welfare issues. The successful candidate will be expected to start in January 2027, subject to interview and security clearance timelines.

Experience
- Experience in a communications role covering at least one core area such as media, digital/social media, publications, or internal communication.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong digital communication skills with a willingness to learn new tools including video and podcast editing.
- Good organisational and analytical skills.
- Strong editorial and proofreading abilities.
- Effective interpersonal and team working skills, able to collaborate with colleagues at all levels including senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Flexible, organised, and capable of managing competing priorities.
- Commitment to the Inspectorate’s values and purpose.

About You
- Demonstrates a flexible and proactive approach to work.
- Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a small team.
- Shows enthusiasm for the role and the Inspectorate’s mission.
- Interest or understanding of human rights and criminal justice issues is desirable.
- Experience in media relations is advantageous.

Qualifications
- No specific qualifications are mandated, but relevant communications experience and skills are essential.
- Willingness to develop technical skills related to digital content creation and communication strategy implementation.