Job Description

Digital by design. Impact by innovation.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives?

If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.


We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.


We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.


At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Build smarter services for a better tomorrow.

Our

Customer Experience and Digital

service sits at the heart of transforming how Gateshead Council delivers modern, user-focused public services. You'll be joining a forward-thinking Digital Team that fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement who are developing solutions to improve customer contact.


We design with our residents, not just for them and we work closely with services across the Council to make public services easier to use, more inclusive, and better value for money.

Join us in transforming digital services for our communities.

Are you passionate about designing clear, accessible and user-centred digital content? Do you want to help shape digital services that residents genuinely prefer to use?


As a

Content Designer (Digital Services Developer)

, you'll lead the design and continuous improvement of the Council's websites, intranet and other digital platforms. You'll ensure our content is accessible, inclusive and easy to understand - and that digital journeys are consistent, intuitive and designed around real user needs.


You'll collaborate with service teams and stakeholders, train others in content standards and tools, and embed a culture of evidence-based, user-centred design.


We're now expanding our team with this exciting career-graded role. At Gateshead Council, a

career grade

is a structured pathway that lets you grow within your role. As you gain experience, qualifications, and meet performance goals, you can progress through pay grades - without needing to apply for a new job. It's designed to support your development, reward increasing responsibility, and provide a clear route for advancement. Not only that, but experienced candidates may also start at a higher grade - recognising your skills, impact, and readiness to lead.

What you'll get to do:

Design and manage digital content, optimising user-focused digital content across the Council's platforms, ensuring consistency, clarity, and relevance. Champion accessibility and usability, ensuring all digital services meet accessibility standards (WCAG), follow Plain English principles, and are inclusive for all users. Craft seamless user journeys and lead on information architecture and interaction design to deliver intuitive, evidence-based user experiences that simplify complex services. Use data to drive improvement to continuously enhance digital services using analytics, user feedback, audits, and usability testing to inform design decisions. Prototype and test ideas rapidly by employing a range of prototyping techniques - from sketches to interactive mock-ups - to explore and communicate design concepts effectively. Collaborate across teams working closely with service teams and stakeholders to translate needs into user-centred digital solutions that align with strategic goals. Promote inclusive digital design to advocate for user-centred design and digital inclusion, ensuring services are accessible across devices and assistive technologies.

What you'll bring:

A degree or equivalent experience in digital design, UX, service design, communications or a related field. Experience in designing, developing and managing digital content and services that are accessible, inclusive, and easy to use. Confidence to lead on content strategy, standards, and information architecture across multiple service areas, using evidence from analytics, user feedback and testing to improve digital services Success in prototyping and iterating digital content and service journeys based on user needs and exposure to conducting usability testing and interpreting results to inform improvements Ability to train and support others in using CMS tools and applying content and design standards Strong understanding of user-centred design principles, including content design, interaction design, and accessibility best practice with a good understanding of web accessibility legislation Working knowledge of digital content standards plain English principles, and content lifecycle management Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and digital publishing workflows with an awareness of agile delivery principles and their application in service design

What's in it for you

Competitive Salary:

We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.

Outstanding Pension Scheme:

We don't just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info

Generous Annual Leave:

Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.

Flexible Working Hours:

Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.

Hybrid & Flexible Working:

We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.

Learning & Development:

Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.

Health & Wellbeing Support:

From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.

Cycle to Work Scheme:

Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.

Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice:

Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases.

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.


We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.


If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note:

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.


Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.