Job Description

The communications specialists in the PCS campaigns and communications team are dedicated to delivering the most up to date services for our members. We are looking for a Head of Communications to lead the team, using up to date tech, design systems and social media engagement to provide the best communications at all times for a diverse audience.

Salary and Location

Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19 Starting salary: London 63,279 p.a. rising to 72,098 p.a. or Regional 58,877 p.a. rising to 67,689, in annual increments PCS Clapham or Regional office

Successful candidates for the post of Head of Communications will be able to demonstrate:

Professional experience of working in a communications field Problem-solving ability in crisis or challenging situations Understanding of different communications media and how to use them effectively An interest in developing communications technology A record of positive collaboration, building strong working relationships

The main duties of the Head of Communications role include:

Leading on internal and external communications strategies that align with the union's overall goals Maintaining quality of all communications, ensuring consistent and positive messaging to promote the aims and objectives of the union Motivational management and development of the team Liaising with departmental heads, senior lay officials and other colleagues on a range of communications Budget management, bid preparation and liaising with suppliers

Excellent people skills combined with problem-solving ability and an understanding of up to date communications technology will all be essential requirements for a successful Head of Communications.

Closing date:

1

2 midday on Monday 20 October 2025

Interviews will be held by Zoom: Tuesday 4 November 2025

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

flexible working (including hybrid working)*
childcare and family support generous maternity/paternity leave 32 days leave and Christmas closure pension scheme employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.


Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.


Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process. PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people. All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS


Ref: 1025


Grade: Band 5, London or Region

Salary

London Spine points 21-17


London Starting salary 63,279 p.a. rising to 72,098 p.a.


Regional Spine points 23-19


Regional Starting salary 58,877 p.a. rising to 67,689 p.a.


Location: PCS Clapham or Regional Office


Purpose of the job:


Develop, lead, implement, and ensure internal and external communications strategies are maintained and in line with PCS policy.


Lead on the strategic direction of the unions communications and oversee delivery, digital strategy, membership engagement and internal communications.


To advise and work alongside the National Management Team, National Executive Committee and partners to devise and implement communications campaigns and projects.


To assist in maximising the potential for union growth, development and success, and to encourage membership participation through robust communication strategies.


To undertake a management role with direct responsibility for staff ensuring that the work of the communications team is in line with the wider objectives of the union.

Responsible to:

Head of Campaigns & Communications

Responsible for:

Band 4 officers and Support staff


Contacts

External:

PCS members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, members of other trade unions and related bodies. Senior government officials, Ministers, MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media.

Internal:

PCS staff and managers across regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS departments.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Key areas

Lead on, develop and implement internal and external communication strategies that align with the union's overall goals Create and oversee communication materials such as the creation of promotional and informative materials, digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio and video Conduct quality controls on all communications, ensuring that all union communications and materials have consistent and positive messaging and branding Responding to crises or challenging situations quickly and professionally Contribute to the strategic development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process Provide support and have direct involvement through the National Management Team (NMT) in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas Manage people and resources in the communications team Represent PCS at external meetings Provide advice to and lead relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested Provide input into budgetary processes including bid preparation, monitoring and control where relevant

2. People Management

Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for officer team/line manager Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training Proactively promote diversity in line with the wider PCS approach Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with line manager Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies Work effectively with lay officials Deputise for line manager when required

3. Communication

Ensure digitalisation, information and communications methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements Draft complex communications including briefs and reports to staff and members Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings and by addressing meetings and conferences when required As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies

4. Team Working

Proactively promote team working and collaboration across the organisation Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times Provide assistance to team members

5. Equality

Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination

6. General

Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work Participate in appraisal, training and development systems Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required Such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required)

Person Specification

: HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

Ref:

1025

Date:

September 2025

Location:

PCS Clapham or Regional office

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, English or a related field or equivalent demonstrable experience

EXPERIENCE

5 years experience in communications field within a complex membership organisation People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct Leading committees and teams High level project management, problem solving and decision making Responding to crisis or challenging situations

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development Commitment to undertake job-related training Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process Commitment to staff development

KNOWLEDGE

Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions Budget monitoring and control processes Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices, in a communications context Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union Methods and techniques for bargaining, campaigning and organising

SKILLS

Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally Ability to identify and set standards and priorities Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance High standard of organisational ability

OTHER

Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety) * Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions