Job Description

We're looking for a Senior Communications Officer, specialising in issues which affect trust and confidence in organisations, to join our award-winning Corporate Communications department, offering a unique chance to make a real difference.


You'll join a friendly, supportive, and highly motivated communications team dedicated to helping keep people safe, combatting crime and building the trust and confidence of both the public and our 6000+ workforce.


You'll benefit from blended working across home and the office (primarily based at Police HQ in Portishead) and enjoy a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment in an organisation which values its people and giving them the autonomy to be creative and try something new.

The role:

As the Senior Communications Officer (Legitimacy), you'll be responsible for implementing and managing an internal and external communications programme of to support the Constabulary in addressing the significantly lower levels of trust and confidence among some communities.


Reporting into the Strategic Communications Team Leader, you will provide specialist communications and engagement (internal and external) advice to the wider Corporate Communications Department and organisation, including as part of critical incidents relating to legitimacy and / or disproportionality.


You will be a subject matter expert on national and local efforts to improve trust and confidence of groups that historically have lower levels, due to a legacy of over policing and under-protection. For example, people from racially and ethnically diverse communities, women and girls, and LGBT+ communities.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Identifying, engaging and building effective relationships with internal and external influencers and leaders, diverse communities, staff associations, specialist media outlets, and community representatives. Acting as a central point of contact for internal stakeholders and the team for advice and ideas, in relation to trust and confidence. Delivering and supporting on the creation of timely, accurate and appropriate communications using effective, audience-led communication tactics to meet defined objectives. Create compelling written content for media and marketing materials including but not limited to press releases, website articles, social media posts, marketing materials etc. Embrace a culture of learning and continuous development.

Skills and experience required:

Relevant degree or equivalent experience in communications or journalism Strong understanding of issues relating to legitimacy and disproportionality Significant experience in fast-paced journalistic, or communications roles Experience of devising and implementing media and reputation management strategies Experience of delivering high impact, integrated communications campaigns Confident handling local and national media queries and preparing press materials A natural communicator with excellent writing skills and ability to create content for diverse audiences Well-organised with strong local/community media connections Experienced in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders Able to influence and work effectively with senior leaders

What we can offer you:

A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in, including:

Flexible working Free on-site parking at our HQ site Continuous professional development Local Government Pension Scheme Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment Staff discount scheme for savings on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays.

Additional Information

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year 'checkable history' in the UK - ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.


If your application is successful at shortlisting, you will be invited to attend a interview on 22nd or 23rd October 2025, at Headquarters in Portishead.


For more information please see attached job description or contact Zoe Almond - zoe.almond@avonandsomerset.police.uk

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Blended Working/ Hybrid Working

Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible.

This role has been identified as a blended role.

The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.

Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants)

You will require the following detail to complete this application form:

National Insurance Number Identification Detail e.g. passport Address information including proof Referee information Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained Tattoos - you will also be requested to provide photos and describe of any visible tattoos you have

If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos.

Important information before you commence an application- for ALL applicants

The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes.


Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as part complete pages do not save.


If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission.