Deputy Head of Communications

Job summary

If you are a senior communications professional with a strong sense of purpose, who enjoys rising to a challenge and making a tangible difference, then this could be the right role for you.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic communications professional to join us as Deputy Head of Communications, providing senior leadership for the Cafcass communications team, closely working with the Head of Communications and senior leadership.

Job description

As Deputy Head of Communications, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, delivering and evaluating creative and effective communication strategies that support our organisational priorities. You will lead Cafcass’ media function and be a trusted adviser who works pragmatically with senior leaders and key stakeholders to develop media strategies.

You will also act as our senior digital communications lead, driving the continued development of Cafcass’ social media channels, digital platforms and online presence. Your expertise will ensure that our digital communication is strategic, responsive and insight‑led, supporting engagement with children, families, partners and colleagues.

You will work closely with our suppliers including our media monitoring service and our website developers ensuring effective contract management and value for money.

Leadership and Team Development

In this role, you will provide confident, supportive and empowering line management to members of the communications team. You will promote a culture of accountability, excellence and continuous learning, ensuring colleagues are supported to grow, innovate and deliver high-quality work.

Your leadership approach will balance professional challenge with coaching and development, modelling the values and behaviours expected across Cafcass.

Person specification

About you

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience in communications, media, PR or a related field.
• Significant experience leading communications teams in complex, fast-paced, politically aware environments. Thrives working across multiple projects with a variety of stakeholders.
• A strong track record of advising senior leaders and influencing decision‑making at an organisational level.
• Expertise in developing and delivering integrated communication strategies, managing channels and producing engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Excellent judgement and communication skills, with the ability to write clearly, concisely and with impact.
• A strong understanding of the public sector context, including political sensitivity and awareness of risk.
• Robust project management and analytical skills, using audience insight and evaluation to inform continuous improvement.
• Experience in media relations, including proactive and reactive press handling, and an ability to build constructive relationships with partners across sectors.
• Experience developing and enhancing digital platforms, working closely with external suppliers to ensure optimum impact.
• A commitment to inclusive, sensitive and non‑discriminatory practice, demonstrating professional integrity in all interactions.

Benefits

This is a national role within a flexible, predominantly remote-working team. Travel to our Central London office will be required for key meetings, events and project delivery. London weighting or expenses will apply depending on your contracted location.

We offer a range of financial and non-financial benefits that you can find out more about on our website.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Below we have given you an indication of a timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change.

Closing date:

6th April 2026

Telephone interviews (via Teams):

16th &17th April

Final Interview (in person Gray's Inn Road, London):

22nd April

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Priya Kadara
• Email : priya.kadara@cafcass.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : hrresourcing@cafcass.gov.uk

Further information

www.cafcass.gov.uk