The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) - Communications Officer – Violence Reduction Unit

An opportunity has arisen in the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC), they are looking for a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) Communications Officer to join the team to help support the work of our strategic VRU.

Are you an experienced communications and PR professional with a strong sense of civic duty? 

Are you passionate about the importance of accountability, fairness and equality in policing and criminal justice services? 

The opportunity has arisen to use your brilliant communications skills to support the work of our strategic Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is responsible for the approach and delivery of the Home Office Violence Reduction Units in Avon and Somerset. The OPCC leads on strategic oversight and delivery of the Public Health approach to tackling serious violence, this is led by a Strategic Partnership Board that is made up of key partners and stakeholders such as Local Authorities, Police, Education, Health, Youth Offending Service and Probation. Each local authority in Avon and Somerset has its own VRU that delivers important work to tackle serious violence in their local areas, for example this includes delivery of interventions that divert or prevent people being drawn into serious violence, awareness raising on the risks of serious violence and community engagement to build resilience and amplify the community voice in the work of the VRUs.  

PURPOSE FOR THE ROLE: 

• To develop a communications plan, under the guidance of the Head of Communications & Engagement and Commissioning & Partnerships Team, to support the long term objectives of the Violence Reduction Unit. 
• To co-ordinate and lead a multi-agency communications group that sits under the strategic Violence Reduction Unit. 
• To work in partnership with the multi-agency communications group, delivering and supporting activities as part of the communications plan, across a number of channels, including traditional media and social media. 
• To oversee the creation and launch of new branding for the Violence Reduction Unit. 
• To produce creative and engaging ideas to tell the story and build the narrative of the work of the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Unit. 
• To identify opportunities to raise the profile and awareness of the work of the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Unit and its objectives among stakeholders and the public. 
• To create content such as newsletters, blogs, columns and press releases for publication on our digital platforms and in local, regional and national media outlets. 
• To provide professional advice to the PCC and senior managers on matters regarding internal and external communications in relation to the Violence Reduction Unit. 
• To write and provide briefings to the PCC to support them in media interviews, meetings and engagement visits related to the Violence Reduction Unit. 
• To identify, with support from the Commissioning and Partnerships Team, opportunities for engagement and consultation with stakeholders and residents of Avon and Somerset, on matters related to the Violence Reduction Unit.

Come and join the OPCC and you could you play a vital role in an organisation that provides a voice, on key issues and approaches to tackling serious violence, to people living and working in our area. 

The role is a 12 months fixed term but there will be a possibility of extension as this is part of a 3 year Home Office initiative. 

The OPCC has a strong focus on employing people that best fit with the ethos and culture of our team and are looking for someone that will embrace our values of Openness, Partnership, Compassion and Courage.

For full details and how to apply please click here.