Department for Work and Pensions

Our mission is to improve people’s quality of life both now and in the future.

The Department for Work and Pensions touches the lives of every citizen in the country at some point in their life.

As the UK government’s largest public services provider and at the heart of the government growth mission, we support people into work, help disabled people live more independent lives, provide the financial foundations for a secure old age through the State Pension.

We are passionate about making a sustainable and positive impact on people’s lives every day by providing a modern, fair and affordable welfare system. We seek to be an exemplar of the Modern Civil Service so that we can better deliver for citizens and meet the challenges of tomorrow.
There has never been a more exciting time to work at DWP.

DWP is looking for a Head of News and Strategic Communications, Deputy Director.

This is a key senior leadership role within one of the highest-profile operational government departments. The Head of News and Strategic Communications will be responsible for shaping and leading the department’s external communications. This role is instrumental in pathfinding the strategic communications approach across DWP, influencing and upskilling stakeholders. It will lead on creating a clear, coherent narrative across policy areas, managing media relations, and overseeing both reactive and proactive communication strategies.

You will lead a team of approximately 32 people, including four direct reports, covering Press Office, Visits, External Affairs, and Strategic Communications, working in a fast-paced, complex environment. You and your team are responsible for providing communications advice to ministers and senior officials, managing reputational risks, and ensuring all communications plans tell a consistent story of delivery and transformation and align with the department’s objectives and ministerial priorities.

You will oversee the 24/7 news operation, ensuring rapid, accurate responses to media inquiries, and build strong relationships with national and regional media. The role also requires developing and implementing long-term, audience focused strategic communications plans which protect the reputation of the department.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of inspiring leadership, fostering an inclusive and high-performing team, and demonstrating the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. The successful candidate will have outstanding communication skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a focus on impactful outcomes. You will ensure the highest standards of propriety and adherence to the Civil Service Code while driving both short-term and long-term communications strategies for the department.

If you are curious, with a desire to utilise your communications skill set for public service and wanting to play a part in helping us tell the story of DWP delivery and transformation then we would love to hear from you.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Department for Work and Pensions on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OWPF. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by Tuesday 22^nd April 2025 at 12 noon.