News and Media Lead

We are currently looking for aNews and Media Lead to join our News and Media Function within the Enablement group.

This is a full-time opportunity on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not are open to requests for part-time job shares and flexible working. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible hybrid way of working with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role this can flex up to 12 days a month with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

Who are we

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices underpinned by science and research.

The MHRA Communications and Engagement Group is a multi-award-winning team that has a consistent track-record of achievement and providing value for money. Our focus is to support the agency to deliver its business outcomes by putting patients and the public at the centre of all our work. We are organised in the following teams: News & Media Communications Patient and Public Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Experience. This role is in our News and Media team.

The roles main function is to manage the agencys profile and reputation on high profile sensitive and day-to-day news and issues affecting the organisation and its remit confidently with the media and social media responding to media enquiries as well as promoting explaining and justifying its scientific expertise and wider contribution to public health and science nationally and globally.

This includes implementing and deliver effective news and issues management strategies at pace developing and nurturing media and social media contacts responding quickly and accurately to breaking or negative news stories to limit potentially damaging coverage and drive the agencys reputation evaluating outcomes and results.

Whats the role

This is an exciting role that helps to manage some of the most sensitive and high-profile issues moving through the agency.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on high-profile media issues to manage reputation of the agency
• Produce high-quality media handling plans ensuring work aligns with strategic priorities
• Develop and build professional relationships with journalists
• Take part in a 24/7 on-call rota

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent planning project and time management skills
• Extensive knowledge and experience of working in a busy press office
• Experience of evaluating traditional media
• Excellent written editorial and oral skills.

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description please contact

The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidatesfind out more here.

• Online application form including questions based on theBehaviour Experience and Technical Success Profiles.Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Test further information will be supplied when you reach this stage
• Interview which can include questions based on theBehaviour Experience Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of candidates having extensive knowledge and experience of working in a busy press office or media relations role in a large complex expert organisation and leading on the response to fast-breaking high-profile news stories to deliver business objectives and enhance reputation.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allowsufficienttime. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others or generated by artificial intelligence as your own.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process please contact as soon as possible.

Closing date:4^th July 2025

Shortlisting date: 8^th July 2025

Interview date:16/17^th July 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questionsplease contact

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality information on whether you are able to apply is availablehere.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must completebasic personnel security standard checks.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibilityhere.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries please contact.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointmenton the basis ofmerit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint you should firstly contact Florentina OleylamiHead of Talent Acquisition.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ