News and Issues Management Lead and News and Media Lead

We are currently looking for aNews and Issues Management Lead and a News and Media Lead to join ourCommunications and EngagementFunction within theEnablementgroup.

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 note that there might also be a requirement to travel to SouthMimms Herts or other locations as appropriate.

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. These roles are in our News and Media team.

The news and issues management team handles high-profile sensitive and day-to-day news and issues affecting the organisation and its remit. It also handles daily media enquiries.

Whats the role

• 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.
• Implement 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.

Key responsibilities:

• Proactively and creatively initiate lead develop implement and evaluate news and issues management strategies that supports the business priorities and culture change set out in the agencys business and corporate plans and play an active part in the communications account management work.

• Anticipate the emerging news agenda and lead on high-profile and sensitive media issues to manage the reputation of the agency and respond quickly and accurately to breaking or negative stories to limit potentially damaging media and social media coverage. Write edit and publish content to style for our websites using a content management system

• Produce and oversee high-quality handling plans that include reactive lines to take press releases potential risks core scripts briefings and Q&As and consider the use of shareable social media content ensuring work aligns and integrates with strategic communications priorities and narratives.
• Develop build and nurture professional relationships with journalists and social media influencers based on honesty authority and credibility and stay up to date on media / social media trends.
• Work closely with others in the Communications and Engagement group and with senior managers across the agency to advise on media handling and to develop appropriate plans.

• Act as an agency spokesperson displaying authoritative clear and sensitive briefing to the media on agency issues. Participate in a 24-hour media on-call rota.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill demonstrate the following.

• 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.

• A strong proven understanding of what makes a good news story and interesting accessible content.

• Excellent written editorial social media engagement and oral communications skills.

• The ability to develop good working relationships and influence journalists social media influencers and senior managers dealing with conflict and challenge in a calm measured way.

• Experience of evaluating traditional media content and social media to assess performance and inform business decisions.

Person Specification:

Method of assessment:AApplication TTest IInterview PPresentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Communicating and Influencing -Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and oral with the ability to develop good working relationships and influence journalists social media influencers and senior managers dealing with conflict and challenge in a calm measured way (A/ I /T)

• Managing a Quality Service Excellent planning project and time management skills with ability to work on own initiative and in team to problem solve and prioritise own work according to changing business needs. (I)

• Seeing the Big Picture-Understand the strategic drivers for your area of work. Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your work area. (I)

Experience Criteria:

• 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.(A/ I /T)

• Experience of evaluating traditional media content and social media to assess performance and inform business decisions. (A I)

Technical Criteria:

• Excellent written editorial social media engagement and oral communications skills with a strong proven understanding of what makes a good news story and interesting accessible content. (A/ I /T)

Strengths Criteria

• Confident (I)

• Explainer (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for both positions News and Issues Management Lead and News and Media Lead.

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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 demonstratingextensive 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

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 ourcandidate guidancefor more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

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

Closing date: 16^th February 2026

Shortlisting date: 18^th February 2026

Interview date:26^th February 2026

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.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations and in some circumstances routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

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

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