Head of Internal Communications

We are currently looking for a Head of Internal Communications to join our Internal Communications team within the Communications and Engagement Enablement group.

This is a full-time opportunity on a 15 month fixed term contractbasis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU.

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 Function 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 Involvement and Engagement and Customer Experience. This role is in our Communications team.

Whats the role

The Head of Internal Communications leads our internal communications function including the internal communications team manages budget sets initiatives and drives continuous improvement. This is a great opportunity to make a significant contribution to a forward-thinking organisation that places high value on employee engagement.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the internal communications team ensuring high quality service provision through providing clear strategic direction and priorities with the ability to develop and deliver communication strategies to our diverse workforce.

• Provide proactive strategic internal and transformation communications advice to senior leaders including the executive committee and chief executive

• Deliver embed cross-agency and evaluate an internal communications strategy to manage effective two-way communication and engagement that supports the business priorities and culture change.

• Identify plan provide strategic oversight of and develop opportunities for engaging content that responds to business priorities and our drive to be accessible to all audiences.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill demonstrate the following.

• Communicating and Influencing - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and oral with the ability to accurately and confidently communicate influence and challenge staff and external contacts at all levels. (Lead criteria)

• Developing Self and Others - A confident self-starter who can operate independently and manage conflicting priorities while delivering to deadline but can also operate flexibly as part of a team and encourages feedback and the views of others.

• Demonstrable track record of developing employee communications and engagement strategies using a range of communications tools and techniques. (Lead criteria)

• Strong editorial skills with a proven understanding of what makes a good news story and interesting accessible content.

• Networker - You proactively create and maintain positive professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation. You identify connections and reach out to bring people together.

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 accurately and confidently communicate influence and challenge staff and external contacts at all levels (AIP)

Developing Self and Others - A confident self-starter who can operate independently and manage conflicting priorities while delivering to deadline but can also operate flexibly as part of a team and encourages feedback and the views of others. (AI)

Experience Criteria:

Extensive experience of managing internal communications and stakeholder engagement for high-profile organisational transformation programmes. Includes: drafting action plans securing required resource and setting performance standards. (AIP)

Proven senior leadership and management skills able to demonstrate experience of leading multi-functional units in a complex organisation including motivating and developing staff and managing their performance. (AI)

Demonstrable track record of developing employee communications and engagement strategies using a range of communications tools and techniques. (AIP)

Technical Criteria:

Strong editorial skills with a proven understanding of what makes a good news story and interesting accessible content (AI)

A demonstrable track record of project management skills with the ability to lead projects involving cross organisational and external team members. Including ability to anticipate potential risks handle any unanticipated problems and develop and communicate creative solutions to achieve successful resolution whilst delivering a high standard of customer service. (AI)

A relevant qualification along with membership of CIM CIPR or other relevant professional body is desirable. (A)

Strengths Criteria

Strategic

You look at the big picture and consider the wider factors and long term implications of decisions. (I)

Change Agent

You are positive and inspirational in leading and supporting others through change (I)

Networker

You proactively create and maintain positive professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation. You identify connections and reach out to bring people together (I)

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

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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.

• Presentation to be prepared as part of your interview with further information being 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.

• Communicating and Influencing - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and oral with the ability to accurately and confidently communicate influence and challenge staff and external contacts at all levels.

• Demonstrable track record of developing employee communications and engagement strategies using a range of communications tools and techniques.

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:18/03/2026

Shortlisting date: 20/03/2026

Interview date:27/03/2026

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.EP1

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.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary or the pay band minimum whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency unless there are special circumstances such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

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