Communications Officer - Regional Fostering Hub

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Officer - Regional Fostering Hub

🔹 Company: Wiltshire Council

🔹 Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Temporary/Fixed Term

🔹 Category: Government Administration

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting fostering recruitment through targeted communications
• Ensuring audiences are informed about local authority fostering offers and activities
• Evaluating marketing strategies and coordinating with partner councils
• Demonstrating a flexible and agile approach to market trends and insights

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and within a team.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Creating targeted and timely communications to various audiences to support fostering recruitment

✅ Providing information about the role of foster carers, application processes, and support options available to prospective foster carers

✅ Ensuring audiences are informed about local authority fostering offers, priorities, news, events, activities, and policies

✅ Supporting the Communications Lead in reviewing and evaluating the impact of marketing and recruitment strategies

✅ Acting as a specialist communications link between Fostering Southwest and communications teams in partner local councils to ensure a coordinated regional approach

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on multiple projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified (However, a relevant degree or equivalent experience may be beneficial)

Experience: Proven track record in communications, with experience in event organisation

Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and digital skills
• Strong understanding of all social media channels
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• Flexibility and adaptability

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a similar role within the public sector
• Knowledge of the fostering sector

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, relevant qualifications and experience in communications are essential for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £30,559 - £32,654 per year

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on the information provided in the job listing and is typical for a communications role in the public sector in the UK.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Government Administration

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: Not specified (However, Wiltshire Council was established in 2009)

Company Description:

• Wiltshire Council delivers over 350 services to the people of Wiltshire, including public health, social care, planning, street maintenance, schools, and libraries
• The council encourages innovation, embraces change, treats everyone fairly, and values diversity
• Wiltshire Council focuses on opportunities and possibilities and promotes flexible working

Company Specialties:

• Public health and social care
• Planning and street maintenance
• Education and libraries

Company Website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk

ASSUMPTION: Wiltshire Council is a large local authority that offers a wide range of services to its residents.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Team Manager, Carrie Worth

Work Arrangement: On-site, with opportunities for flexible working

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression within the communications team or wider council
• Developing specialist knowledge in fostering communications
• Gaining experience in event organisation and stakeholder management

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the communications field.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with opportunities for flexible working

Office Location(s): Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN

Geographic Context:

• Trowbridge is a market town in Wiltshire, located in the southwest of England
• The region has a strong focus on fostering and adoption services
• The council serves a diverse population with varying needs and backgrounds

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event and project requirements

ASSUMPTION: The role may require working outside of standard office hours for events and other activities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Telephone or video screening
• Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager
• Final panel interview

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and experience
• Understanding of the fostering sector and relevant marketing strategies
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• Flexibility and adaptability

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant communications experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your previous communications work and their impact
• Research the fostering sector and Wiltshire Council's fostering priorities

ATS Keywords: Communications, Fostering, Marketing, Recruitment, Social Media, Event Organisation, Stakeholder Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the volume of applicants and the council's specific recruitment needs.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Event management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
• Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: The role may require the use of additional tools and technologies specific to the council's communications department.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Embracing change
• Fairness and diversity

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Customer-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate innovation in your communications work?
• How have you embraced change in a previous role, and what was the outcome?
• How do you ensure that your communications are fair, inclusive, and relevant to diverse audiences?

ASSUMPTION: Wiltshire Council values employees who align with their core values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may involve working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organisation and time management skills
• The role may require working outside of standard office hours for events and other activities
• The role may involve dealing with sensitive and emotional topics related to fostering and adoption
• The role may require working with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, partner organisations, and the media

ASSUMPTION: The role may present unique challenges related to the fostering sector and the council's diverse stakeholder base.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Communications Officer (Local Government) vs. Communications Officer (Private Sector)
• Local government roles may have a broader focus on public engagement and community involvement
• Private sector roles may have a stronger focus on brand management and marketing
• Communications Officer (Fostering) vs. Communications Officer (Other Sectors)
• Fostering communications roles may require a deeper understanding of the social care sector and relevant policies
• Other communications roles may have a broader focus on corporate communications or marketing
• Communications Officer (Mid-level) vs. Communications Officer (Entry-level/Senior-level)
• Mid-level roles may offer more opportunities for strategic input and project management
• Entry-level roles may focus more on day-to-day tasks and administrative support
• Senior-level roles may involve more strategic decision-making and team leadership

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communications, marketing, and stakeholder management experience within the fostering sector.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a targeted social media campaign to recruit foster carers in the region
• Organising and promoting a regional fostering event, including coordinating with partner organisations and managing event logistics
• Creating and distributing regular newsletters and updates to foster carers, prospective applicants, and other stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on a variety of projects that require creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the wider communications strategy for fostering in the region?
• What are the key priorities for fostering recruitment in the next 12 months, and how will this role support them?
• How does the council support the professional development of its communications team?
• What opportunities are there for collaboration with other departments and teams within the council?
• How does the council measure the success of its communications and marketing efforts, and how will this role contribute to that process?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your understanding of the organisation's priorities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Wiltshire Council job portal
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant communications experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your previous communications work and their impact
• Research the fostering sector and Wiltshire Council's fostering priorities
• Follow up with the hiring manager, Carrie Worth, if you have any questions about the role or application process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.