Student Placements - Digital Communication Assistant 2020 2021 - Metropolitan Police Service Information Pack ...

Metropolitan Police
                Service Information
                        Pack

Student Placements – Digital Communication Assistant
                    2020 - 2021

Welcometoa changingcity,a changingorganisation and a
           fascinating and excitingrole

Overview

MORE CHALLENGES, MORE EXCITEMENT, MORE OPPORTUNITIES - BE AT THE HEART
OF A CHANGING SERVICE

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) employs approximately 39,000 officers and Staff,
plus thousands of volunteers and provides policing to one of the most diverse capital
cities in the world. The service provides policing to the 32 London Boroughs as well as a
number of other local, national and international functions such as counter terrorism
and organised crime prevention. As the country’s largest police service, the service is
recognised internationally as a leader in fighting crime and many other policing
organisations look to the MPS for best practice and guidance.

We are looking to recruit students for a 48 – 52 week student placement with the
Metropolitan Police Service.

There are student placements available in the following business area:

  Counter Terrorism Policing

Counter Terrorism Policing

Number of students we are looking to recruit: 1

Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK
intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by
preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity.

We do this by working in local to global partnerships, from policing teams on the beat
and on the streets; supported by a national network of specialist officers and staff across
the UK, to our investigators and expert advisors in every corner of the world.
Sadly, as we have seen terrorist attacks can happen at any time or place without
warning. And as the threat continues to evolve, then so must we. The challenges we face
are not only in person, they are also online and in the shadows. We are dedicated to
making the best of our resources, and often unique skills, working with technical
experts, digital innovators and world renowned investigators.

Most of what we achieve may never see the light of day but be assured that we have the
very best and brightest working around the clock in an effort to keep us all safe. These
ordinary men and women do extraordinary things in an effort to thwart terrorist
planning; to safeguard those who are at risk of radicalisation; to protect our critical
national infrastructure, institutions and crowded places, and to pursue and bring
terrorists to justice.

Job Description – Digital Communications Assistant
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is one of the Met’s most complex and shifting
environments. To keep us one step ahead, we want to recruit an aspiring digital
communications assistant who will assist us and help lead the way in developing our
digital and social media channels to reach target audiences.

Joining our wider communications team, you’ll be working as part of a small team of
digital media specialists creating content for social networking and digital platforms,
including our newly launched website, as well as researching and writing feature articles.
You will to help shape and deliver the digital strategies and campaigns across the whole
of the CTP Network, make sure our digital channels consistently spark interest and reach
a range of audiences. You will bring innovative and creative ideas to life, helping us to
successfully tell the CTP story. With an eye to the future, you'll help hone and shape our
digital communications through analytics, monitoring and exploring new technologies

The ideal candidate will be able to turn complex language and national social issues into
understandable, visual and engaging content, encouraging the reader to explore topics
and learn more. Knowing that your content will be viewed by millions, we’re looking for
someone with a keen eye for detail and excellent verbal and written skills: copywriting
experience, a background in web publishing, development and analysis of insight /
evaluation and comms channel development are also desirable skills which will highlight
your suitability for the role.

Like us, we are looking for someone who is passionate about the power of positive
communications. You should be innovative, well-organised and self-motivated. The
reaction to our work is always high-profile, and so reputation and impact will be at the
forefront of all you do. You should be able to demonstrate how you’ve engaged with
various communication specialisms to make a big difference and deliver real change.
You’ll also be able to evidence to us that you’re keen to develop both within the team
and the critical role we play in Counter Terrorism Policing.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced
environment: Ultimately, your work will help to protect the public and save lives.

For DV posts: This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a
daily basis. Applicants must be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV)
Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must
be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one
element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential
conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the
intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of
safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by
Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or

acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and
   meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Writing
   • The ability to source and process complex or ambiguous information, address any
       gaps, and write and edit compelling digital content, in a way that is clear, concise,
       grammatically correct and in line with editorial guidelines for digital content

Planning and problem solving skills:
   • Highly motivated and proactive approach to working including a strong desire to meet
       deadlines and deliver quality work.
    Highly organised and methodical

IT Literacy
    • Excellent knowledge of the social media landscape and the ability to creatively and
        proactively utilise it to best effect.
    • Confident using a range of content management systems, social media platforms and
        analytics tools
    • Strong knowledge and application of photo and video editing, infographics and the
        ability to quickly pick up new tools and techniques.
    • Ability to upload information and content to digital platforms, tailoring content to
        different channels and platforms in order to maximise impact.
    • Knowledge of web platforms and the technical infrastructure that underpin them.

Communication and relationship skills:
   • Experience of creating and publishing digital and social media content
   • Abreast of the latest digital communication developments, you'll put forward and
     support new ideas to increase our presence on social platforms
   • Innovative and with creative flair, with accurate and compelling written and editorial
     skills
   • Experience in designing digital content for different audience groups, purpose and
     formats
   • Good photography skills with experience producing live social media content, and
     video production skills.
   • Excellent planning skills, and ability to quickly respond to changing priorities
   • A practical understanding of reactive and proactive digital media content including
     the requirements to prepare and plan compelling and creative content.
   • A proficient understanding of different communication disciplines - internal,
     marketing, branding - and how they operate together.
   • A strong understanding and practical application of evaluation approaches and
     statistical analysis skills to interpret, present and the ability to make compelling
     recommendations on data.

About You

   Working towards degree level within communications and / or digital media
   Experience of creating and publishing digital and social media content
   Confident using a range of content management systems, social media platforms
    and analytics tools
   Abreast of the latest digital communication developments, you'll put forward and
    support new ideas to increase our presence on social platforms
   Innovative and with creative flair, you'll also have accurate and compelling written
    and editorial skills, with expertise in designing digital content for different audience
    groups, purpose and formats
   Good photography skills with experience producing live social media content, and
    video production skills would also be highly desirable.
   Your excellent planning skills, and ability to quickly respond to changing priorities,
    mean that you're able to deliver in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment

If you have any questions or want to find out more about this placement opportunity,
you can email Sarah.Shelley@met.pnn.police.uk

1. The skills we are looking for

Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Communication Skills
An excellent level of both written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present
information appropriately to a wide variety of clients in a clear, concise and non-technical manner.
Written communications will need to be well prepared and logically structured.

Planning and Organising
Plans and organises their own work, liaising with their manager as to how the work fits in with the
project as a whole.

Time Management
Prioritises tasks and keeps to deadlines. Has a flexible and self-motivated approach to work, being
able to work unsupervised if required.

Problem Solving Skills
Can define and solve problems in a logical manner, being aware of the variety of solutions possible.
Shows evidence of being able to balance theory with reality to produce a pragmatic solution.

Technical Skills
IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and an aptitude and willingness to learn new
software packages. Good numerical and statistical analysis skills and being able to make sense of
and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.

Team Working
Can work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients at all levels. Being an active team player
and show willingness to help other people.

Personal Responsibility
Have a proactive approach, being able to critically appraise their actions and accept responsibility
given to them.

Respect for Diversity
Demonstrates a respect for diversity through all aspects of work. Shows consideration and respect
for the opinions and feelings of others, regardless of their status or background.

2. Who are we looking for? – Our eligibility criteria

There are a number of basic qualities and eligibility criteria that you’ll need to be aware of. Take
a look through the below to see if you are eligible.

Age
You must be 18 or over when you apply to join our team.

Nationality
If you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you’re required to have leave to enter
or leave to remain in the UK for 1.5 years. Such applicants must reside in the UK free of restrictions
or have an entitlement to do so.

Character
Ideally, you shouldn’t have a criminal conviction or cautions record. If you do have one, eligibility
will depend on the age and nature of the offence. We’re unable to confirm whether your
convictions record will affect your application before you apply, but will determine this from the
full and confidential information provided during the recruitment and selection process.

If you don’t tell us about any cautions, investigations or criminal convictions that may be linked to
you at an early stage, your application could be refused simply because you weren’t open and up
front, whereas it might have been accepted if you were. If in any doubt, disclose the information.

Membership to BNP or Similar Groups
We won’t accept applications from anyone who is, or has been, a member of the BNP or similar
organisations.

Business Interests
You must declare any other employment or business interests you intend to maintain, if offered
a position within our team.

Tattoos
The nature and location of your tattoos needs to be considered when assessing your eligibility to
apply for a role in the Met.

We have a firm position on tattoos that we consider to be of an unacceptable nature - those that
could be considered discriminatory, offensive, violent, rude, lewd, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian,
homophobic, intimidating or political.

Having a tattoo that is visible when wearing work attire or uniform does not necessarily prevent
you from applying. If you have tattoos on your hands, the back of your neck, below your collar line
and on / behind your ears, you are eligible to apply. If you have tattoos on your face, or above
your collar line on the front of your neck, you will not be eligible to join at this time.

3. Pay and benefits

By joining the Metropolitan Police Service, you will be helping to protect the lives of over seven
million people. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that your efforts are having an
impact on such a large and diverse community.
In return, you will receive a salary of £20,145 gross per annum
Met Benefits
As a member of our team, you will have access to a range of other benefits, including:
     Metropolitan Police Civil Staff Pension Scheme
     Sports and social club and facilities
     Interest-free loan to pay for a quarterly or longer London transport season ticket
     Access to the Met Benefits website, giving discounts on a wide variety of shopping, leisure
       activities and major purchases.

For further information regarding the terms and conditions offered by the MPS and assistance in
completing your application, please visit the MPS Careers website.

4. How to apply

Step 1: Complete an application form
Complete our short and simple online application form, adding your CV & personal statement.
In the personal statement (no more than 1 page of A4) please indicate, why you are interested in
a placement, how you view this placement in terms of your academic and career objectives and
what relevant experience you will bring to the role. Include details of your degree course and your
examinations results to date and how you can offer the skills that we require.
During the application process you will be required to evidence against the Competency and Value
Framework for Policing in line with the Metropolitan Police Service Policy at Level 1.

Please refer to the document attached to the vacancy in our online application system for full
content and framework detail.

Step 2: Application sift
This is where we ensure you meet our eligibility criteria and evaluate your application carefully
according to the required skills. If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to interview.
Step 3: Face-to-face interviews
The interview will be a competency-based interview and questions will be posed around the
criteria for the role in question.
Step 4: Health, security and reference checks
Before you can join us, we need to carry out medical, reference and security checks. These are
standard for all recruits to the Met.
The length of the application process can vary from individual to individual depending on your
circumstances. Once we have completed all required pre-employment checks, we’ll agree a start
date with you, with the aim of commencing at the latest by September 2020.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and view diversity as fundamental to our success. To
tackle today’s complex policing challenges, we need a workforce made up from all of London’s
communities. Applications from across the community are therefore essential.

5. Need help?

Once you have submitted your application form, we will keep in contact with you via our online
application process so you should keep your eye on this throughout.

If at any point you need help, or want to talk to one of our Recruitment Team, please contact us
on 01633 632500 or send us an email at police-staff-recruitment@sscl.gse.gov.uk