To manage the strategic planning and delivery of communications and engagement activity across Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Children’s Services. This includes driving campaigns that support service transformation, promote safeguarding and early help, champion inclusive education and SEND, and encourage fostering and adoption.
The postholder will work in close partnership with senior managers, elected members and service leads to lead, plan and implement communication strategies that engage children, young people, families, and partners. The role is also responsible for managing media issues, internal communications, and advising on communication risks and opportunities, ensuring all communications reflect the Council’s values and priorities.
Senior Communications Lead (working with Children’s Services)
Shape the Story. Drive the Impact. Join Our Communications Team.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is on an ambitious journey of transformation and exceptional communication is central to our success. We are strengthening our Communications team and looking for talented professionals who can help shape how we engage with residents, partners and stakeholders.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious communications professional to join our team as Senior Communications Lead supporting Children’s Services.
As Senior Communications Lead for Children’s Services, you will play a key role in supporting one of the Council’s highest profile and most impactful service areas. Working closely with senior leaders, elected members and partners, you will lead strategic communications for major programmes, transformation activity and frontline services that support children, young people and families across the borough.
You will provide expert communications advice on complex and sensitive issues, helping to shape public understanding, build trust and support positive outcomes for residents.
We are looking for someone who brings energy, initiative and a genuine can-do attitude. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be comfortable managing competing priorities and have the confidence to lead on high profile communications activity.
Our ideal candidate will:
- Have significant experience in strategic communications, media handling and stakeholder engagement
- Be confident advising senior leaders on complex or sensitive communications issues
- Have experience managing high profile campaigns, transformation programmes or reputational issues
- Demonstrate strong leadership and decision-making skills
- Build positive relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders
- Be motivated by challenge and driven to continuously improve
In return, you will join a dynamic and supportive team within an organisation committed to innovation, ambition and excellence. You will have the opportunity to shape high profile communications activity that makes a real difference to residents across Cheshire West and Chester.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Simon Wood, Communications Manager, via email simon.wood@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or Ian Ratcliffe, Communications Manager, via email ian.ratcliffe@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
Interviews expected to take place around w/c 6 July 2026.
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