Head of Operational Communications
Thames Valley Police
Head of Operational Communications
Job Advert
Join TVP as The Head of Operational Communications
In this exciting and influential role, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for developing and delivering operational communications strategies and activities across Thames Valley Police. From supporting critical incidents and major investigations to promoting operational successes and reassuring communities, your team's work will help fight crime, serve victims and build trust and confidence in our force.
No two days are the same. Policing is one of the most dynamic and complex communications environments in which to work. One moment you may be advising senior leaders on a fast-moving operational incident, the next you could be helping shape communications around a major policing operation, emerging trust and confidence issue, or multi-agency major incident response. The breadth and pace of the role require someone who thrives on variety, can quickly absorb complex information and confidently pivot between competing priorities and subject matters.
As part of the Corporate Communications Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the leadership and management of the department, including risk, performance, budget, business continuity, workforce planning, recruitment, professional development and wellbeing of communication professionals.
We are seeking an experienced communications leader who is educated to degree level and/or holds a professional qualification in communications, public relations, media or has equivalent experience. You will have a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, delivering impactful internal and external communications, and providing expert communications counsel in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, including during crises.
The successful candidate will be a calm and credible leader who is comfortable operating through uncertainty, making sound decisions with incomplete information and adapting communications strategies as situations evolve. You will possess excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, strong political awareness and the ability to build effective relationships at all levels, enabling you to confidently advise, challenge and support senior stakeholders.
You will be a strategic thinker with a keen eye for risk, opportunity and organisational impact. You will understand the important role communications plays in maintaining public trust and confidence and be able to balance both immediate operational demands and longer-term considerations.
This is a rare opportunity to lead communications at the heart of operational policing. The challenges are significant, but so too is the opportunity to make a tangible difference to our communities, our workforce and in one of the country's largest police forces.
Due to the requirement to work flexibly, including occasional unsocial hours, and because public transport may not always be available or suitable, a full UK driving licence is essential.
To request a candidate information pack please contact sam.last@thamesvalley.police.uk
As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 30 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. To view a full list of our benefits, please click the below link.
If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 23709. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.
Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.
The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Tuesday 4 August 2026
Find out more about our roles Communications, Creative, and Marketing – TVP Careers
At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.
Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.
Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.