Content Designer

Location and Working Arrangements

This role may be situated in one of several locations including Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, or Sheffield. Applicants should only list locations they can reach independently and at their own cost, as declining an offered role in a listed location will result in withdrawal from the selection process. Candidates choosing Newcastle should note that the initial work base will be Benton Park View, moving to 1 Pilgrim Place by late 2027.

Role Overview

The Department for Work and Pensions seeks a dedicated Content Designer who focuses on crafting high-quality, user-friendly content that improves people's experiences with government services. This position demands proficiency in structuring and designing content, ranging from websites and digital forms to emails and error messages, ensuring clarity and accessibility at all user journey points.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop content aligned with GOV.UK and DWP style guides and design systems.
• Utilize analytics and user research data to inform content creation and refinement.
• Partner with multidisciplinary colleagues and external stakeholders to fact-check, co-write, and justify content decisions through evidence.
• Participate actively in local and departmental content and user-centered design communities, including peer content review processes.
• Commit to continuous personal and professional development in content design skills.

Candidate Profile

Candidates must demonstrate the behaviours and technical skills aligned with the role, including adaptability ('Changing and Improving'), expertise in content management and structure, inclusive and collaborative design practices, and evidence-driven content creation.

Application and Selection Process

The selection process follows the Success Profiles framework, assessing behaviours, experience, and technical skills via a multi-part application: personal details, employment history, a personal statement addressing essential criteria, and a behavioural statement focused on adaptability. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a video interview assessing technical proficiencies.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is £44,447 to £46,547 annually. Additionally, the Department contributes £12,876 towards a Defined Benefit Civil Service Pension scheme. Other benefits include:

• Flexible working options such as job sharing, term-time, flexi-time, and compressed hours.
• Generous leave entitlement starting at 25 days and increasing up to 30, plus public and privilege leave.
• Financial support schemes including interest-free season ticket loans and a cycle-to-work program.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme and access to the HASSRA membership benefits.
• Family-friendly policies with enhanced parental leave following one year of service.
• Support for professional development via training, qualifications, and mentoring.
• An inclusive environment with diverse networks such as Women’s, National Race, and Disability networks.

Additional Information

Hybrid working arrangements are possible, requiring at least 60% of contracted hours onsite, with accommodations available for candidates with disabilities or caring responsibilities. Candidates should ensure all application materials remove personal identifying details and follow guidelines preventing plagiarism, including restrictions on artificial intelligence usage. A reserve list may be maintained for six months from which further hires could be made. Visa sponsorship is considered but not guaranteed, thus candidates requiring this should verify eligibility before applying.

For reasonable adjustments during the application process, candidates may contact Government Recruitment Service ahead of the deadline.