Content Designer

About the Role

This position is based predominantly at the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) headquarters in Canary Wharf and follows a hybrid working model, with the expectation that at least 60% of contractual hours (approximately three days per week) are spent onsite. Our offices are modern, centrally located, and co-located with other government agencies such as the Department for Health and Social Care.

As a Content Designer within the GOV.UK team, you will collaborate across UKHSA teams to simplify information and improve user comprehension. This role involves developing, commissioning, writing, editing, and publishing content through the Whitehall Publisher content management system, adhering to style guides and securing necessary approvals. You will also work closely with subject matter experts including scientists and senior policy leads.

During public health incidents, where UKHSA often leads response efforts, the role requires maintaining high content standards whilst working at an accelerated pace.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex content design projects end-to-end, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Train new team members and devolved editors across UKHSA.
• Manage the development and upkeep of the Jira Service Desk platform and oversee user-research projects.
• Develop content for UKHSA's digital platforms, including GOV.UK, applying content design best practices and principles.
• Conduct user needs analysis, identify content gaps and overlaps, and refine content accordingly.
• Utilize user research and analytics to guide content development that meets audience needs.
• Coach colleagues to write in plain English and manage stakeholder relationships to ensure content accuracy and relevance.
• Monitor content performance and collaborate with publishing teams to implement improvements.
• Promote digital culture emphasizing user-centred service delivery in line with the Digital by Default Service Standard.
• Develop and enforce publishing policies while maintaining effective relationships with senior staff and external partners.
• Maintain UKHSA editorial house style in alignment with the Government Digital Service (GDS) Style Guide.
• Operate workflow management tools, especially Jira.
• Provide timely editorial advice and support across the agency.
• Carry out additional duties as required by the directorate, with job tasks and specifications subject to ongoing review.

Person Specification

• Demonstrated experience creating accessible, web-based content that aligns with organizational goals.
• Proficiency in user-centred content design methodologies, best practices, and relevant tools.
• Familiarity with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and content compliance requirements.
• Experience editing content to style guides and design standards, utilizing feedback, research, and analytics for strategic decisions.
• Competence in content management systems and basic image editing.
• Ability to leverage metrics and user feedback to refine content.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence adoption of user-centred standards.
• Preferred: Experience advising colleagues on digital initiatives, knowledge of volume content migration including rebranding and archiving, understanding health protection topics like infectious diseases, and familiarity with prototyping tools such as Figma.

Benefits

• Salary starting at £46,310 with potential increases up to £52,113 based on experience and location (Inner London scale).
• Employer contribution of £13,416 into the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (28.97% contribution rate).
• Access to tailored learning and professional development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Inclusive work culture promoting diversity and equity.

Additional Information

Applicants must be able to pass Basic Personnel Security Standard clearance before appointment. The application process uses Success Profiles methodology, requiring submission of an application form and a 1,000-word supporting statement addressing essential criteria. A two-stage evaluation process includes an application sift followed by a remote interview assessing behavioural competencies such as Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service (leadership), and Delivering at Pace.

Note on Artificial Intelligence Usage: AI tools may assist with applications, but all provided content must be original, accurate, and personally verifiable. Plagiarism, including AI-generated content presented as applicant's own, may lead to application withdrawal or disciplinary action.