Capita plc employs 70,000 people, delivering better outcomes across a range of sectors. We solve the complex challenges of our clients, increasing productivity, enhancing their use of technology and data, improving customer and public services, and adding value to the UK and local economies. Around half of our client base is in the public sector – both central and local government – and we support a wide range of public services, including policing, healthcare, education and defence. Additionally, we have been working with the science sector since 2015, when we formed a joint venture to operate the Food and Environment Research Agency.
Last year, 2018, saw the appointment of a new Chief Executive and a rights issue, and since then transformation has been underway to simplify the business and embed a new operating model. 2019 will be a crucial year as we pivot to a new Capita, known for excellent technological solutions and smart uses of data. This is an exciting time to be part of a team delivering even more transparency to Capita’s external audiences, and to support proactive public affairs activities to keep our political and wider stakeholders informed about the business and answer their questions.
This is a great opportunity to develop your public affairs skills in a high-profile and fast-paced corporate environment.
Key responsibilities
- Prepare briefings in advance of Parliamentary and stakeholder meetings as required;
- Oversee Capita’s Parliamentary monitoring agency, checking the daily news alerts for accuracy and quality, and keeping internal distribution lists up to date;
- Maintain accurate constituency- and city-level information about Capita’s delivery and status as local employer;
- Maintain internal Public Affairs databases and tracking documents;
- Horizon-scan for trends and hot topics in line with Capita’s corporate affairs strategy and key messages;
- Advise on stakeholder communications activities to accompany proactive media relations;
- Establish and maintain a network of internal contacts across the Group to ensure familiarity with the business and excellent sources of corporate intelligence;
- Keep managers informed and exercise good judgement on escalating questions to senior colleagues;
- Support implementation of engagement strategies.
Person specification (essential attributes)
- Track record of success in a frontline public affairs role, either in-house or agency-side;
- Familiarity with the workings of Parliament and local government;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Able to act on own initiative and meet deadlines;
- Able to analyse and interrogate data to draw out key messages for public affairs audiences;
- Able to suggest solutions and ways forward when escalating questions;
- Highly organised and motivated with strong team and influencing skills;
- Ability to prioritise tasks and have excellent time management skills;
- Able to speak the language of the business and gain the confidence of colleagues from across the Group;
- Ability to develop strong working relationships at all levels both internally and externally.
Person specification (desirable attributes)
- Experience working in Parliament or for an influencer organisation.