Public Relations and Media Officer
This is not a routine communications post.
The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) is recruiting a Public Relations and Media Officer to lead and grow our national media presence at a critical moment for restorative justice in the UK.
You will play a central role in telling complex, high-profile stories that matter, shaping how restorative justice is understood by the public, policymakers, institutions and the media. Your work will sit at the intersection of public accountability, social justice, and national learning, with real‑world consequences.
This is a creative, outward‑facing role for someone who knows how to land messages, handle scrutiny, and build trust through clear, confident communication.
A role where your work will shape national conversation
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 (FTE) + 5% matched pension
Contract: Fixed term (3 years, with potential to extend)
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours) – part-time considered
Location: Home-based (UK wide, with some national and international travel)
ABOUT THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE COUNCIL
The Restorative Justice Council is the national leadership organisation for restorative justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We set standards, accredit practitioners and services, and safeguard the ethical use of restorative practice, particularly where the risks are high and the stakes are national. We act as an independent voice, shaping policy, influencing public debate and supporting the responsible use of restorative approaches across the justice system and beyond.
Our work is increasingly visible, influential and subject to public scrutiny and our communications must meet that moment.
About the role — and the opportunity ahead
As Public Relations and Media Officer, you will take a leading role in shaping how the RJC speaks to the world.
You will:
- Lead media engagement across national, international and specialist outlets
- Manage high-profile communications linked to the Horizon Project, one of the most significant justice responses of its kind in the UK
- Develop compelling narratives that translate complex, sensitive work into accessible public‑facing messages
- Grow and professionalise our social media presence, using creativity, insight and analytics
- Advise senior leaders on media strategy, risk and reputation
This is a role with clear scope to grow as the organisation develops, offering increasing influence, responsibility and visibility as our national profile continues to expand.
THE HORIZON PROJECT — WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
A significant part of this role will focus on communications linked to the Horizon restorative justice programme, responding to the Post Office Horizon and Capture IT scandal.
This is a nationally mandated programme, operating under intense public, political and media scrutiny. Your work will help ensure that learning, impact and accountability are communicated responsibly, centring the experiences of those harmed while maintaining ethical boundaries and institutional integrity.
You will be trusted to handle complex, sensitive stories with judgement, care and confidence.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the RJC’s second Horizon Project report:
Rebuilding Trust: Designing a Restorative Justice Programme with Those Harmed
What you’ll be doing
Media and PR
- Leading proactive and reactive media engagement on complex national issues
- Drafting press releases, statements, briefings and lines to take
- Acting as first point of contact for media enquiries
- Building and sustaining strong relationships with journalists
- Supporting reputational risk management and crisis communications
Social and digital
- Managing and developing the RJC’s social media channels
- Creating engaging, accessible content for national audiences
- Designing and delivering campaigns linked to organisational priorities
- Using insight and analytics to refine reach and impact
Profile and influence
- Strengthening the RJC’s position as the authoritative national voice
- Supporting campaigns, launches and public events
- Advising senior leadership on communications strategy
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for someone with strong media and PR expertise, creative instinct, and confidence operating in high-profile environments.
You do not need a background in restorative justice.
We welcome applicants from media, PR, communications, campaigning or public affairs, particularly those experienced in translating complex or sensitive issues for public audiences.
You will bring:
- Proven experience in media relations, PR or communications
- Confidence handling media enquiries and high‑stakes narratives
- Excellent writing skills and editorial judgement
- Strong social media and digital content experience
- Professionalism, discretion and sound judgement
An interest in justice, accountability or social impact is important, but sector knowledge can be learnt.
WHY THIS ROLE IS DISTINCTIVE
- You will work on issues of national importance with real public impact
- You will help shape how restorative justice is understood in the UK
- You will have direct access to senior leadership and influence strategy
- You will join a growing organisation with ambition and credibility
- You will have space to be creative, strategic and visible
This is a role for someone who wants their communications work to matter.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted via the RJC application form.
CVs and covering letters will not be accepted.
Please ensure your application addresses each essential (and where relevant, desirable) criterion with clear examples.
Recruitment process
- Longlisting based on application forms
- Online interviews for shortlisted candidates
- In‑person interviews for final candidates
This staged process reflects the profile and responsibility of the role.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Applications close: 12 noon on Wednesday 15 April
Online interviews for longlisted candidates: Thursday 23 April and Friday 24 April
Please ensure you are available on these dates before submitting your application.
READY TO APPLY?
Please note:
- The application is completed via an online form
- The form cannot be saved once started
- We recommend allowing approximately 45 minutes to complete your application in one sitting
This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to work that will leave a lasting national legacy.
Recruitment Enquires should be made to enquiries@restorativejustice.org.uk
