AMS PSR

On behalf of ONS, we are looking for a Senior Copy Editor (Inside IR35) for a 6 months contract on a hybrid basis (2 days per week from Edinburgh, Darlington or Newport)

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime and migration.

As a Senior Copy Editor your main responsibilities will be:

• Edit and proofread reports, publications and corporate content for clarity, accuracy and consistency.
• Develop, maintain and embed the organisation's writing style guide and corporate voice.
• Ensure all written content meets accessibility standards and best practice.
• Coach and mentor colleagues to improve writing quality across the organisation.
• Design and deliver writing training, workshops and supporting guidance materials.
• Review content to improve readability, impact and audience engagement.
• Work with subject matter experts to produce clear, accessible regulatory publications.
• Promote best practice in writing, editing and content development.
• Support media relations, blog writing, digital content and website publishing.
• Contribute to communications planning and wider engagement activities.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure communications align with organisational objectives and values.

Essential:

• Degree, or equivalent experience, in English, Journalism, Communications or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in copy editing, proofreading and content development.
• Excellent writing, editing and grammar skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience developing and maintaining a consistent corporate writing style or brand voice.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or developing colleagues' writing skills.
• Experience delivering writing training, workshops or learning resources.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to produce clear, accessible content aligned to organisational objectives.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practice for written content.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting wider communications activities, including digital content, media or website publishing.
• Experience working with scientific, technical or regulatory subject matter experts.
• Awareness of the UK Statistics Code of Practice.
• Experience working within the public sector or a regulatory environment.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, ONS guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant 

ONS guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".