Job Pack
Communications Assistant
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the above vacancy.
Play Wales is the national organisation for children’s play in Wales, an independent charity
funded by the Welsh Government. Our aim is to act as a champion for children’s play, to
increase awareness and understanding of the critical importance of play to children’s
development. Our role is that of a critical friend, to influence the policy, strategic planning
and practice of national and local government. We work with all agencies and organisations
that have an interest in, and a responsibility for children's play, as well as those whose
decisions have an impact on children’s play.
This Job Pack includes:
 Application Form
 Job Description
 Person Specification.
 Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.
It is important that you read the requirements of the Person Specification and that the
information you provide in your application describes how you meet those requirements –
the shortlisting process will use the Person Specification criteria to determine who will be
asked for interview.
Wherever possible use examples to evidence the experience and skills you have and make
sure you tell us how your personal attributes will make you someone we’ll want on our
team.
The completed application form and equal opportunities form must be returned to:
[email protected]
Closing date: 30 June 2017
Interviews will be held: 11 July 2017
We look forward to receiving your completed application.
To discuss this post further please contact Angharad Wyn Jones, Communications
Manager: [email protected]
Registered charity no. 1068926
A company limited by guarantee, no. 3507258
Registered in Wales
About Play Wales
Play Wales is the independent national charity for children's play in Wales.
We work to raise awareness of children and young people's need and right to play and to
promote good practice at every level of decision making and in every place where children
might play. We provide advice and guidance to support all those who have an interest in, or
responsibility for providing for children's play so that one day Wales will be a place where we
recognise and provide well for every child's play needs.
Play Wales’ Vision
A future where children’s play is provided for and respected for its critical importance to
childhood
Mission
A play friendly Wales - advocating and championing children’s right to play.
Aims
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Policy: to work with individuals, organisations and networks to inform the development
of policy and matters related to children’s play in Wales
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Communication Service: to promote the value of children’s play in Wales through
the provision of timely and current information to our stakeholders
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Advice and Support: to provide specialist knowledge regarding all issues about and
affecting children’s play
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Workforce Development: to contribute to the professional development of the play
and playwork workforce in Wales
For further information please go to our website: www.playwales.org.uk
Registered charity no. 1068926
A company limited by guarantee, no. 3507258
Registered in Wales
Job Description
Job Title:
Communications Assistant
Main area of responsibility:
To assist in the gathering, processing and
dissemination of information useful to Play Wales in
promoting the development of quality play opportunities
for and on behalf of children in Wales. To ensure that
information provided by Play Wales is current, accurate
and authoritative, and that it complies with Play Wales’
policies.
Main tasks
To assist other staff in:
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the maintenance and updating of the Play Wales website and social media channels
writing and distributing press releases and articles
the research, writing and distribution of Play Wales’ publications and other materials
the provision, maintenance and supervision of Play Wales displays
gathering, collating and reporting of information gathered through consultations, and
surveys
marketing Play Wales publications, services and events
liaison with printers and translators
responding to telephone and e-mail enquiries
maintaining the library, respond to enquiries and assist visitors when required
the planning and organisation of Play Wales’ conferences, seminars and other
events
administrative duties as and when required
maintaining Play Wales’ database in an accurate and timely fashion
Person Specification
Essential
 High standard of written English and Welsh
 High level of familiarity with electronic media and awareness of new media
 A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject is essential
 An effective team player
 Ability to research, gather and process information
 Good verbal communicator
 Ability to work efficiently under pressure and to tight deadlines
 Flexibility and ability to multi-task
 Ability to organise methodically and to handle routine mundane tasks
 Keen attention to detail
Registered charity no. 1068926
A company limited by guarantee, no. 3507258
Registered in Wales
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Ability to work without supervision
Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office
Desirable
 Design skills or aptitude for design
 Experience of Adobe InDesign
 Proof reading
 Experience of Apple computers
 An interest in children’s play and children’s issues in general
Terms and Conditions
Location
Pay
Based in Cardiff Bay
£16,295 p.a.
Scale to be determined after probation period
Hours
Holidays
37 hours per week – but occasionally required to work out of office hours
Annual entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays plus 4 extra statutory days;
calculated yearly from the date of starting the employment; 30 days after 5
years’ continuous service (in 6th year), 35 days after 10 years continuous
service (in 11th year).
Probation and
Supervision
Notice Period
Six-month probation with regular supervision
Health Plan
Essentials Plus plan through Healthshield
Pension
Option to join Local Government Pension Scheme however if the employee
has a personal pension scheme in place to which they personally
contribute, Play Wales will also annually make a contribution equivalent to
10% of their annual salary.
Learning and
Development
Office
Continuing Professional Development in place for all Play Wales staff
Play Wales will give at least four weeks’ notice in writing to all members of
staff and at least eight weeks’ notice in writing to those who have served for
over two years and less than nine years. Thereafter, Play Wales will give
nine weeks’ notice after nine years’ service; ten weeks’ notice after ten
years’ service; eleven weeks’ notice after eleven years’ service; and twelve
weeks’ notice after twelve or more years’ service.
Offices on 4th floor of Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay,
Cardiff.
Registered charity no. 1068926
A company limited by guarantee, no. 3507258
Registered in Wales