Graphic Designer

We're looking for a Designer to work at Forestry England where we care for more land and trees than any other organisation in England. From small woodlands on the fringes of towns and cities, to vast areas like the ancient New Forest, for over 100 years we have been growing, shaping and caring for the nation’s forests.

The scale of what we do puts us in a unique position to tackle some of today’s big issues. We are at the forefront of the climate crisis, using the latest scientific research to plan and plant forests which will survive in a changing climate.

We are the largest provider of outdoor recreation in the country with over 363 million visits last year – providing vital spaces for people to boost their health and wellbeing. At Forestry England we supply England’s largest amount of sustainably-sourced timber, and we conserve thousands of plant and animal species, increasing biodiversity and the richness of our landscapes.

Our Engagement team is a mixed-disciplinary team of marketing, communications and engagement experts. We aim to raise awareness of the fantastic work we do, building people’s love of forests and support for Forestry England and providing a rich visitor experience.

Job description

Working within the Design team, as part of the marketing and Engagement team. The Design team provide a comprehensive design service for Forestry England, supporting internal and external activities across the organisation.

Key work areas:

The main purpose of the role is to deliver high quality creative solutions from concept through to delivery. Designing a wide range of media including print, digital, wayfinding, interpretation, large format and marketing materials.

Person specification

Essential:

• BTEC / Higher National Diploma / Degree in Graphic Design or similar

• Experience as a creative designer working in a busy studio environment

• Proven track record of successfully delivering high quality design solutions

• Experience working with clients to establish design requirements

• Competent Mac user with working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite

• Knowledge of design for print and production/artworking processes, and design for digital

Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out.

Desirable:

• Ability to coordinate multiple design projects with both client and suppliers

• Experience of design for signage systems and information design

• Experience of developing prototypes

• Experience in planning photoshoots

Qualifications

BTEC, Higher National Diploma, or degree (or equivalent) in Graphic Design or related subject or similar.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Delivering at Pace

Working Together

Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

Portfolio

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,873, Forestry Commission contributes £8,066 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Forestry England is a great place to work. We help all our employees to achieve their best – actively encouraging learning and development. We have a strong culture of diversity and inclusion, and we support everyone to achieve a healthy work-life balance, offering flexi-time and blended working where possible. Naturally, working visits to our woodlands and forests are integral to the role.

We offer 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 5 years) and 10.5 days public/ additional holidays (pro rata). On top of this we offer a wealth of other benefits such as the cycle to work scheme, discounted health plans and a range of retail discounts as well as free entry/ parking to all our sites.

And because we are part of the Civil Service, you will benefit from the option to pay into the Civil Service pension scheme. This is a defined benefit pension scheme, and we contribute at least 20% of your salary towards your pension every month. You can also take advantage of other benefits such as the Civil Service Sports Council and the Civil Service Motoring Association Club.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and 1250 word personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

You will also be asked to upload a portfolio pdf showing some of your work that best demonstrates your abilities. Please ensure this is anonymised and contains a maximum of 6 examples, with file size no larger than 5Mb. Links to external sites should not be included.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using your CV and portfolio. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Sifting will take place from 13-14th May.

Interviews will take place from 22-23rd May at Forestry England, Bristol Office (620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1EJ). The interview will be based on Experience, Behaviours, Strengths and Technical Skills.

Please note that these dates are subject to change.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Forestry from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals

nationals of the Republic of Ireland

nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)

nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020

Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

Name : Nick Bryant - Brand Development & Design Manager

Email : nick.bryant@forestryengland.uk

Recruitment team

Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FCE by email: englandhr.services@forestryengland.ukIf you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.