Designer

We are looking for a talented Designer to help shape our visual identity and communicate our campaigns effectively, with a strong commitment to equality, justice, and worker empowerment.

As a Designer at PCS, you will play a key role in developing high-quality compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires our members and the wider public. You'll work across print and digital platforms, creating impactful designs that support our campaigns, events, and communications.

Salary and Location

• Band 3, London Spine points 33-29
• Starting salary: £43,715 p.a. rising to £48,846 p.a. in annual increments
• PCS Clapham

Successful candidates for the post of Designer will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a mix of digital, print design and marketing materials, created within brand guidelines
• Experience of working collaboratively on multiple projects simultaneously from concept to completion, meeting deadlines and budget requirements
• Proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator and a working knowledge of Premiere Pro and Microsoft 365 applications. An understanding of HTML/CSS fundamentals would be an advantage
• Knowledge of design trends and developments

The main duties of the Designer role include:

• Creating compelling graphics for campaigns, reports, newsletters, social media, websites, videos and event materials
• Helping to maintain a strong, consistent visual identity across all union communications
• Creating infographics and data visualisations to simplify complex information
• Contributing to PCS's social media work

Closing date: at 12 midday on Wednesday 14 May 2025

Interviews will be held by Zoom: Wednesday 28 May 2025

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: DESIGNER

Ref: 0225

Grade: Band 3, London

Salary

Spine points 33 29

Starting salary £43,715 p.a. rising to £48,846 p.a.

Location: PCS Clapham

Purpose of the job:

To assist in maximising the potential for union growth, development and success through managing and supporting the work of the department/unit, in line with PCS policy and our ethos as an organising union.

To create design solutions to PCS staff, members and reps, that align with the unions brand guidelines, standards and objectives.

Responsible to: Band 4, line manager

Responsible for: N/A

Contacts

External:

Freelancers, photographers, printers and suppliers, PCS reps and members.

Internal:

PCS staff and officials, Bargaining, Organising, Campaigning, Support Services, Balloting, Print & Distribution, Digital and other internal departments.

Main duties and responsibilities

1.Design

• Conceive, develop and create compelling graphics for campaigns, reports, newsletters, social media, websites, videos and event materials
• Help maintain a strong, consistent visual identity across all union communications
• Work collaboratively with others to design and deliver inclusive and accessible content that meet the needs of all users
• Create infographics and data visualisations to simplify complex information
• Execute multiple design projects from concept to completion, meeting deadlines and budget requirements
• Prepare artwork, reports and other documents for print production and digital use
• Stay up-to-date with design trends and industry best practices
• Ensure all photography and illustration reflects PCSs Equal Opportunities Policy
• Work with colleagues across PCS to ensure timely planning of communications work ahead of key events, ballots, etc
• Work with the Technology Services and Communications Team to help deliver effective digital communications
• Contribute to project-based work
• Contribute to PCS's social media work

2.Training and support

• Advise staff members and lay reps in the effective use of design in communications
• Develop good working relationships with staff and reps to ensure that the unions communications are effective
• Advise PCS staff and other contributors about effective design strategies relevant to their specific needs

3.People Management (where appropriate)

• Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks
• Proactively promote diversity issues in line with the wider PCS approach
• Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies
• Deputise for line manager when required

4.Team Working

• Proactively promote team working
• Actively participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide support to team members

5.General

• At all times implement and promote the PCSs Equal Opportunities Policy adhering to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of Health & Safety at Work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
• Such other duties that may reasonably be required and which are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion and with advance notice

Person Specification: DESIGNER

Ref: 0225

Date: April 2025

Location: Clapham

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3-years experience, preferably in a campaigning, non-profit, or trade union environment
• Experience of translating basic design briefs into innovative and compelling designs and translating complex ideas into impactful and eye-catching graphics
• Experience with digital design, including social media assets, web design, video editing and email marketing
• Project management involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to undertake job-related training
• Commitment to participation in the appraisal and development review process
• Commitment to staff development

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge and understanding of trade unions, campaigning and work of the public sector
• Knowledge of design and print processes and trends
• Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and a working knowledge of Premiere Pro and Microsoft 365 applications

SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
• Ability to work with others to understand and explain detailed project requirements and create design solutions
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Creative illustration of on-brand ideas for a diverse audience

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of equal opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions