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Media Literacy and Mental Health Consultant

Ofcom -

Full-time (Temporary)
Published on
24 November 2022
Deadline
1 December 2022

Team Overview

Ofcom exists to make communications work for everyone. We regulate the TV, radio and video-on-demand sectors, fixed and mobile telecoms, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate. We have recently taken on the regulation of video-sharing platforms, and we are preparing for a role in protecting people from online harms. Protecting consumers is at the heart of what we do.

Our culture is clear - we live by our values: Empowerment; Excellence; Collaboration; Agility and Respect. These define how we work to deliver our purpose, now and in the future. The behaviours which support these values set the path for a fully inclusive and innovative culture at Ofcom. We focus not only on what we do, but how we do it. We pride ourselves on being an organisation of people who genuinely care about helping others.

This successful consultant will be a core (if temporary member) of Ofcom’s Making Sense of Media (MSOM) team, a cross-disciplinary team delivering a programme of work to improve the ability of adults and children in the UK to engage effectively with online services and other media.

Purpose of the Role

Ofcom has a requirement to identify approaches for integrating media literacy into mental health support. We want to know about the innovative practices being trialled by clinicians, counsellors, charities etc. We are therefore looking for a consultant to speak to a range of organisations (some suggested by Ofcom and some by the consultant) to better understand the approach, why it is needed and how it has been developed. This is likely to include asking about the evidence base, key success criteria, points of failure and risk, learnings, opportunities and things to avoid and embrace. We are keen to understand these programmes from the impact of the leadership team, the service manager and service users where appropriate.

We therefore need someone with a flexible and empathic communication style who can talk and listen to leaders and vulnerable people with the same level of respect and consideration. That person must be able to analyse what they are hearing and produce a short report with actionable recommendations.

This role requires someone with a unique set of skills and experiences. You will have a solid research-based understanding of the links between life online (e.g. social media, search and gaming) and mental health. You will understand the mental health sector, including the infrastructure of clinical practitioners, public and third sector organisations. You will have an interest in any activities taking place that aim to include media literacy considerations within mental health support which might include clinical diagnosis and treatment, counselling and support for wellbeing.

We are looking for someone who is a creative thinker, and a tenacious networker, who can communicate well and is an effective team player.

Requirements of the role

  • Identify and build relationships with 8-10 organisations delivering interventions focused on mental health that include a focus on online behaviours and experiences
  • Interview 3 types of people from each organisation: leader, service manager and service user to gain rounded view of project. All interviews to be transcribed and made available.
  • Provide headline findings in short summary document
  • Provide full report with actionable recommendations to an agreed structure and timeline
  • Presentation to full team – at mutually agreed time

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

  • Understanding of mental health practices: Experience or knowledge of the mental health sector in the UK. 
  • Understanding of media literacy: Experience or knowledge of the media literacy sector in the UK. (Desirable)
  • Relationship building skills: Ability to build and maintain working relationships with a broad range of people, including internal stakeholders, consumer and citizen representatives, and vulnerable people. Must have high levels of cultural awareness
  • Communication skills: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with experience of delivering to variety of levels of seniority.
  • Consensus building experience: Ability and tenacity to set out a vision and secure buy-in from senior people and leading organisations to deliver innovative solutions
  • Analytical Skills: Creative and innovative thinker who can bring innovative ideas to challenges
  • Teamwork and leadership skills: Demonstrate planning and organisational skills, and the ability to collaborate with and incorporate insights from a range of colleagues.

Please note: This role will include remote working. The applicant must reside within the UK. 

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