PR reshuffle for culture ministry

Two top Government PR jopbs are to be abolished after a decision to

reorganise Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Chris Smith’s information

department.

The jobs of director of information, held by Andrew Marre, and that of

chief press officer, held by Sue Clark, will cease to exist The

Department for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking to fill two new

senior posts - director of strategy and communications and head of

news.

The director of strategy and communications will report to the

departmental board and oversee a 30-strong team. The remit of the post,

advertised internally will be wider than Marre’s role, but will include

his media relations responsibilities.

Longer term presentational strategy, previously handled by the

department’s strategy unit, will also be handled by the director of

strategy and communications.

The head of news will act as deputy to the director of strategy and

communications.

Responsibilities will include handling media relations and managing the

departmental press office. The post replaces that held by Clark, and has

been advertised externally.

Marre said: ’The Secretary of State wants the operation of the

(communication) division to reflect the significance he attaches to

communications.’

Several large Government departments, including the Northern Ireland

Office and the Department for Education and Employment, have

restructured their information divisions in the last few months to

incorporate strategy, in a bid to improve efficiency.

It is unclear whether Marre or Clark will reapply for the new positions.