THE Gwent police and crime commissioner is to recruit a public relations officer after having shared with Gwent police since his election last November.

However the new officer will still be responsible to the same corporate communications department that handles publicity for both the PCC and Gwent police.

An advertisement yesterday appeared in the press for a communications manager who would work full time for Ian Johnston.

Since November public relations for the PCC have been handled by the same team as Gwent Police, with members of staff taking it in turns to work for the PCC.

It has meant that the Argus has had to direct questions for the PCC, which have included questions about his relationship with the former chief constable Carmel Napier, through the same press office that deals with Gwent police.

After the Argus revealed Mr Johnston had forced Mrs Napier to retire the department put out statements from both Mr Johnston, defending his decision, and Mrs Napier, criticising it, within hours of each other.

However the new position will still be responsible to the overall Gwent police/PCC corporate communications department, all of whom are employed by the PCC’s office.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said that the new officer’s line manager will be the head of corporate communications.

The new role is advertised with a salary of between £32,226 and £35,076. The new staff member would be responsible for developing the PCC’s communications strategy.

It is understood the role is being paid for from a vacancy left by a staff member earlier this year.

The advertisement reads: “The landscape of policing has changed with the recent appointment of PCCs and offers new opportunities for communicating and engaging with the public.

“We are now seeking to appoint a high-calibre communications manager to develop a communications and public relations strategy for the PCC in Gwent.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented, enthusiastic and innovative individual to join a team committed to improving public confidence in policing services.”

The closing date for applications is September 13.