About this role
Job summary
This is an exciting and varied content creator role within the communications team. The postholder will help tell the story of our trust, colleagues, services and patients across internal, external and digital channels.
Working with teams across acute, community, mental health, learning disability and primary care services, the communications officer will plan and deliver communications projects, create engaging written and visual content, and support campaigns that promote the work of our services.
The role includes writing, editing and proofreading content; creating digital materials; taking photographs and filming; designing documents and resources; and publishing content in line with our visual identity and NHS brand.
We are looking for a creative, organised and collaborative communicator with excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, strong design and digital skills, and a commitment to accessible and inclusive content.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will use creativity, excellent written communication skills and knowledge of communications practice to tell the story of the trust, its sites, colleagues and services.
They will work with internal colleagues, services and external partners to plan and deliver communications projects and content across internal, external and digital channels, creating and adapting content for a range of trust channels, including copy, photography, video and graphic design.
The postholder will take photographs and video of people, developments and events, provide communications advice and support to trust services, teams and colleagues and support the smooth running of the communications service by taking part in the on-call rota, supporting the management of inboxes and contributing to an effective content plan, aligning activities to team and trust priorities.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description Job responsibilities Please see attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details of duties and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Relevant degree level qualification or equivalent in communications/marketing/design or similarKnowledge of communications procedures and practice including developing digital communications, underpinned by theory and experience in communicationsEvidence of continuing professional development and keeping up to date with practice
Desirable
Please see the attached JD
Experience Essential
Experience of working with a range of internal and external colleagues to plan and implement communications projects across a range of channelsExperience of providing creative and innovative designs within the framework of brand guidelinesExperience of designing materials in different formats for different audiencesExperience of developing, implementing, and evaluating communications activity to drive continuous improvement.Experience of working effectively and collaboratively with communications colleagues in a busy environment with competing prioritiesExperience of project managing communications projects that encompass the full range of communication disciplines, coordinating input from a range of different colleaguesExperience of providing communications advice and support to a wide range of colleagues across the organisationExperience of analysing and interpreting complex facts or situations and proposing a way forward
Desirable
Please see the attached JD
Additional Criteria Essential
Knowledge of a broad range of communications disciplines, practice and techniques, approaches and proceduresKnowledge of methods to evaluate communications activity and drive continuous improvement.Good working knowledge of design and video editing software, such as: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and CapCutGood knowledge of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and information governance.Good understanding of accessibility, ensuring content is accessible for a range of diverse needsThe ability to develop creative communications content across a range of formatsThe ability to work collaboratively with members of the communications team and a range of colleagues across the trust to develop, implement and evaluate communications.Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work simultaneously on a number of projects.Excellent copywriting, editing and proofreading skillsAbility to develop engaging designs and resources from a creative briefAbility to set up, plan and capture engaging photos
Desirable
Knowledge of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) requirements for NHS
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)