About this role
Job summary
The search is on for us to find our next Head of Communications to lead a successful and high-profile communications team at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Our vision is to be "national and international leader in healthcare, rooted in our communities" and that's where you step in, helping make this a reality.
Following the promotion of our last Head of Comms within the NHS, we are seeking a highly motivated, creative and inspirational leader to take on this pivotal role in taking forward our communications service. We are looking for someone naturally collaborative who can engage, strengthen and enable our communications team to deliver high quality communications.
You will already have a proven track record of providing compassionate leadership and delivering professional advice and expertise for large complex organisations.
We are a values-led organisation and are looking for someone who can build relationships at pace, internally and externally, whilst being a champion for the communications service and team. We are looking for a dynamic and effective leader with capacity as well as capability to take this role on.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The role leads the communications team, providing professional expertise at a senior leadership level with oversight of all activities:
Strategic planning, coordination and reporting on performance for delivery Collaborative team leadership, supporting professional development and improved service Corporate communications Managing reputation through media relations, stakeholder relations and supporting partnership working. Internal communications for 2 Hospitals and community services for 12,000 staff and >600 volunteers, working closely with all clinical and corporate services . Communicating to patients through awareness raising campaigns, public website , social media and using marketing to support the quality of their care experience. Ensuring operational activity is supported with timely communications such as response to incidents, seasonal pressures and emerging health issues (e.g. flu, pandemic), with well researched communications strategies and plans. Work closely with Clinical Groups, corporate services (e.g. ICT, HR, finance) and our engagement teams (patient experience, stakeholder relations and staff engagement) to bring about an integrated approach. Ensuring that the Trust's communications are coordinated, effective and professional for the wide range of audiences we serve including patients, carers, staff, national and local media, MPs, volunteers and partner organisations.
About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK and Major Trauma Centre.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post-holder leads the communications team and service at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, reporting into the Director of Marketing and Communications and within the Chief People Officer portfolio.
They will advise the Trust board and senior management team on communication strategies designed to support the organisations vision and delivery of its strategic plans and to enhance and maintain the organisations reputation. They will be responsible for ensuring that the Trusts communications are coordinated, effective and professional for the wide range of audiences we serve including patients, carers, staff, national and local media, MPs, volunteers and partner organisations.
The Head of Communications role will influence and shape internal and external communication planning at all levels through the development of policies and systems designed to optimise two-way communications between the organisation and its internal and external stakeholders.
The post-holder will be expected to direct research and undertake analysis and interpretation of its findings to identify communication needs and formulate plans to meet them. The Head of Communications plays a key part in developing and implementing the Trusts communications and marketing strategy, advising the Board and the Management Executive in the absence of the Director of Marketing and Communications and ensuring an integrated and planned approach across the organisation to internal and external communications. The role supports the Director of Marketing and Communications in developing the Communications department as a strategic function to support and promote the activities of the organisation. The communications service is a team of ~11 people, working a model of four days on site and one remotely. (See job description for full details).
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
oEducated to degree level or substantial equivalent experience oTraining as a journalist, marketing or a communication professional.
Experience Essential
oEvidence of success in the areas of delivering effective media and stakeholder relations, corporate branding, marketing and internal communications, which are recognised for their high standards. oSubstantial relevant professional experience particularly in media relations, issues management. oExperience at developing and building teams. oEvidence of collaborative leadership and matrix working of teams. oGood understanding of different types of media including social media oSignificant I.T. Experience, using windows packages to support daily activities such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and desk top publishing and design packages such as Illustrator and/or Indesign. oSubstantial experience of working a highly complex public sector environment in senior communications management role
Knowledge Essential
oStrong writer with ability to write for difference audiences oUnderstanding of healthcare communications and public sector environment oKnowledge of social media and understanding of effective channel management oThorough knowledge and understanding of current communications management issues and practice and their application at strategic and operational levels. oExperience of leading successfully in a highly complex public sector organisation in a senior communications management role. oUnderstanding of the law and accountability of NHS Trusts.
Skills Essential
oHighly developed oral and presentation skills, with the ability to develop, communicate and gain ownership for a clear vision and direction. oStrong writer with ability to write for different audiences. oGood influencing skills, ability to communicate with impact and be able to convince through personal credibility rather than managerial authority. oExcellent time management and organisational skills. oA highly effective communicator who is creative, positive and persuasive. oA strong lateral thinker with the confidence and resilience required to operate in a complex and high profile organisation. oA commitment to public sector values. oAn inspiring leader who leads by example and empowers others. oTeam player oPolitical awareness oAnalytical mind oOutgoing personality - able to face unknown settings with confidence oHave a flexible and dedicated approach to work. oWillingness to travel as appropriate. oHighly motivated and not easily discouraged. oUnderstanding of and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery. oPersonal and professional demeanour and credibility that generates trust and confidence in others. oThe highest degree of honesty, probity and integrity
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential
oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below) oApplicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Address University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
Clifford Bridge Road
Coventry
CV2 2DX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)