About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced communications professional to join our team as Marketing and Communications Lead on a 12-month maternity cover contract. Working closely with the Head of Marketing and Communications, you will oversee the Trust's core communications activity, coordinating the delivery of routine and reactive communications and providing professional support and guidance to colleagues across the service.
This is a fixed term post to provide cover for absence for specific purpose that we anticipate will be required for 12 months. We reserve the right to end this contract sooner with appropriate notice.
Using your expertise, creativity and judgement, you will translate organisational priorities into impactful communications that strengthen the Trust's reputation, support staff engagement, promote access to services and ensure patients and our communities receive clear, timely and accessible information.
This is a varied and rewarding role offering opportunity to further develop your leadership and communications skills.
Full-time hours (37.5 per week)Hybrid working with 2-3 days office basedSome travel and occasional out-of-hours workingPlease note the Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to work for this role, to apply you must have current right to work in the UK status. Employment on a time limited visa doesnt guarantee sponsorship at point of expiry.
Main duties of the job
As a versatile communications professional, you will draw on expertise across media relations, stakeholder engagement, copywriting and design to turn organisational priorities into engaging communications that deliver measurable impact.
You will lead a varied portfolio of campaigns and projects, ensuring communications activity supports the Trust's strategic objectives, strengthens our reputation and connects effectively with staff, patients and communities.
You will play a key role in managing media enquiries and supporting the Trust's response to incidents and emerging issues, working with colleagues and stakeholders to develop timely, effective communications. Inclusion and accessibility will be at the heart of your approach.
You will champion communications that are accessible, audience-focused and responsive to the needs of diverse communities, while role-modelling inclusive behaviours and embedding these principles within the Trust's voice, brand and communications activity.
About us
At Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, we are working together to deliver outstanding care. We run community hospitals and community health services across Worcestershire and provide mental health and learning disability services across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Our people (all 4500+ of them) provide services for people of all ages, experiencing both physical and/or mental health conditions from over 100 sites.
We will support you to thrive; offer flexible working options for a great work-life balance, help you fulfil your ambitions, and empower you to make positive changes within your team or service. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities.
What we offer;
27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours Flexible and agile working opportunities Great maternity, paternity, and adoption support Wide range of supportive staff networks Health and wellbeing opportunitiesIf you would like to know more, please visit our website.
We encourage you to read the attached applicant guidance notes.
Sharing your data - As a data controller we may sometimes need to process your data to pursue our legitimate business interests, for example to request a survey from you (optional), to support the Trusts understanding of where you gained interest in working for the Trust.
Job description Job responsibilities
For full details of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the job description and person specification attached.
Person Specification
Skills & Abilities Essential
Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound professional judgement and deliver high-quality communications in a fast-paced environment. Ability to analyse highly complex and sensitive information. Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.
Knowledge Essential
Understanding of and use of new technologies, including social media and apps. Good understanding of the media landscape and is alert to issues in the media/society, and how they impact on audiences and campaign activities.
Desirable
Knowledge of the inclusive and accessible communication, including the Accessible Information Standard and Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Experience Essential
Significant experience of working with senior managers on a wide range of communications digital engagement, media handling, proactive PR, marketing, campaigning, communications strategy and evaluation Experience of working collaboratively with key stakeholders to come to an agreed outcome Experience of developing media strategies and protocols Experience of delivering behaviour change campaigns and using data and insight for evaluation Experience of the commissioning process and working with suppliers Budget, resource planning and supplier management experience Experience of employing national policies in local communications Experience of engaging colleagues in developing their understanding of the business strategy and the part they play in its delivery Experience of achieving an effective balance between decisiveness and analysis recognising when an issue requires a more considered response or immediate confident decision
Desirable
Experience of operating within a large, multi-site and complex organisation. Experience of handling reactive and proactive media relations, including responding to enquiries from regional and national news organisations and supporting the management of reputational issues. Experience of providing professional leadership, support and guidance to colleagues. Experience of leading marketing and communications projects, including campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, content development and evaluation
Additional Criteria Essential
I understand the Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to work for this role, and employment on a time limited visa doesnt guarantee sponsorship at point of expiry.
Qualifications Essential
Degree in relevant subject area or equivalent qualification Evidence of relevant academic study/ relevant professional courses. For example, strategic communications or leadership Evidence of continuing professional development I understand that I will be asked to provide original certificates to verify my qualifications at point of offer.
Employer details Employer name Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Address 2 Kings Court
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR5 1JR
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)