About this role
Job summary
Thanks for taking the time to look at the job advert for the Senior Communications Manager post. We're a friendly bunch at West London, and the Communications Team works hard to deliver the Trust's strategic objectives.
I'm looking for someone who will manage the day-to-day activities of the Communications team, including the planning, co-ordination and management of communications.
It's worth noting that from the outset that as part of this role, you will be required to work at least 60% of the time from one of our Trust sites, in line with our agile working policy.
Main duties of the job
You will lead on the development of our communications channels and content, helping the Trust to be as clear and engaging as possible among our internal and external audiences. As a senior member of the team, you will provide expert communications advice and support at a strategic level for services, programmes and campaigns. The post holder will develop and maintain effective working relationships across a wide range of Trust and external stakeholders.
You and I will work closely to ensure that all communications activity is aligned to the Trust's strategic objectives and priorities. Key to this will be the ability to line manage and support the professional development of team members to maintain the delivery of a high-quality communications service for the Trust.
About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ 4,500 staff, of whom 56% are BME. Our turnover for 2023-24 is £426m.The Trust is rated as 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Educated to degree level or equivalent experience & knowledge Recognised qualification in communications, journalism, public relations or marketing, or equivalent experience and knowledge Evidence of continued professional development
Experience Essential
Management experience within a communications function. Experience of a broad range of communications and engagement disciplines including internal communications, digital communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement and events A successful track record of developing, implementing and evaluating a range of internal and external communications plans, campaigns and/or strategies Experience of managing sensitive, contentious and high profile media enquiries Experience of managing or supporting the communications and media management of risks, issues and incidents. Experience of line management, including conducting appraisals and managing performance Experience of delivering in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. Significant experience of providing expert communications and engagement advice at senior levels. Experience of planning & delivering projects & programmes to budget & on time.
Desirable
Experience of working in the NHS or public sector.
Knowledge Essential
Political acumen. Ability to demonstrate a thorough understanding of NHS structures, policy & current issues Excellent understanding of measuring and evaluating communications performance Excellent working knowledge of web content management programmes Understanding of Freedom of Information principles.
Desirable
Understanding of co-production principles & effective patient and public involvement practices Knowledge of quantitative & qualitative research methodology. Understanding of Data Protection & Caldicott principles
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 West London NHS Trust
Address Trust HQ
1 Armstrong way
London
UB2 4SD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)