Logo of Huzzle

Home

Matches

Explore

Manage

Head of Communications

image

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior & Expert Level
  • Stoke-on-Trent

AI generated summary

  • You need a strategic thinker with health sector insight, strong leadership skills, media relations expertise, and a focus on high-quality communication and team development.
  • You will lead the communications team, advise senior leaders, manage media relations, develop strategies, ensure high-quality materials, and handle crisis communications and staff engagement.

Requirements

  • The Head of Communications should have a helicopter view of the political landscape and the health and care system and utilise this knowledge to advise and influence senior leaders across the hospital as well as the local health economy.
  • Ensure the delivery of the trust’s communications and engagement strategy and to manage and develop our talented communications team; prioritising and assigning projects/tasks, ensuring delivery of objectives, and nurturing a great team dynamic.
  • Establish and communicate the key messages and objectives of the Trust in order to promote a positive image and, when necessary, limit adverse publicity using a range of media including website, stakeholder newsletters, social media and special events.
  • Develop procedures, standards and policies around media management, events, VIP visits, corporate identity, patient communications and other areas of communications and ensure they are implemented consistently and appropriately.
  • Ensure that publicity/marketing materials and patient information are of a high standard and accessible to and appropriate for relevant audiences and reflect the diversity of the communities served by the Trust.
  • Lead on communications for responding to a crisis or handling major/ serious incidents.
  • Provide strategic advice and expertise to help build an engaged, informed and motivated workforce, developing opportunities for staff to give feedback and contribute to decision making.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with the media, maximise positive coverage and ensure balance in all media coverage, in order to promote public confidence in the Trust.
  • Manage and oversee consultation responses, statements, Freedom of Information requests from the media, and ministerial briefings.
  • Lead an effective, professional communication team, ensuring all Trust HR policies are adhered to.

Responsibilities

  • The Head of Communications is responsible for leading the busy, fast-paced communications and engagement team at University Hospitals of North Midlands.
  • Providing strategic professional advice and expertise on all aspects of communication, staff and stakeholder engagement for the Trust, the role requires the candidate to demonstrate leadership to both the department and within the wider organisation and health system.
  • The Head of Communications should have a helicopter view of the political landscape and the health and care system and utilise this knowledge to advise and influence senior leaders across the hospital as well as the local health economy.
  • The role requires the post holder to ensure the delivery of the trust’s communications and engagement strategy and to manage and develop our talented communications team; prioritising and assigning projects/tasks, ensuring delivery of objectives, and nurturing a great team dynamic. They’ll also have plenty of opportunities to develop their own skills and be proactive in shaping their career.
  • Establish and communicate the key messages and objectives of the Trust in order to promote a positive image and, when necessary, limit adverse publicity using a range of media including website, stakeholder newsletters, social media and special events.
  • Develop procedures, standards and policies around media management, events, VIP visits, corporate identity, patient communications and other areas of communications and ensure they are implemented consistently and appropriately.
  • Ensure that publicity/marketing materials and patient information are of a high standard and accessible to and appropriate for relevant audiences and reflect the diversity of the communities served by the Trust.
  • Lead on communications for responding to a crisis or handling major/ serious incidents.
  • Provide strategic advice and expertise to help build an engaged, informed and motivated workforce, developing opportunities for staff to give feedback and contribute to decision making.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with the media, maximise positive coverage and ensure balance in all media coverage, in order to promote public confidence in the Trust.
  • Manage and oversee consultation responses, statements, Freedom of Information requests from the media, and ministerial briefings.
  • Lead an effective, professional communication team, ensuring all Trust HR policies are adhered to.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Head of Communications?

The primary responsibility of the Head of Communications is to lead the communications and engagement team, providing strategic professional advice and expertise on all aspects of communication and stakeholder engagement for the Trust.

What qualifications or experience are required for the Head of Communications position?

While the job description does not specify exact qualifications, ideal candidates should have extensive experience in communications, public relations, and leadership roles, particularly within the health care sector.

How does the Head of Communications contribute to staff engagement?

The Head of Communications provides strategic advice and expertise to help build an engaged and informed workforce and develops opportunities for staff to give feedback and contribute to decision-making.

What type of media does the Head of Communications utilize to promote the Trust’s key messages?

The Head of Communications utilizes a range of media, including the website, stakeholder newsletters, social media, and special events, to establish and communicate key messages and objectives.

Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for the Head of Communications to develop their own skills and be proactive in shaping their career within the Trust.

How does the Head of Communications handle crisis situations?

The Head of Communications leads on communications for responding to crises and managing serious incidents to ensure clear and effective messaging.

What is the importance of media relations in this role?

Building and maintaining positive relationships with the media is crucial to maximizing positive coverage and ensuring balanced media representation, which promotes public confidence in the Trust.

Where is the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust located?

The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is based across two sites: Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford.

What is the Trust’s commitment towards diversity and inclusion?

The Trust is committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer, fostering a culture where all staff feel valued and respected, and providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent.

Who can I contact for further details about the job?

For further details or informal visits, you can contact Jessie Dickson, Deputy Director of Communications, at jessie.dickson@uhnm.nhs.uk or by phone at 01782 672472.

image

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Science & Healthcare
Industry
10,001+
Employees
2014
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust offers a range of acute and specialized medical services across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. Their ultimate mission is to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care, enhancing health outcomes through excellence in medical treatment and compassionate service. Their purpose is to provide comprehensive, effective healthcare while continuously improving services and patient experiences in their community.