Role Overview
The Head of Communications leads the fast‑paced communications and engagement team at University Hospitals of North Midlands. The role provides strategic professional advice, manages the communications strategy, and advises senior leaders across the Trust and local health economy. The Head of Communications reports to the Deputy Director of Communications.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and communicate the key messages and objectives of the Trust to promote a positive image and limit adverse publicity using 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.
- Define and deliver a compelling brand for the Trust that supports the mission, vision and values.
- Ensure that publicity/marketing materials and patient information are of a high standard, accessible, appropriate for relevant audiences and reflect the diversity of the communities served by the Trust.
- Lead communications for responding to crises or handling major/serious incidents.
- Develop and lead the internal communications strategy and support the Trust's leadership team to deliver its programme of organisational change.
- Provide strategic advice and expertise to 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 to promote public confidence.
- Manage and oversee consultation responses, statements, Freedom of Information requests from the media, and ministerial briefings.
- Oversee the provision of an effective press office function that gives accurate and timely responses to media enquiries and monitors media coverage.
- Oversee the production, content and distribution of core elements of the annual report and other publications.
- Exercise ability to analyse and interpret highly complex facts, situations or communications to provide sound advice to the senior leadership team.
- Manage ongoing service contracts and the procurement of news goods/services, demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
- Lead negotiations of major contracts against budget, such as production of staff magazine, hosting and support of the Trust's website and email distribution.
- Work closely with the Trust's Chief Executive, Chairman and other directors and senior managers, providing advice on a wide range of communications issues.
- Deputise the Deputy Director of Communications where necessary; attend and contribute to meetings of the Trust Board and Executive Board.
- Make decisions on the action to take on communications issues in the best interests of the Trust.
- Co‑operate and collaborate with other departments and directorates on communications initiatives and campaigns.
- Lead agreed training such as media awareness and performance.
- Liaise with key stakeholders such as ICB, local authorities and MPs.
- Collaborate with the Deputy Director of Communications on developing and implementing the Trust's Communications Strategy, including media policy.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from everyone regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender, age, faith or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.
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