Job summary
The main purpose of this post is to support the delivery of the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and EXPERTS-ALS communications and impact strategies and assist with related operational activity. To achieve this, the post holder will work with the BRC Operations Manager and wider BRC Themes and the communications teams across the partnership.
The post holder will work closely with other NIHR infrastructures within Sheffield, such as NIHR D4D HRC and the NIHR CRF, in line with the broader "One NIHR" approach to achieve effective coordination and communication across multiple arms of the NIHR infrastructure.
Contribute to the effective corporate leadership and management of the NIHR Sheffield BRC
Help create a culture for the NIHR BRC underpinned by an ethos of continuous improvement.
Promote the BRC through own actions and visibility in the NIHR BRC and with key internal and external partners.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the BRC, wider STHFT and UoS and NIHR network to facilitate the achievement of objectives and shared learning.
Main duties of the job
Work with BRC stakeholders to produce impactful communications demonstrating the high impact of BRC work and initiatives.
Working collaboratively and in partnership with other NIHR Infrastructure Research Communications Leads, as part of the "One NIHR" unifying approach.
Developing a communications and impact workstream within the Northern BRC Operations Network facilitating shared best practice, opportunities to improve the quality of practice in the North and strong communication channels between members across the BRCs.
Continually develop the BRC communications strategy considering local and national stakeholders.
Developing content for our website and other communications materials.Keeping up to date with national NIHR communications strategy, implementing our participation in NIHR communications campaigns.Co-ordinating press releases between UoS, STHFT and NIHR communications teams.
Working to implement communication plans to raise the profile and build credibility of the BRC programme amongst our key stakeholder groups.Implementing and developing consistent multi-channel marketing plans aimed at identified audiences, using all communication channels (print, media) and platforms (website, social media, online community).Ensuring that all communications activity adheres to funding and brand requirements.
Support the planning and delivery of key BRC events.
About us
This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 22 months due to the post being externally funded. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts taking into consideration the ongoing source of the external funding and the requirement for the post to be maintained.
Please also note any secondment must first be agreed with your current line manager.
The NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is a research partnership between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to improving the treatment and care of people living with debilitating conditions.
Research within the BRC focusses on chronic neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and patients with compromised immunity, chronic inflammatory diseases and emerging infections, as well as medical imaging and engineering.
The BRC drives research innovation into tangible benefits for patients and the wider society, whilst enhancing the position of the UK as the preferred partner for experimental medicine collaborations
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.
When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.
When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject area or equivalent experience in a clinical research environment
- Educated to postgraduate/master's level (or equivalent) or evidence of relevant experience Communications related training/ qualification
Desirable
- Project management related training/ qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of developing processes to support the implementation of communications strategies and policies
- Experience of working in a healthcare or clinical research setting
- Experience of coordinating multiple projects at any one time
- Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise an unpredictable workload with frequent disruption
- Understanding and evidenced experience of writing for a variety of media and audiences
- Development and maintenance of website and regular social media activity
- Experience in measuring the impact of communication activities as part of reporting requirements
Desirable
- Experience of working in a fast paced, adaptable environment
- Experience of organising public engagement events
- Experience of writing and editing published content, e.g. press release content, websites
- Experience of working effectively in political environments
- Experience of providing specialist communications advice to colleagues to increase target engagement of activity and campaigns
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of the research pathway and processes
- Basic knowledge and understanding of a variety of health conditions and medical terminology
- Understanding of relevant legislation, including the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, EU General Data Protection Regulation and Trust Information Governance policies
- Knowledge of the national and international research campaigns
- Knowledge of the NIHR programmes and infrastructures, for example NIHR BRCs, NIHR CRFs, EXPERTS-ALS
Desirable
- An understanding and experience of successful partnership working
- Knowledge of the NHS/NIHR policy in relation to Communications
- Understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Knowledge of research governance
- Knowledge of the national research agenda for Experimental Medicine CRFs and NIHR Biomedical Research Centres
- Knowledge of Department of Health & Social Care/NIHR research strategy
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure on multiple large-scale projects, meeting competing deadlines
- Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy on own initiative and without close supervision
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals from different backgrounds
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Self-motivated and flexible
- Exceptional and variable effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and excellent attention to detail
- Ability to understand and explain complex information, policies and guidance clearly
Desirable
- Ability to produce high quality performance reports for various stakeholders to facilitate target management
- Understanding of and ability to demonstrate the Trust PROUD values
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients and the public about sensitive topics
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject area or equivalent experience in a clinical research environment
- Educated to postgraduate/master's level (or equivalent) or evidence of relevant experience Communications related training/ qualification
Desirable
- Project management related training/ qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of developing processes to support the implementation of communications strategies and policies
- Experience of working in a healthcare or clinical research setting
- Experience of coordinating multiple projects at any one time
- Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise an unpredictable workload with frequent disruption
- Understanding and evidenced experience of writing for a variety of media and audiences
- Development and maintenance of website and regular social media activity
- Experience in measuring the impact of communication activities as part of reporting requirements
Desirable
- Experience of working in a fast paced, adaptable environment
- Experience of organising public engagement events
- Experience of writing and editing published content, e.g. press release content, websites
- Experience of working effectively in political environments
- Experience of providing specialist communications advice to colleagues to increase target engagement of activity and campaigns
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of the research pathway and processes
- Basic knowledge and understanding of a variety of health conditions and medical terminology
- Understanding of relevant legislation, including the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, EU General Data Protection Regulation and Trust Information Governance policies
- Knowledge of the national and international research campaigns
- Knowledge of the NIHR programmes and infrastructures, for example NIHR BRCs, NIHR CRFs, EXPERTS-ALS
Desirable
- An understanding and experience of successful partnership working
- Knowledge of the NHS/NIHR policy in relation to Communications
- Understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Knowledge of research governance
- Knowledge of the national research agenda for Experimental Medicine CRFs and NIHR Biomedical Research Centres
- Knowledge of Department of Health & Social Care/NIHR research strategy
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure on multiple large-scale projects, meeting competing deadlines
- Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy on own initiative and without close supervision
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals from different backgrounds
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Self-motivated and flexible
- Exceptional and variable effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and excellent attention to detail
- Ability to understand and explain complex information, policies and guidance clearly
Desirable
- Ability to produce high quality performance reports for various stakeholders to facilitate target management
- Understanding of and ability to demonstrate the Trust PROUD values
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients and the public about sensitive topics
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Hallamshire Hospital, NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre
Glossop Road
Sheffield
S10 2JF
Employer's website
https://www.sth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
