Public Affairs and Communications Officer

East of England Ambulance Service

This job is now closed

Job summary

A great opportunity to join a fast-paced Communications Team working across the NHS and blue light services.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced public affairs and communications professional to join the busy team at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).

The ambulance service - along with the rest of the urgent and emergency care sector - is rarely out of the headlines.

This role offers the opportunity to drive the management of the Trust's senior stakeholder contacts to help manage the Trust's reputation and increase public understanding of EEAST's improvement journey .

The individual will also be part of the wider media and comms team and will develop and deliver effective communications to tell the Trust's transformation story.

The post holder will be enthusiastic and motivated person to lead on planning and delivering regular contact with senior stakeholders such as MPs.

Reporting to the Public Affairs Manager, the Public Affairs and Communications officer also works with the Office of the Chief Executive to help manage the Trust's relationship with MPs, councils and councillors and other stakeholders.

Main duties of the job

The Trust's communications work combines public affairs, proactive and reactive media relations, communications campaigns, internal communications, staff engagement, digital communications and strategic communications advice.

This role contributes to the development and implementation of proactive internal and external communication, engagement and digital processes for EEAST.

Tasks include;

Driving planned stakeholder and media activity aligned to the team's strategy, including multi-channel use of effective content
Managing and preparing for EEAST's briefings for and appearances at Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) meetings
Managing senior stakeholder correspondence and briefing requests
Management of a comprehensive stakeholder database.
Working with colleagues in NHS England and Improvement and other healthcare organisations to co-ordinate the timely and effective sourcing of information where necessary.

About us

Us:

We provide around-the-clock quality care for people calling 999 in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire
Our staff support patients and the public in the most trying of circumstances to provide positive outcomes
We're transforming services, including new ambulances, digital access, and wellbeing services.

Date posted

15 August 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Home or remote working

Reference number

247-SS-PubAfCO-0623-A

Job locations

Melbourn

Whiting way

Melbourn

SG8 6EN

Job description

Job responsibilities

To communicate clear and accurate messages through the organisations briefing material, in line with the organisations strategy
To deliver quick and thorough responses to requests for briefings to support the answering of MPs' questions, including responding to Parliamentary debates
To deliver or oversee delivery of reports to Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees (HOSCs) as required, ensuring they reflect Trusts core messaging
Manage relationships with communications colleagues across the East of England
Work collaboratively with NHS England and NHS Improvement.
Work as part of a media team managing reactive and proactive media relations
Participate in a 24/7 media service including on call

Job description

Job responsibilities

To communicate clear and accurate messages through the organisations briefing material, in line with the organisations strategy
To deliver quick and thorough responses to requests for briefings to support the answering of MPs' questions, including responding to Parliamentary debates
To deliver or oversee delivery of reports to Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees (HOSCs) as required, ensuring they reflect Trusts core messaging
Manage relationships with communications colleagues across the East of England
Work collaboratively with NHS England and NHS Improvement.
Work as part of a media team managing reactive and proactive media relations
Participate in a 24/7 media service including on call

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Education to degree level in media or equivalent experience.

Desirable

Excellent IT skills

Experience

Essential

Significant experience of working in communications role

Desirable

Experience of working in public affairs or political role

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Education to degree level in media or equivalent experience.

Desirable

Excellent IT skills

Experience

Essential

Significant experience of working in communications role

Desirable

Experience of working in public affairs or political role

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.