Job summary
We are looking for a Communications Manager to join our team of communications experts on a 1.5-year fixed term contract.
You will be responsible for the sourcing and creation of good news stories from across the Trust for our corporate communications campaigns, leading on our social and digital channels, supporting communications and community engagement across our Better Communities transformation programme, and working closely with our graphic designer and communications assistant to create innovative and eye catching materials to grab the attention of our audiences.
You will also guide our colleagues in their use of social media, photography and filming requests, and use of the Trust brand and templates.
Your work will reflect and directly contribute to our commitment to being an actively anti-racist organisation, reducing health inequalities, increasing the quality years of those in our communities, working sustainably and making the Trust a great place to work.
While Tolworth Hospital near Kingston is our contractual base, the team works 60% remotely, and 40% across our other sites - often Springfield University Hospital in Tooting. We will happily consider flexible working requests or part time hours. Our Trust is a great place to work - join us and make it even better!
Main duties of the job
The post holder will contribute to the development of the Trust's five year communications strategy and lead on the development of communications and engagement plans to support corporate projects and major trust-wide programmes using a range of communication channels in support of short and long term projects.
They will be responsible for the development and management of the Trust's brand identity, ensuring all material is produced within Trust guidelines, writing, editing and producing communications materials as required, commissioning and liaising with external suppliers where necessary. They will also be responsible for ensuring that all patient information complies with the Information Standard requirements.
Working with other departments and stakeholders, the post holder will ensure the delivery of communications and engagement activities that effectively support the Trust's key objectives
The post holder will also deputise, where appropriate, for the Head of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement.
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
About our locations:
Tolworth Hospital, Surbiton
To create the very best environment to care for our patients, this site's layout will be transformed in 2026 to add a number of wards to the existing three. Tolworth has a canteen and is near shops, the A3, Tolworth station, and is a bus ride from Surbiton station, with fast connections to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESULT AREAS:
- To deliver communications and engagement activity that builds Trust reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS as planned with the Head of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement This includes working with the Communications Assistant to generate good news stories and content about the Trust for all channels.
- To ensure that communications and engagement activity is in line with the Trusts overall communications and engagement strategy.
- To ensure that existing relationships with external stakeholders are maintained and proactively developed.
- To ensure that the website, Intranet and all communications content and materials build the Trusts reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS.
- To ensure all printed materials, the website, intranet, traditional and social media activity are reviewed and proofed, have undergone the appropricate approval process and are in line with the Trusts overall communications strategy.
- To play a key role in managing the Trust brand and visual identity, including supporting other staff in the correct application of corporate style guidelines and addressing inconsistencies, working with the Graphic Designer on trustwide design projects/campaigns, and advising teams on the creation and printing of patient/carer information
Communication and Relationships
- The post-holder will need to use their specialist expertise to influence and persuade senior colleagues on a wide range of complex communications issues.
- To establish and maintain effective co-operative working relationships with all stakeholder groups, internally and externally, at all levels.
- To ensure that communications are correctly tailored for the appropriate target audiences.
- To review and approve design, photography and filming requests received from outside our team, including liaising and working with teams to agree and finalise copy.
- To confidently liaise with colleagues in Digital Services and external technical and creative agencies to ensure a high standard of technical and creative support for Trust publications, the Trust website and intranet.
- To manage contracts with external suppliers.
Digital and social media
- To manage the development and sustainability of the Trust website ensuring it is regularly updated with the latest information including ensuring corporate information, news and features etc are checked and updated on a regular basis.
- To oversee the day-to-day running of the website function, ensuring that the content produced by departments meets web publishing standards and corporate guidelines.
- To ensure that the Trusts digital content is interesting and informative, and encourages use of these channels.
- To assist colleagues across the Trust with digital projects, giving expert guidance in terms of content, section or site development, and providing guidance to colleagues on social media-related enquiries
- To develop and edit content for the Trusts website and social media platforms, including overseeing our social media planner, and drafting, planning, and scheduling content, as well as reviewing content prepared by the Communications Assistant
- To create campaigns that will grow the Trusts social media following and community engagement.
- To drive growth of the Trusts digital audience by making our content engaging and shareable.
- To increase visits to the Trusts website through our social media channels.
- To encourage and execute content from our stakeholders.
Policy and Service Development
- To be responsible for the development of the website policy and its implementation across the Trust.
- To be responsible for the development and implementation of processes and protocols to ensure the Trusts patient information complies with NHS Englands Information Standard guidance.
- To be responsible for the management and implementation of the Trust Brand and Identity, ensuring that all communications produced are consistent with the Trusts corporate identity and brand and meet corporate identity guidelines.
- To contribute to the development of the Trust media policy and its implementation across the Trust
- To ensure the website conforms to the latest disability legislation and that the Trust meets its statutory obligations in terms of accessibility.
- To ensure any photography used adheres to copyright regulations and is carried out in line with Trust policy in terms of consent.
Information Resources
- Where required to produce and/or assist in the preparation of reports and, where necessary, attend relevant meetings to deliver those reports and advise on communications issues, including reviewing and editing the fortnightly media update drafted by the Communications Assistant.
- To provide regular analysis and reports to senior managers on the use of the website through the use of Google Analytics, suggesting improvements where necessary.
- To assist in preparing briefings for regulatory and advisory bodies in respect of updating them on complex issues.
- To analyse complex statistical data to inform the development of communications strategies, plans and reports.
- To undertake audits, surveys and utilise other feedback techniques to evaluate the communications function both internally and externally.
- To manage key corporate documents on the website and intranet through version control measures, ensuring these are accurate and up to date.
Finance
- To monitor and assess the required financial investment for communications activities in order to inform budget setting and to manage resources within the agreed budget identified.
- To commission and brief designers, developers, communications agencies and other external suppliers; ensuring that expenditure stays within agreed budget.
- To ensure administrative and financial integrity as expected within a public sector organisation following Trust and national guidance.
Research and Development
- To be responsible for keeping up-to-date with best practice and new techniques in public relations.
- To keep up to date with national policy, new health initiatives and partner organisations strategies and plans and how these impact locally on the Trust
Managerial Responsibilities
- To be responsible for the day-to-day line management of the Communications Assistant, including supporting them to manage the communications email inbox.
- To be responsible for the matrix management of colleagues where appropriate.
- To be responsible for the management of external suppliers and agencies as appropriate.
Training and Development
- To undertake mandatory and statutory training as required by Trust policy.
- To contribute and commit to undertaking an annual Development Review/appraisal.
- To undertake personal development as identified in the Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- To introduce new starters to the website and intranet at corporate inductions.
- To train colleagues at all levels across the Trust in PR skills as required.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESULT AREAS:
- To deliver communications and engagement activity that builds Trust reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS as planned with the Head of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement This includes working with the Communications Assistant to generate good news stories and content about the Trust for all channels.
- To ensure that communications and engagement activity is in line with the Trusts overall communications and engagement strategy.
- To ensure that existing relationships with external stakeholders are maintained and proactively developed.
- To ensure that the website, Intranet and all communications content and materials build the Trusts reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS.
- To ensure all printed materials, the website, intranet, traditional and social media activity are reviewed and proofed, have undergone the appropricate approval process and are in line with the Trusts overall communications strategy.
- To play a key role in managing the Trust brand and visual identity, including supporting other staff in the correct application of corporate style guidelines and addressing inconsistencies, working with the Graphic Designer on trustwide design projects/campaigns, and advising teams on the creation and printing of patient/carer information
Communication and Relationships
- The post-holder will need to use their specialist expertise to influence and persuade senior colleagues on a wide range of complex communications issues.
- To establish and maintain effective co-operative working relationships with all stakeholder groups, internally and externally, at all levels.
- To ensure that communications are correctly tailored for the appropriate target audiences.
- To review and approve design, photography and filming requests received from outside our team, including liaising and working with teams to agree and finalise copy.
- To confidently liaise with colleagues in Digital Services and external technical and creative agencies to ensure a high standard of technical and creative support for Trust publications, the Trust website and intranet.
- To manage contracts with external suppliers.
Digital and social media
- To manage the development and sustainability of the Trust website ensuring it is regularly updated with the latest information including ensuring corporate information, news and features etc are checked and updated on a regular basis.
- To oversee the day-to-day running of the website function, ensuring that the content produced by departments meets web publishing standards and corporate guidelines.
- To ensure that the Trusts digital content is interesting and informative, and encourages use of these channels.
- To assist colleagues across the Trust with digital projects, giving expert guidance in terms of content, section or site development, and providing guidance to colleagues on social media-related enquiries
- To develop and edit content for the Trusts website and social media platforms, including overseeing our social media planner, and drafting, planning, and scheduling content, as well as reviewing content prepared by the Communications Assistant
- To create campaigns that will grow the Trusts social media following and community engagement.
- To drive growth of the Trusts digital audience by making our content engaging and shareable.
- To increase visits to the Trusts website through our social media channels.
- To encourage and execute content from our stakeholders.
Policy and Service Development
- To be responsible for the development of the website policy and its implementation across the Trust.
- To be responsible for the development and implementation of processes and protocols to ensure the Trusts patient information complies with NHS Englands Information Standard guidance.
- To be responsible for the management and implementation of the Trust Brand and Identity, ensuring that all communications produced are consistent with the Trusts corporate identity and brand and meet corporate identity guidelines.
- To contribute to the development of the Trust media policy and its implementation across the Trust
- To ensure the website conforms to the latest disability legislation and that the Trust meets its statutory obligations in terms of accessibility.
- To ensure any photography used adheres to copyright regulations and is carried out in line with Trust policy in terms of consent.
Information Resources
- Where required to produce and/or assist in the preparation of reports and, where necessary, attend relevant meetings to deliver those reports and advise on communications issues, including reviewing and editing the fortnightly media update drafted by the Communications Assistant.
- To provide regular analysis and reports to senior managers on the use of the website through the use of Google Analytics, suggesting improvements where necessary.
- To assist in preparing briefings for regulatory and advisory bodies in respect of updating them on complex issues.
- To analyse complex statistical data to inform the development of communications strategies, plans and reports.
- To undertake audits, surveys and utilise other feedback techniques to evaluate the communications function both internally and externally.
- To manage key corporate documents on the website and intranet through version control measures, ensuring these are accurate and up to date.
Finance
- To monitor and assess the required financial investment for communications activities in order to inform budget setting and to manage resources within the agreed budget identified.
- To commission and brief designers, developers, communications agencies and other external suppliers; ensuring that expenditure stays within agreed budget.
- To ensure administrative and financial integrity as expected within a public sector organisation following Trust and national guidance.
Research and Development
- To be responsible for keeping up-to-date with best practice and new techniques in public relations.
- To keep up to date with national policy, new health initiatives and partner organisations strategies and plans and how these impact locally on the Trust
Managerial Responsibilities
- To be responsible for the day-to-day line management of the Communications Assistant, including supporting them to manage the communications email inbox.
- To be responsible for the matrix management of colleagues where appropriate.
- To be responsible for the management of external suppliers and agencies as appropriate.
Training and Development
- To undertake mandatory and statutory training as required by Trust policy.
- To contribute and commit to undertaking an annual Development Review/appraisal.
- To undertake personal development as identified in the Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- To introduce new starters to the website and intranet at corporate inductions.
- To train colleagues at all levels across the Trust in PR skills as required.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in a communications/ PR role preferably within a large and complex organisation
- Experience of writing excellent copy for a wide range of outlets and for a wide range of target audiences
- Experience of managing communications projects including the production of communications materials
- Experience of working with design and print agencies
- Experience of managing websites and/or intranets
- Experience of successfully producing strategies and implementing communications programmes
Desirable
- NHS experience
- Experience of managing/supervising staff
- Experience of organising staff events
Training and qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- CIPR advanced certificate
- Professional qualification in e-communications
- Professional qualification in marketing, journalism or public relations (CIM, CAM, IPR or similar)
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of current PR practice and theory
- Knowledge and understanding of e-communications including public websites and intranets
- Understanding of working in a mental health care environment
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload
Desirable
- Good understanding of the national government and the NHS, how it works, the issues it faces and how to communicate within it
- Knowledge of HTML coding
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in a communications/ PR role preferably within a large and complex organisation
- Experience of writing excellent copy for a wide range of outlets and for a wide range of target audiences
- Experience of managing communications projects including the production of communications materials
- Experience of working with design and print agencies
- Experience of managing websites and/or intranets
- Experience of successfully producing strategies and implementing communications programmes
Desirable
- NHS experience
- Experience of managing/supervising staff
- Experience of organising staff events
Training and qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- CIPR advanced certificate
- Professional qualification in e-communications
- Professional qualification in marketing, journalism or public relations (CIM, CAM, IPR or similar)
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of current PR practice and theory
- Knowledge and understanding of e-communications including public websites and intranets
- Understanding of working in a mental health care environment
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload
Desirable
- Good understanding of the national government and the NHS, how it works, the issues it faces and how to communicate within it
- Knowledge of HTML coding
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).
