Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

Head of Internal Communications

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced communications professional to cover maternity leave in our small, but exceptional communications team at Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. Based mainly at Kingston Hospital, the successful candidate will also work across our community services in Richmond, leading on our internal communications agenda and staff engagement programmes.

The postholder will ensure that staff are informed and engaged in the work of the Trust and the wider NHS and have all the information and support they need to deliver our services. The Head of Internal Communications will oversee all of our internal news channels for staff and the management of our staff reward and recognition schemes, as well as working with the leadership teams to support them to connect with the work being done on the frontline.

If you have strong organisational skills, a passion for innovative and creative communications, and thrive in a busy, friendly, and collaborative working environment, we would love to hear from you. This is a leadership position, so please only apply if you have a proven track record of leadership excellence.

For further information, please view the job description.

Main duties of the job

Support the strategic objectives of the organisation

To develop a detailed understanding of the Trust's strategy and business priorities and, with the support of the Director of Communications and Engagement, deliver and regularly measure the effectiveness of the internal communications strategy

Corporate communications

  • Work with the Communications team to develop timely, engaging and relevant communications for all staff groups - including looking at new channels and opportunities to reach staff quickly across all Trust site

Leadership and management

Provide line management to one member of the Communications team providing leadership, mentoring, coaching and personal development planning for each team member, agreeing annual personal objectives set against departmental and Trust objectives, and evaluating performance

Provide day-to-day operational management and support to all members of the Communications team to ensure priorities are met and delivered to a consistent professional standard

Monitor and ensure that all relevant functions, projects and programmes are delivered within the budgets agreed with the Director of Communications

Develop good working relationships within the Trust's Clinical Directorates, and across local NHS and partner organisations, including representing the Trust at communications network events

About us

Developmentand staff wellbeing

Your growthand personal happinessmattersto us.After all, we can't expect the best from you if we don't invest in your development and nurture your wellbeing.From the moment you join us, we're committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance further, we provide you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation.

To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on-site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, regular wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities.

We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly 'shoutouts' and patient feedback, monthly and annual awards.

Wherever you work across our organisation, we look forward to welcoming you.

Details

Date posted

27 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£59,490 to £66,239 a year pa pr incl HCAS (outer)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

396-NN-7038646-A&C-Z

Job locations

Kingston Hospital

Galsworthy Road

Kingston upon Thames

KT2 7QB


Job description

Job responsibilities

**Please see the attached supporting job description and person specification document, which contains more information about the role and requirements. Please ensure your application refers to the job description and person specification**

Job description

Job responsibilities

**Please see the attached supporting job description and person specification document, which contains more information about the role and requirements. Please ensure your application refers to the job description and person specification**

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to Masters degree level or equivalent training/experience, preferably in Communications field

Desirable

  • Postgraduate qualification in public relations, media or communications

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

  • Significant experience at a senior level in a large and complex public sector organisation; including working with the media, public relations or communications

Desirable

  • N/A
Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to Masters degree level or equivalent training/experience, preferably in Communications field

Desirable

  • Postgraduate qualification in public relations, media or communications

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

  • Significant experience at a senior level in a large and complex public sector organisation; including working with the media, public relations or communications

Desirable

  • N/A

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kingston Hospital

Galsworthy Road

Kingston upon Thames

KT2 7QB


Employer's website

https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kingston Hospital

Galsworthy Road

Kingston upon Thames

KT2 7QB


Employer's website

https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Director of Communications and Engagement

Tara Ferguson Jones

tara.ferguson-jones@nhs.net

07971662410

Details

Date posted

27 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£59,490 to £66,239 a year pa pr incl HCAS (outer)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

396-NN-7038646-A&C-Z

Job locations

Kingston Hospital

Galsworthy Road

Kingston upon Thames

KT2 7QB


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)