Head of Communications and Engagement (Band 8b)

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications and Engagement to join us in developing our plans for a new hospital for Airedale. On 25 May 2023, the Government announced that Airedale General Hospital will be rebuilt by 2030, in recognition of the current structural issues facing the existing hospital.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to be involved in a major hospital development and we are seeking an enthusiastic Head of Communications and Engagement to join our team and help to take our scheme forward.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is responsible for leading an effective communications and engagement service to and on behalf of the Securing the Future Programme to our staff, patients, public and stakeholders with regards to the New Hospital Project.

Leading a team, the role will involve providing expert communications and engagement advice to the Programme Director and senior stakeholders within the Trust. The role will be responsible for the preparation and delivery of the Communications Strategy and Plans, planning and organising high-profile visits and events, and perform an active delivery role.

The focus of the role is to ensure that patients, visitors, staff and stakeholders understand the services offered by the Trust, understand the Trust's vision for its new hospital, are able where appropriate to influence the development of both these services and of facilities at the new hospital, and are well informed and engaged about the StF programme.

A key part of this role is to ensure that messages are consistent and consistently delivered to ensure inclusion and involvement on all aspects of the StF programme. The post holder will work closely with the Trust Head of Communications to ensure that communications and engagement activity works in tandem with the day to day running of the Trust and associated communications activity.

About us

We are always looking for enterprising and innovative approaches to the way we provide our services. We are a national centre for telemedicine and introduced telehealth to the UK offender healthcare sector and also provide the service to patients in their care homes. Community matters to us and we are supported by 400 dedicated volunteers and have strong links with Bradford University, Craven College and Leeds City College to ensure we inspire the workforce of the future.

We want to attract staff who embrace our Right Care behaviours of compassion, a commitment to quality of care and working together for patients we want to make these part of our DNA.

Date posted

19 July 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£58,972 to £68,525 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

423-6427485

Job locations

Airedale General Hospital

Skipton Road

Steeton

BD20 6TD

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information and full details of the job role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information and full details of the job role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Masters Degree in Communications, PR, Marketing, Journalism or equivalent experience
Evidence of continuing professional and/or personal self-development

Desirable

Professional Certifications, e.g. CIPR, IABC, CIM, IDM

Experience

Essential

Experience in NHS or other politically high-profile organisations
Proficiency in using digital communication tools, including social media
Senior level experience in leading communications efforts in complex projects
Expertise in stakeholder engagement
Good knowledge of engagement strategies, methodologies, and best practices, with a track record of effectively implementing them
Expertise in crisis communications
Expertise in research, evidence and data collection
Expertise in risk and issue management
Proficiency in knowledge management
Proficiency in governance

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Masters Degree in Communications, PR, Marketing, Journalism or equivalent experience
Evidence of continuing professional and/or personal self-development

Desirable

Professional Certifications, e.g. CIPR, IABC, CIM, IDM

Experience

Essential

Experience in NHS or other politically high-profile organisations
Proficiency in using digital communication tools, including social media
Senior level experience in leading communications efforts in complex projects
Expertise in stakeholder engagement
Good knowledge of engagement strategies, methodologies, and best practices, with a track record of effectively implementing them
Expertise in crisis communications
Expertise in research, evidence and data collection
Expertise in risk and issue management
Proficiency in knowledge management
Proficiency in governance

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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