Job summary
Join our award-winning communications team and help us play a pivotal role in telling the story of the NHS in mid and south Essex.
If you are a proactive, media-savvy storyteller, with a bulging contacts book we want to hear from you.
NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board has an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated professional with strong media and public relations experience to contribute to our dynamic team. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing robust media strategies, producing and managing high-quality communication materials, leading crisis communications, and providing expert media advice to senior leaders. With at least 5 years of experience in media relations/communications, preferably in healthcare, you will have demonstrable success in media strategy development and execution. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a given as is the ability to manage sensitive issues under pressure.
For an informal discussion please contact Claire Hankey, Director of Communications and Partnerships at claire.hankey1@nhs.net.
Interview Date: 14 February 2024 (12.00 - 16.00)
Main duties of the job
Relevant Masters degree or extensive knowledge, skills and experience to equivalent level OR Extensive knowledge of specialist areas, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience.
Substantial experience of working at a senior level in the specialism. Experience of leading, managing and delivering significant change projects involving stakeholders.
Experience of managing incoming and outgoing information requirements, handling correspondence/queries which may be highly complex, sensitive or highly confidential. Experience of negotiation with senior stakeholders which may include difficult and controversial issues, presenting complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups.
Experience of working at strategic level, able to recognise direction and implications of policy and the Experience of working in the NHS/public body is preferable.
Experience of co- ordinating and leading crisis communications response in a major incident / following a high profile issue Marketing and campaigns experience.
Good communicator, with ability to liaise with colleagues at all levels.
Able to persuade and influence in areas of conflict.
Ability to work as part of a team or independently Evidence of successfully leading, developing and motivating staff.
Takes personal responsibility for actions and their impact.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of role.
About us
Mid and South Essex ICB is a statutory organisation responsible for the planning and delivery of local health and care services, across Mid and South Essex and is part of the wider integrated care system. Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are partnerships of health and care organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined up services and to improve the health of people who live and work in their area. The headquarters for the organisation is Phoenix Court, Basildon, but there is a hybrid model of working, which includes working across Mid and South Essex and home working.
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better patient outcomes. We welcome applications regardless of peoples age, disability, sex, gender, identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religion or belief. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustment for people who have a disability. We would also encourage applicants to raise any personal circumstances they would like us to be aware of so that we can consider possible adjustments.
Unfortunately, the organisation does not have a Sponsorship licence.
Job description
Job responsibilities
ROLE PURPOSE / SUMMARY
The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System will comprise the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which is the statutory body for the NHS, and the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), which is a committee of the ICB, and brings together key health, care, community and voluntary sector organisations across the area.
The ICS has a bold ambition to deliver improved outcomes for our 1.2m population through our four Alliances, and we are placing clinical and professional leadership and the voice of our residents at the heart of realizing this ambition.
Our communications supports the delivery of the priorities and objectives of the ICB through the delivery of excellent communications focused on our patients, staff and wider communities alongside supporting the development of excellent relationships with partners and stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally.
As Senior Communications Manager you will support the communications team to advise on and deliver communications and engagement both corporately and to support to key strategic programmes.
You will play a vital role in leading the development and delivery of integrated communications and engagement campaigns, creating content for both internal and external communications channels.
You will be responsible for (although not limited to) managing a specialist portfolio of work focused on developing and implementing communications strategies linked to media handling and primary care programmes including estates aligning strategies with wider organisational and national priorities and ambitions.
Ultimately, you will help to promote the work of the ICB, enhance and uphold its reputation and increase staff, patient and stakeholder understanding of and engagement with its ambitions
COMPETENCY BASED KEY DELIVERABLES
- Communication Strategy Development: Leading the development of comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organisation goals and priorities. This involves setting strategic objectives, identifying key messages, and determining the most effective channels to reach target audiences.
- Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, government officials, media representatives, patient groups, and community organisations.
- Media Relations and Public Affairs: Overseeing media relations efforts, including managing press releases, handling media inquiries, and conducting media training for spokespeople.
- Crisis Communications Planning and Management: Developing robust crisis communication plans to effectively respond to emergencies or sensitive issues. Leading the communication team in managing crisis situations and providing timely and accurate information to the public and media.
- Brand Management: Ensuring consistent and positive branding across all communication materials and activities, reinforcing the organisation's reputation and values.
- Research and Insight: Conducting research and data analysis to gain insights into public attitudes, healthcare trends, and the effectiveness of communication efforts. Using data to inform future communication strategies.
- Budget and Resource Management: Managing the communication team's budget effectively and allocating resources to maximize impact and deliver results.
- Collaboration and Cross-functional Support: Collaborating with other departments within the NHS to ensure communication efforts are integrated with broader organizational strategies.
- Performance Evaluation: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for communication activities and evaluating the success of campaigns and projects.
- Professional Development and Team Management: Providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the communication team, ensuring their professional development and fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
- Policy Communication: Assisting in communicating policies and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, and the public.
- Continual Improvement: Identifying opportunities for improving communication processes and approaches, staying up-to-date with best practices, and implementing innovative communication techniques.
Job description
Job responsibilities
ROLE PURPOSE / SUMMARY
The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System will comprise the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which is the statutory body for the NHS, and the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), which is a committee of the ICB, and brings together key health, care, community and voluntary sector organisations across the area.
The ICS has a bold ambition to deliver improved outcomes for our 1.2m population through our four Alliances, and we are placing clinical and professional leadership and the voice of our residents at the heart of realizing this ambition.
Our communications supports the delivery of the priorities and objectives of the ICB through the delivery of excellent communications focused on our patients, staff and wider communities alongside supporting the development of excellent relationships with partners and stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally.
As Senior Communications Manager you will support the communications team to advise on and deliver communications and engagement both corporately and to support to key strategic programmes.
You will play a vital role in leading the development and delivery of integrated communications and engagement campaigns, creating content for both internal and external communications channels.
You will be responsible for (although not limited to) managing a specialist portfolio of work focused on developing and implementing communications strategies linked to media handling and primary care programmes including estates aligning strategies with wider organisational and national priorities and ambitions.
Ultimately, you will help to promote the work of the ICB, enhance and uphold its reputation and increase staff, patient and stakeholder understanding of and engagement with its ambitions
COMPETENCY BASED KEY DELIVERABLES
- Communication Strategy Development: Leading the development of comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organisation goals and priorities. This involves setting strategic objectives, identifying key messages, and determining the most effective channels to reach target audiences.
- Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, government officials, media representatives, patient groups, and community organisations.
- Media Relations and Public Affairs: Overseeing media relations efforts, including managing press releases, handling media inquiries, and conducting media training for spokespeople.
- Crisis Communications Planning and Management: Developing robust crisis communication plans to effectively respond to emergencies or sensitive issues. Leading the communication team in managing crisis situations and providing timely and accurate information to the public and media.
- Brand Management: Ensuring consistent and positive branding across all communication materials and activities, reinforcing the organisation's reputation and values.
- Research and Insight: Conducting research and data analysis to gain insights into public attitudes, healthcare trends, and the effectiveness of communication efforts. Using data to inform future communication strategies.
- Budget and Resource Management: Managing the communication team's budget effectively and allocating resources to maximize impact and deliver results.
- Collaboration and Cross-functional Support: Collaborating with other departments within the NHS to ensure communication efforts are integrated with broader organizational strategies.
- Performance Evaluation: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for communication activities and evaluating the success of campaigns and projects.
- Professional Development and Team Management: Providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the communication team, ensuring their professional development and fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
- Policy Communication: Assisting in communicating policies and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, and the public.
- Continual Improvement: Identifying opportunities for improving communication processes and approaches, staying up-to-date with best practices, and implementing innovative communication techniques.
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to prioritise own work and teams workload considering conflicting priorities and tight deadlines
- Demonstrable ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive and contentious information where there are barriers to understanding
- High level of attention to detail Prioritisation and organisation skills
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience of working at a senior level in the specialism.
- Experience of managing incoming and outgoing information requirements, handling correspondence/queries which may be highly complex, sensitive or highly confidential.
- Experience of co- ordinating and leading communications response in a major incident / following a high profile issue
Partnership Working / Leadership Management
Essential
- Takes personal responsibility for actions and their impact
- Good communicator, with ability to liaise with colleagues at all levels
- Flexible and adaptable to meet deadlines and able to work as part of a team
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant Masters degree or extensive knowledge, skills and experience to equivalent level OR Extensive knowledge of specialist areas, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience
- Evidence of continuing personal development
Knowledge / understanding
Essential
- Advanced knowledge of relevant systems and procedures
- In depth understanding of policies and practices within required field of work
- An in-depth understanding of health care provision and awareness of current NHS policies and priorities
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to prioritise own work and teams workload considering conflicting priorities and tight deadlines
- Demonstrable ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive and contentious information where there are barriers to understanding
- High level of attention to detail Prioritisation and organisation skills
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience of working at a senior level in the specialism.
- Experience of managing incoming and outgoing information requirements, handling correspondence/queries which may be highly complex, sensitive or highly confidential.
- Experience of co- ordinating and leading communications response in a major incident / following a high profile issue
Partnership Working / Leadership Management
Essential
- Takes personal responsibility for actions and their impact
- Good communicator, with ability to liaise with colleagues at all levels
- Flexible and adaptable to meet deadlines and able to work as part of a team
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant Masters degree or extensive knowledge, skills and experience to equivalent level OR Extensive knowledge of specialist areas, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience
- Evidence of continuing personal development
Knowledge / understanding
Essential
- Advanced knowledge of relevant systems and procedures
- In depth understanding of policies and practices within required field of work
- An in-depth understanding of health care provision and awareness of current NHS policies and priorities
