Job summary
We are looking for a communication professional who wants to make a difference through their work and help us achieve our vision for a healthier Mid and West Wales.
The Communications Officer will support our journey to shift from a service focused on treating illness, to one that is focused on preventing ill health or worsening of ill-health, with more care provided closer to home.
The Communications Officer will deliver proactive and integrated communication campaigns. They will contribute to reactive issues, both internally and externally. We are looking for someone who is passionate about good communication and how this can impact health and well-being. They will thrive in a high paced environment.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to;
- Deliver content and mechanisms for dialogue between staff across the organisation
- Influence behaviour change among staff and the public through communication
- Provide the public with clear information.
The role requires a communications professional to contribute to innovative communication projects and campaigns, writing content for different formats, responding to enquiries from staff, journalists and social media users, and making best use of traditional and new media.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in[1]hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services. We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 30/09/2025.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 30/09/2025.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Educated to degree level in relevant field or equivalent level of work experience including practical knowledge and experience of methods and approaches as they relate to public relations, communications and media
- Knowledge of communications, journalistic practice, public relations and campaigning, including the various tools and techniques of communication and new media
- Knowledge of health and public sector practices, as well as a thorough understanding of local and national political networks and infrastructure.
- Demonstrable CPD
Desirable
- Certified member of Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
- Evidence of higher or further education with the appropriate professional/management qualifications. i.e. CIPR, NEC's CAM and Media Law Qualifications
- Qualification or demonstrative knowledge of the legislation governing media, and slander/ libel laws for publishers
- Understanding of Editor's Code of Conduct and the Chartered Institute of Public Relation's professional code of conduct and a willingness to act within accordance of them
- Understanding of Welsh legislation and WG delegated powers
- Knowledge of communications as an enabler of behavioural change
- Working knowledge of media content and enquiry management systems
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a communications team.
- Evidence of delivering communication campaigns across internal, external and digital channels with a proven track record.
- Experience of creating basic graphic design to help communicate messages.
- Basic video shooting and editing experience.
Desirable
- Experience of working with staff and journalists in a responsive role for the NHS or another large public sector organisation
- Higher levels of experience and skills in filming, graphic design or marketing
Language Skills
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Educated to degree level in relevant field or equivalent level of work experience including practical knowledge and experience of methods and approaches as they relate to public relations, communications and media
- Knowledge of communications, journalistic practice, public relations and campaigning, including the various tools and techniques of communication and new media
- Knowledge of health and public sector practices, as well as a thorough understanding of local and national political networks and infrastructure.
- Demonstrable CPD
Desirable
- Certified member of Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
- Evidence of higher or further education with the appropriate professional/management qualifications. i.e. CIPR, NEC's CAM and Media Law Qualifications
- Qualification or demonstrative knowledge of the legislation governing media, and slander/ libel laws for publishers
- Understanding of Editor's Code of Conduct and the Chartered Institute of Public Relation's professional code of conduct and a willingness to act within accordance of them
- Understanding of Welsh legislation and WG delegated powers
- Knowledge of communications as an enabler of behavioural change
- Working knowledge of media content and enquiry management systems
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a communications team.
- Evidence of delivering communication campaigns across internal, external and digital channels with a proven track record.
- Experience of creating basic graphic design to help communicate messages.
- Basic video shooting and editing experience.
Desirable
- Experience of working with staff and journalists in a responsive role for the NHS or another large public sector organisation
- Higher levels of experience and skills in filming, graphic design or marketing
Language Skills
Desirable
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).
Employer details
Employer name
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address
Hybrid home and office in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion or Pembrokeshire, discussed on appointment.
TBC
TBC
SA31 3BB
Employer's website
https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)
