Job summary
We are looking for a candidate with excellent organisational and writing skills to perform this key role in the External Affairs team of the Communications sub-directorate (part of the Strategy Directorate). Working as part of a small team, the Freedom of Information and Parliamentary Business team, the postholder will have an important role in delivering NHS England's Parliamentary Accountability function by managing the dedicated inbox for MPs to contact NHS England.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will:
- Oversee the day-to-day management of the MP Inbox, including ensuring all cases are recorded, tracked and responded to within 10 working days;
- Produce high quality, informative and empathetic response letters to MPs, including on behalf of the Chief Executive and other senior colleagues;
- Have strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to deal with colleagues at all levels across NHS England as well as staff in MP's offices, enhancing the reputation of NHS England with MPs.
About us
The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:
- Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
- Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
- Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
- Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
- Delivering value for money.
If you would like to know more or require further information, please visithttps://www.england.nhs.uk/.
Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.
Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.
NHS England hold a Sponsor Licence; this means that we may be able to sponsor you providing the Home Office requirements are met. To be eligible for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher. You can find more information on the Government website.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will:
- Work with the wider External Affairs team and Chief Executives Office to report on trends and cases of concern, escalating cases where appropriate and providing bespoke reports when requested.
- Have excellent organisational skills to cope with fluctuating casework numbers, calling in support from the wider team when required;
- Have a good understanding of current healthcare policy and issues, and an ability to keep informed and up to date on current NHS England lines;
- Be able to provide support to the wider Parliamentary Business team when necessary.
- The postholder will report to the Deputy Head of External Affairs (Parliamentary Briefing and FOI Response) and can be based at any NHS England office.
Please see the attached Job Description for further details on the role, responsibilities and person specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will:
- Work with the wider External Affairs team and Chief Executives Office to report on trends and cases of concern, escalating cases where appropriate and providing bespoke reports when requested.
- Have excellent organisational skills to cope with fluctuating casework numbers, calling in support from the wider team when required;
- Have a good understanding of current healthcare policy and issues, and an ability to keep informed and up to date on current NHS England lines;
- Be able to provide support to the wider Parliamentary Business team when necessary.
- The postholder will report to the Deputy Head of External Affairs (Parliamentary Briefing and FOI Response) and can be based at any NHS England office.
Please see the attached Job Description for further details on the role, responsibilities and person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Excellent understanding of the background and aims of current organisational priorities and objectives and understand how communications and engagement can deliver this
- Experience of working in a fast paced environment, delivering against competing priorities and deadlines while also directing the work of teams/individuals.
- Have an appreciation of the relationship between the Department of Health and individual provider and commissioning organisations.
Desirable
- Have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement.
Skills, Capabilities & Attributes
Essential
- Maintain an understanding of current healthcare policy and communications environment and the implications for NHS England and information management
- Have an extensive knowledge of the work of NHS England and likely areas of public interest
- Protect and promote the reputation of NHS England with members of the public
- Demonstrate excellent levels of written and verbal communication, with the ability explain complicated issues fluently and persuasively.
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Excellent understanding of the background and aims of current organisational priorities and objectives and understand how communications and engagement can deliver this
- Experience of working in a fast paced environment, delivering against competing priorities and deadlines while also directing the work of teams/individuals.
- Have an appreciation of the relationship between the Department of Health and individual provider and commissioning organisations.
Desirable
- Have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement.
Skills, Capabilities & Attributes
Essential
- Maintain an understanding of current healthcare policy and communications environment and the implications for NHS England and information management
- Have an extensive knowledge of the work of NHS England and likely areas of public interest
- Protect and promote the reputation of NHS England with members of the public
- Demonstrate excellent levels of written and verbal communication, with the ability explain complicated issues fluently and persuasively.
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public.
Additional information
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).
