Job overview

Are you ready to lead the voice of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust?

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Communications and Engagement to shape and deliver a modern, strategic approach to how we connect with staff, patients, partners, and the public. This is a unique opportunity to take a senior leadership role at the heart of our organisation, championing inclusivity, transparency, and meaningful engagement across all we do.

You’ll set the direction for a dynamic communications function, strengthening our reputation and bringing our vision to life. Leading a talented team, you’ll ensure our people feel informed, involved, and motivated, while also driving public confidence in our services. From internal staff engagement to media relations, you’ll bring creativity, insight, and authority to every aspect of communications. You'll be key in driving internal strategies that promote staff engagement, including overseeing staff surveys and pulse surveys, ensuring high participation and access for all Trust staff.

We’re looking for an experienced, visionary leader with a solid understanding of the NHS landscape, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. If you’re passionate about making a real difference for staff, patients, and communities, we’d love to hear from you!

Main duties of the job

Internal Communications and Engagement

• Lead and deliver strategies to build an informed, motivated workforce. Oversee staff surveys, driving response rates and ensuring all staff can participate.
• Provide strategic advice to support Trust objectives by developing opportunities for feedback, involvement, and contribution to decision-making, including senior leadership events, listening sessions, staff networks, and inclusion activities.
• Promote staff engagement with surveys, ensuring all Trust staff have access and opportunity for participation, driving up response rate

Engagement and Media Relations

• Lead communication strategies for patients, service users, and carers, working with the Experience and Involvement team to enhance engagement and healthcare experiences.
• Develop and implement communications and engagement plans to support the Trust’s vision and priorities, strengthening public and membership involvement.
• Create key messages to promote a positive Trust image while managing adverse publicity across all channels.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of media relations, events, corporate identity, and web-based communications procedures, ensuring consistency and quality.

Working for our organisation

Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the “candidate guide to making an application” and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.

As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”

Our values are: “Caring, safe and excellent”

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:

•    Excellent opportunities for career progression
•    Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
•    27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
•    NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
•    Competitive pension scheme
•    Lease car scheme
•    Cycle to work scheme
•    Employee Assistance Programme
•    Mental Health First Aiders
•    Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)
•    Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team