Detailed job description and main responsibilities

·         The role reports to the Deputy Director of Communications.

·         Head of Communications leads the Trust’s Communications Department, providing professional expertise, advice and leadership on all aspects of communication, staff and stakeholder engagement and maximising the opportunities to promote the work of the Trust.

·         Establish and communicate the key messages and objectives of the Trust in order to promote a positive image and, when necessary, limit adverse publicity using a range of media including website, stakeholder newsletters, social media and special events.

·         Develop procedures, standards and policies around media management, events, VIP visits, corporate identity, patient communications and other areas of communications and ensure they are implemented consistently and appropriately.

·         Define and deliver a compelling brand for the Trust which clearly supports the mission, vision and values.

·         Ensure that publicity/marketing materials and patient information are of a high standard and accessible to and appropriate for relevant audiences and reflect the diversity of the communities served by the Trust.

·         Lead on communications for responding to a crisis or handling major/ serious incidents.

·         Develop and lead the internal communications strategy and support the Trust’s leadership team to deliver its programme of organisational change.

·         Provide strategic advice and expertise to help build an engaged, informed and motivated workforce, developing opportunities for staff to give feedback and contribute to decision making.

·         Develop and maintain positive relationships with the media, maximise positive coverage and ensure balance in all media coverage, in order to promote public confidence in the Trust.

·         Manage and oversee consultation responses, statements, Freedom of Information requests from the media, and ministerial briefings.

·         Oversee the provision of an effective press office function which gives accurate and timely responses to media enquiries and monitor media coverage to identify weak areas and develop and maintain strong areas.

·         Oversee the production, content and distribution of the core elements of the annual report and other publications as required.

·         Lead an effective, professional communication team, ensuring all Trust HR policies are adhered to.

·         Exercise ability to analyse and interpret highly complex facts, situations or communications to provide sound communications and engagement advice to the senior leadership team to ensure a best-practice approach to communications is adopted across all projects, programmes and engagement forums.

·         Manage ongoing service contracts and the procurement of news goods/services, and display good fiscal responsibility to ensure that value for money is delivered.

·         Lead on the negotiation of major contracts against that budget, such as for production of the staff magazine and hosting and support of the Trust’s website and email distribution.

·         Works closely with the Trust’s Chief Executive, Chairman and other Directors and Senior Managers, providing advice and expertise on a wide range of communications issues.

·         Deputise Deputy Director of Communications where necessary; attend and contribute to meetings of the Trust Board and Executive Board and any other senior meetings as required.

·         Make decisions on the action to take on communications issues in the best interests of the Trust.

·         With Deputy Director of Communications, responsible for the development and implementation of the Trust’s Communications Strategy, including appendices such as the Media Policy

·         Co-operation and collaboration with other departments and directorates, such as Organisational Development and Care Groups on communications initiatives and campaigns

·         Leading on agreed training, such as media awareness and performance

·         Liaison with key stakeholders such as ICB, local authorities and MPs