Job summary
- Main area
- Communications
- Grade
- Band 8a
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Hybrid working pattern (home and office))
- Job ref
- 151-SL0481
- Employer
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Frimley Park Hospital
- Town
- Frimley
- Salary
- £57,888 - £64,880 per annum incl HCAS
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 04/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Head of Communications- Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services
Band 8a
Job overview
The Head of Communications will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive communications strategy for BSPS, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and values.
As a senior leader, the post holder will be responsible for creating, managing, and delivering clear, consistent, and engaging messages to internal and external stakeholders across multiple platforms.
They will provide expert advice to the executive team and senior managers on all aspects of communications, reputation management, and brand development.
The role will involve overseeing media relations, digital communications, staff engagement, and strategic campaigns to enhance visibility and trust in BSPS services.
The post holder will demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills to influence and inspire others.
Main duties of the job
- Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) is a collaborative network of NHS Trusts providing high-quality, innovative pathology services across the region.
- The Head of Communications will develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports BSPS’s strategic and operational objectives.
- They will oversee all aspects of internal and external communications, including staff engagement, stakeholder relations, digital platforms, and media activity. Working closely with senior leaders across partner Trusts, the post holder will ensure consistent messaging and alignment with organisational priorities.
- They will also lead on crisis communications and reputation management, providing expert advice and clear, confident leadership during challenging situations to protect and enhance BSPS’s public profile.
Working for our organisation
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy aligned with BSPS goals and NHS standards. Oversee BSPS’s digital presence, including the website, social media, and stakeholder engagement campaigns.
- Manage internal communications to keep staff informed and connected with BSPS’s vision and values. Build and maintain effective relationships with NHS partners, regulators, and the media while ensuring brand consistency across all channels.
- Lead communications during crises or sensitive issues, safeguarding BSPS’s reputation. Provide expert advice and training to senior staff, supporting board-level communication initiatives and events.
- Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness, using data to inform continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with partner Trusts to share best practice and resources.
- Manage the communications budget efficiently and contribute to relevant business cases, ensuring all activities deliver value and support organisational priorities.
- For further information regarding the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field (or equivalent qualification)
- A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field (or equivalent qualification)
- Relevant master’s degree, or equivalent experience.
- Post-graduate, proven experience in a senior communications role.
Experience
Essential criteria
- Extensive experience developing and delivering internal and external communications campaigns.
- Experience in brand development and digital communications, including social media strategy and web management.
- Experience in producing videographic and photographic communications materials, including the use of editing software.
- Experience in using publishing software (e.g. Canva)
- Experience of Budget management.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience of working independently.
Desirable criteria
- Experience working in a joint venture or partnership environment.
- Experience in building a communications function from scratch.
- Healthcare or public sector experience. In-depth knowledge of the healthcare landscape, particularly in pathology services.
- Experience in building a communications function from scratch.
Skills
Essential criteria
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging content.
Special Requirements
Essential criteria
- Willing and able to travel between and to work across all BSPS sites - Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Betsy Bassis
- Job title
- Strategy and Communications Consultant
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0300 614 5000
- Additional information
-
0300 614 5000
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