Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
Job Description
Job Title
Communications Manager
Grade
7
Accountable to
Head of Communications
Principal Contacts
Directorate and Senior Managers
Group and Clinical Directors
Strategic Health Authority and Primary Care Trusts
Trust staff at all levels
Patients and carers
Local, regional and national journalists
Other external healthcare professionals
Manages
Senior Communications Officer
Communications Officer
Communications Assistant
Internal Communications Function
External Communications Function
Media Relations Function
Social Media Function
Job Summary
The Communications Manager is responsible for the promoting the Trust in
the media, with health partners, patients, and in the wider public arena. The
Communications Manager is also responsible for communicating with Trust
staff. The post holder is responsible for:
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Implementing the Communications Strategy and assisting with the
fulfilment of the Website Strategy and supporting the Marketing and
Choice Strategy.
Staff effectiveness in the Internal Communications, External
Communications, and Media Relations functions.
Ensuring the standards are met for customer service, quality of
information, brand management and reputation.
Effectively managing the budgets for the above functions.
Delivering effective systems, processes and frameworks for the above
functions.
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The post holder will deliver:
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Integrated public and media relations giving a focus to the corporate
image of the Trust.
A two-way internal and external communications programme.
Accurate and timely information within the organisation.
Effective and proactive management of the media for positive stories.
In addition the postholder will support and deputise for the Head of Corporate
Affairs to deliver the new and developing departmental and directorate
agenda.
The post holder will work across all levels of the organisation to help develop
its culture and ways of working.
The postholder will provide a 24 hour on call service (on a rota) for handling
media enquiries. The post holder will also be a part of the Trust’s Major
Incident Team and be available for media management in the case of a major
incident.
The effectiveness of the post will have a major impact on the Trust’s external
image and also on the communications culture within the organisation.
Principal duties and responsibilities
1.
Work with the Head of Corporate Affairs to define and develop the
Trust’s key audiences and stakeholders, identify the key decision
makers, and deliver internal and external communication initiatives to
promote the corporate objectives and business decisions of the Trust.
2.
Act as a press officer to generate local and national media interest in
the Trust.
3.
Develop communication opportunities with influential people.
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Ensure that the content and style of printed literature is accurate, easy
to read and relevant.
5.
Ensure communications activity supports the trust brand and values.
6.
To advise and influence senior members of the Trust on the
appropriate approach for communications.
7.
To develop close working relationships with key journalists in order to
influence appropriate media cover on sensitive issues.
8.
To advise on the delivery of communications regarding sensitive local
and national issues to internal staff.
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9.
To provide and deliver media campaign strategies for complex issues
arising.
10.
To be an authorised signatory for printing services and specific project
budgets.
11.
To monitor and manage the performance of the communication officers
and to provide mentoring and training on a regular basis.
12.
To undertake surveys of the local media regarding the performance of
the Trust’s press office.
13.
Organise events for staff, patients, the public, the media, businesses
and other external stakeholders.
14.
Co-ordinate and control the design and printing of internal and external
publications and materials.
15.
Work within Trust's policies, the Freedom of Information Act, Patient
Confidentiality and Caldicott principles to manage information requests.
16.
Provide a consultancy and advice service with regards to
communications and media relations to senior managers.
17.
Manage external agencies for design, print and other promotional
services.
Staff Experience
1. Create an environment which enhances the work experience of our staff.
2. Support the HR directorate in delivering key agendas including
Improving Working Lives, Agenda for Change and Knowledge and Skills
Framework.
3. To develop an internal communications programme to enhance staff
Communications and awareness of the corporate, strategic and business
decisions affecting the organisation.
4. To manage and maintain a two-way internal communications
process to inform Trust strategy and decisions.
Monitoring Role
1. To assess the impact communications initiatives, measure and report on
these to the Head of Corporate Affairs.
2. To monitor and analyse media coverage and produce a report for the Trust
Board.
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