Band 6 - Communications Officer, Communications

We’re looking for a talented all-rounder who will play a key role in delivering communications to our staff, patients and local communities which are relevant, timely and targeted. You’ll be brimming with ideas for improving our internal communications and understand how to evaluate and assess what’s working and what’s not. You’ll be data-driven and audience-focused, and be a truly multi-channel operator who can turn their hand to recording a short video for social media, write a press release or help plan a VIP visit to the hospital.

You’ll enjoy campaigns and raising awareness around specific events or issues, and be a great storyteller. This is a role which will be varied, and will give you the freedom to test new and different approaches. Most importantly, we’re looking for the right attitude and for people who want to learn, develop and make a difference. It’s an exciting time to join us – we’re a small, friendly team with big ambitions to punch well above our weight. If you’re ambitious, passionate about making a difference and know how you can help deliver real impact for our communities then we would love to hear from you.

Working pattern: Monday – Friday, with hybrid working (at least two days in the office each week).

• You support our internal communications service, writing, editing and planning content for our new intranet.
• Act as a quality controller – ensuring high standards in writing, editing and proofing.
• Evaluate content performance on the intranet, provide reports on results and proactively propose new ideas and improvements.
• Support internal teams and leaders with specific announcements and offer advice on how best to approach sensitive issues or events.
• Lead on delivering the measurement and evaluation approaches for internal and engagement communications enabling the Trust to develop an evidence base for its work.
• Support in delivering key staff engagement events and campaigns, including the annual Star of Herts awards and finding ways to celebrate our colleagues’ work.
• Develop and drive an innovative approach to the development of internal communications and engagement, exploring best practice approaches from the public and private sectors to empower and motivate our diverse workforce.
• Support and play an active role in creating content for our social channels, including videos, taking photos and monitoring performance.
• Draft and sell-in media stories with local, regional and specialist news.
• Build relationships with reporters and look for proactive opportunities.

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net. If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Nick Foley Job title: Director of Communications Email address: nick.foley@nhs.net Telephone number: 07929094922