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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the communications team to enhance internal and external engagement for the NHS.
- Company: Join the NHS, a vital organisation dedicated to public health and community well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the narrative of healthcare and engage with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications and team leadership is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic and impactful environment.
The predicted salary is between 57528 - 647500 £ per year.
Employer: NHS Jobs
Location: Wigan, WN1 2NN
Pay: £57,528.00 to £64,750.00 per year
Contract Type: Contract
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 30/04/2026
About this job
The Interim Head of Communications and Engagement will line manage the communications team and will be expected to ensure the team delivers the full aims and objectives of the service, including:
- Implementing the Trust narrative/messages/positioning/branding
- Assisting with reputational management
- Internal communications and engagement
- External communications
- Media relations
- Digital communications
Duties and Responsibilities
The Communication and Engagement Department supports the Trust by focusing its efforts on:
- Changing behaviours by encouraging people to lead healthier and safer lives
- Operational effectiveness of services by informing people about access and availability and involving them in service re-design
- Helping to fulfil obligations to involve, engage or consult
- Reputation of the organisation and fulfilling statutory warning and informing duties
- Equitably explaining policies, decisions, programmes and direction to internal audiences to create commitment, understanding, buy-in and advocacy
Activity is delivered through four main disciplines:
- Marketing and campaigns raise awareness of policies, programmes or activity; influences attitudes and behaviour and supports the development and delivery of services
- Internal communications and staff engagement engages staff by connecting them and creating commitment to organisational objectives
- Media, digital and social media proactive and reactive handling of media; relationship management; creation of content, insight and audience evaluation
- External affairs and public engagement managing critical stakeholder relationships, listening to gather insight and intelligence
Planning and Organisational Duties
- Delivery of a strategic, two-way internal communications approach that keeps staff engaged and informed
- Support a review of the effectiveness of internal channels and protocols
- Provide communication advice to managers and employees
- Develop and oversee delivery of an internal communications programme
- Assist with developing communication links and strong relationships with all service divisions
External
- Ensure delivery of the Trust communications strategy is implemented from the routine through to the most demanding of situations
- Assist with advising on media strategy and handling
- Support the implementation of an issues and crisis management strategy
- Lead on communications for responding to all crises or serious incidents
Communications and Key Working Relationships
- Internally: Director of Communications and Stakeholder Management, Communications Team, Chief Executive & Executive Directors, Senior Management Team, Resilience, Fundraising, Legal & Patient Relations Teams, Patient Engagement & Service Transformation Teams, Staff Experience & Staff Side, All Trust staff
- Externally: Media outlets and journalists, MPs and public sector partners, Health and social care organisations, Patients, carers, and the public, Voluntary, third sector, and other relevant bodies
Responsibility for Finance
- To be authorised signatory and support the Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement to manage the communications budget
- Manage budget review monthly spend, report, deliver cost savings and deliver a balanced budget
- Oversee the purchase, ordering and stock control of any specific equipment and supplies required to deliver communications projects/campaigns and events
Responsibility for Human Resources
- Play an active part in planning and delivering the work of the communications team
- Undertaking 1:1s and appraisals for direct reports
- Dealing with first line management of sickness, grievances and disciplinary matters
Responsibility for Health & Safety
- Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
Responsibility for Teaching
- Coach, support and provide expert advice and guidance on the strategic and tactical delivery of communications and media management across the organisation
Head of Communications and Engagement (Interim) in Wigan employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications and Engagement (Interim) in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the NHS or related fields on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way, and you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission right from the get-go!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in communications and engagement can help the Trust achieve its goals. Keep it concise and impactful – we want to hear your passion!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications and Engagement (Interim) in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Communications and Engagement role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing communications teams and delivering strategic messaging that aligns with the Trust's objectives.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past roles where you successfully managed internal and external communications, handled media relations, or led engagement initiatives. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your experience and vision without having to decipher complex sentences. Keep it professional but approachable!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research the NHS Trust's mission, vision, and values. Understand their current communications strategies and any recent news or challenges they’ve faced. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Interim Head of Communications and Engagement, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration and engagement within teams to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding crisis management and media relations. Think of specific scenarios where you had to handle sensitive information or navigate complex stakeholder relationships, and be ready to discuss your approach and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Expertise
This role requires strong communication skills across various platforms. Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital communications, internal engagement strategies, and media relations. Bring examples of successful campaigns or initiatives you've led that align with the Trust's objectives.