Senior Communications Manager | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Overview

The post holder will work with the Communications Director and wider communications team to develop and sustain an effective communications service for Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

Key responsibilities

• Day-to-day management including planning and allocation of resources and tasks.
• Lead in the development, implementation and evaluation of a range of communications campaigns, including managing budgets and schedules, and external contractors and suppliers as required.
• Commission, write and edit complex internal and external communications materials including reports, articles, media releases, statements and information products.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of all the Trust’s communication systems and platforms, including social media, continuously measuring and monitoring the effectiveness of those channels.
• Work in partnership with colleagues from teams across the Trust, and where appropriate external partner organisations, to deliver communication plans and projects to deadline.
• Ensure consistency in use of the Trust’s corporate image and style, in line with NHS branding guidelines.
• Provide advice and support to staff including directors, senior managers and clinical colleagues across the Trust, and other organisations, on specific communications issues.
• Train colleagues in use of communications tools and channels including systems.
• Participate in the out-of-hours on-call communications function for the Trust, as needed.
• Provide support across the wider Communications Team as required, including dealing with reactive media enquiries and contributing to Trust-wide communications channels, tactics and collateral.

Financial management

• To monitor the budget for the functions within portfolio and ensure expenditure is contained within budget limits.
• To authorise use of credit cards for agreed areas of spend.
• To act as an Authorised Signatory for financial payments.
• To maintain financial commitment and spending records in line with audit requirements.

Communication and working relationships

• Develop successful working relationships at all levels of the organisation and with key external contacts such as other members of relevant networks, colleagues in commissioning and regulatory organisations and journalists.
• Act as communications lead during times of difficult organisational change and complex situations.
• Convey sensitive and complex information relating to all areas of the organisation’s operations and strategy.

Information and systems

• Ensure team input in an appropriate, timely and precise manner to e-roster and other staff record systems.
• Ensure data held within communications management systems and databases is accurate and handled in line with relevant legislation and policies.

Additional duties

• Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures.
• Keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy.
• Provide management supervision where appropriate.
• Maintain consistency in use of the Trust’s corporate image and style, in line with NHS branding guidelines.
• Train colleagues in use of communications tools and channels including systems.
• Participate in the out-of-hours on-call communications function for the Trust, as needed.
• Provide support across the wider Communications Team as required, including dealing with reactive media enquiries and contributing to Trust-wide communications channels, tactics and collateral.

Join our Staff bank – Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. All permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank; the option to work additional shifts is available if wished.

Benefits and working arrangements – EPUT offers a range of benefits and development opportunities, including Season Ticket Loans, NHS discounts for staff, excellent training facilities, buying and selling annual leave, opportunities to work bank shifts, Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work, and Day One Flexible Employer. The Trust supports flexible working and encourages you to discuss possible arrangements with the recruiting manager. If appointed, you may apply for a flexible working request from day one of employment.

Advert expiry

This advert closes on Sunday 5 Oct 2025.