Head of Communications- Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services

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.

About Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) context Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) is proud of its strong reputation, record of achievement and ambition for the future. We serve a population of over 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and South Buckinghamshire, and remain committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities. Our new organisational strategy – FHFT 2030 – sets out our ambition to be the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS. Underpinned by our Trust values – Committed to Excellence, Working Together, Facing the Future, and being a modern, compassionate, Healthcare Organisation – we are creating a culture where our people can thrive and patients always come first. We continue to invest heavily in our services and facilities, including new hospitals, diagnostics expansions, and service transformations across our sites. We are committed to sustainability and the NHS Net Zero ambition, with on-site renewables energy and intelligent energy systems. Everything we do is guided by our values, shaping how we care for patients, support colleagues, and build a sustainable future for healthcare together. FHFT is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer, recognised in national schemes, with development opportunities and a range of training for staff.

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.
• 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.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy that supports BSPS\’s strategic and operational objectives.
• 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, ensure consistent messaging and alignment with organisational priorities.

Qualifications / Experience

• Experience leading communications strategy and delivering integrated communications across internal and external channels.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and advisory skills at executive and senior management levels.
• Proven ability to manage media relations, digital platforms, staff engagement, and strategic campaigns.
• Ability to monitor, evaluate, and report on communication effectiveness using data.

For further information regarding the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.