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- Tasks: Lead the communications team and manage strategic communication plans for a health board.
- Company: Hywel Dda University Health Board, providing essential NHS services in Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare communication and engage with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving health services across multiple counties.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Communications role at Hywel Dda University Health Board.
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the communications team for an experienced professional to lead the communications function within Hywel Dda University Health Board. The post holder will lead and manage the Health Board\’s communications service, providing support to external customers such as the media and partners, and staff internally. They will provide leadership and decision making to balance the need for proactive service development and the reactive demand of operational responsibilities.
This is a full time role and is flexible in terms of location (mainly working from home). The post holder is expected travel across the Health Board counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.
Base will be discussed and agreed with successful candidate.
- Lead and manage the Health Board\’s communications service, providing support to external customers such as the media and partners, and staff internally.
- Provide leadership and decision making to balance the need for proactive service development and the reactive demand of operational responsibilities.
- Provide authoritative advice to Board Members, Executive Team and WG on a highly complex, sensitive information and a broad range of communication and engagement issues.
- Design and deliver long-term strategic communication plans, approaches and policies to support the competing complexities and priorities within the UHBs health and care strategy and plans.
- Organise the communication service so it is able to provide full and comprehensive client management for UHB portfolio areas, including a forward look plan, and prioritizing work according to business objectives and the current narrative.
- Advise and deliver communication mechanisms for continuous dialogue with staff and the local population to ensure that the UHB takes full account of internal and external views in its decision-making, providing leadership in the fields of written, digital and media communication.
- Take swift and decisive decisions in relation to leading and responding to highly sensitive and potentially damaging reputational issues as they arise (such as media requests on major issues).
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services. We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our Services Are Provided In
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
For further details / informal visits contact: Alwena Hughes Moakes, Communications and Engagement Director, alwena.hughes-moakes@wales.nhs.uk
Seniority level
- Director
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
- Hospitals and Health Care
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Head of Communications employer: Hywel Dda University Health Board
Contact Detail:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare sector, especially those who know Hywel Dda University Health Board. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in health communications. We want you to show off your knowledge about how to engage with both staff and the community effectively. Bring your A-game!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to crisis management and strategic planning. We all know that being calm under pressure is key in this role, so let’s nail that!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Communications role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading communications, managing teams, and handling sensitive information. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to lead and make decisions under pressure. Share examples of how you've balanced proactive service development with reactive demands in previous roles. This is key for us at Hywel Dda University Health Board!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so keep it professional yet engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application goes directly to the right team and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hywel Dda University Health Board
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Hywel Dda University Health Board thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a complex project. Highlight how you balanced proactive service development with reactive demands.
✨Prepare for Sensitive Topics
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you would handle sensitive information and reputational issues. Think of specific scenarios where you've navigated similar challenges and be prepared to share your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Engage with Communication Strategies
Familiarise yourself with various communication mechanisms, especially those relevant to healthcare. Be ready to discuss how you would design and deliver strategic communication plans that align with the Health Board's objectives and engage both staff and the local population effectively.
