At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with local communities to gather feedback on health and social care services.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Healthwatch Sunderland, advocating for community voices.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse groups and develop valuable relationships.
- Why this job: Be a champion for local voices and improve health services in Sunderland.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 30000 £ per year.
We are here to support, promote and develop voluntary and community action in Middlesbrough. Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) are recruiting for a Healthwatch Sunderland Engagement Officer. Healthwatch is the independent consumer champion for Health and Social Care. We ensure that NHS and social care leaders hear the voices of those who use their services and use feedback to improve care.
We are looking to recruit an Engagement Officer to join a well-established team working across and representing the local community within Sunderland. We are looking to appoint someone skilled in:
- Engaging with a wide range of communities of interest.
- Designing, delivering and evaluating a range of community based engagement activities.
- Developing effective and positive working relationships with organisations and networks within the voluntary and community sector.
- Gathering, analysing and presenting the views of local people in user-friendly reports.
- Collaborating with local health and care providers.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to help local people have their say, we’d love to hear from you. The role will require you to have access to a car and a full, clean UK driving license and work outside of office hours on occasion.
Job Purpose:
- Support the development, delivery and analysis of a range of engagement activities linked to gathering the views and experiences of health and social care services.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders within the Health and Social care sector.
- Assist with the promotion of HWS work to the wider public.
- Support the delivery of the signposting function of HWS.
- Support with the development, delivery and implementation of the HWS annual work plan.
Job Description:
- Proactively engage with members of the local community, especially those facing the greatest health inequalities, to listen to and collect feedback.
- Organise and deliver a range of community based engagement activities, including events, workshops and outreach activities.
- Design and evaluate engagement activities that are delivered in the local community.
- Support with the analysis of engagement findings and production and presentation of research reports to a range of audiences associated with work plan items.
- Support the delivery of the HWS Youthwatch workplan, including the delivery of Youthwatch meetings.
- Proactively identify opportunities for co-production and collaboration with key partners to support the delivery of the work of HWS.
- Facilitate consultation and co-production activity to ensure voices are heard and acted upon in service design and delivery.
- Support with the recruitment, support, training and motivation of volunteers.
- Identify and develop effective positive relationships with other organisations, networks and forums in order to obtain the views of people they work with or support or represent.
- Work in partnership with local health and care providers to support the gathering and sharing of patient and service user feedback to improve the services they provide to the people of Sunderland.
- Contribute to marketing activity, via promotional materials, social media, website, press releases, e-newsletters, etc.
- Attend a variety of external meetings, forums and groups and events to represent and promote the work of HWS.
- Support the continued collection and collation of up to date local information to be used as part of the signposting function.
- Lead on the dissemination of key and relevant information to residents of Sunderland to support them to make informed decisions, navigate the health and social care system, make complaints, etc.
- Provide evidence based ideas for the workplan to be presented to the HWS Advisory board for consideration.
- Conduct personal, venue and activity risk assessments as required.
- Work flexibly as part of the Healthwatch team, providing cover for colleagues as required to maintain appropriate staffing levels within Healthwatch.
- Contribute to the recording of engagement data into relevant monitoring and reporting systems, including inputting of information into databases.
The closing date for this job is 4 January 2026 - 12:00am.
Contract type: £26,532 per annum pro rata (30 hours per week)
Healthwatch Sunderland Engagement Officer employer: Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency
Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises community impact and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements, private medical cover, and a generous pension contribution, you will not only have the opportunity to grow professionally but also make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in Middlesbrough.
Contact Details:
Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthwatch Sunderland Engagement Officer
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.
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When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthwatch Sunderland Engagement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.
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Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
