Head of Communications (Better Together) in Brecon

As Head of Communications for the Better Together programme you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic communications for the Better Together programme.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on media, reputation management and stakeholder engagement, including sensitive issues relating to the Better Together programme.
• Ensure clear, consistent and proactive communication to staff, stakeholders and the public, helping people understand what changes are happening, why they are needed and how they will affect them.
• Manage the Better Together communications function, ensuring high-quality, responsive services.

Main duties of the job include:

• Planning, design and delivery of the Better Together communications programme.
• Monitoring, evaluation and improvement of communication activities.
• Effective financial management of the Better Together communications programme.
• Leadership of the work of the team.
• Ensuring compliance with key legislation and standards.

This post is fixed term to March 2027 due to funding.

We would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers; but even if you don't speak any Welsh, or want to develop your skills, don't worry: the health board will support you with training.

About us:

Being the smallest Health Board in Wales means that you won't get lost in the crowd. Everybody at Powys Teaching Health Board is valued for the contribution they make to our varied and diverse portfolio of community-based services. Together, we can continue to make a real difference to our patients and build on our unrivalled reputation. As a supportive and progressive employer, we actively encourage you to carve out a career with us, through a range of development pathways. We are lucky enough to be situated in one of the most beautiful rural counties in Britain, let alone Wales! Achieving a healthy 'life work' balance is essential, and something we recognise by prioritising your well-being.

To start your journey with us, and to learn more about what we can offer you please visit our website. There you will find information about our benefits and values, read staff experiences and more about what our beautiful county has to offer.

Job responsibilities:

You will be able to find a full Job Description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Qualifications and Knowledge:

• Educated to master's level or equivalent experience in communications, public relations or media.
• Specialist knowledge of communications, engagement and media practice, including digital communications.
• Understanding of the NHS, public sector environment and political context in Wales.
• Knowledge of media law and regulatory requirements including relevant legislation and policy (e.g. accessibility, Welsh Language).
• Membership of relevant professional body (e.g. Chartered Institute of Public Relations).

Experience:

• Significant experience of leading communications in a complex organisation, including media relations and reputation management.
• Developing and delivering communication strategies for major change programmes or high-profile issues.
• Advising senior leaders on communication approaches in politically and publicly sensitive contexts across organisational boundaries.
• Experience of communications in a public sector or NHS setting.
• Experience of crisis communications or major incident management.

Skills and Attributes:

• Very strong communication and influencing skills, including ability to present complex information clearly.
• Manage competing priorities and respond effectively under pressure.
• Leadership and team management skills, including coaching and development.
• Build effective relationships with staff, stakeholders and partners.
• Some ability to speak, read and/or write Welsh, or an eagerness to learn.

Other:

• Willingness to travel across the organisation and across Wales.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours when required.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.