Job summary

Playing a leading role in the Communications and Engagement department, the post holder will be the primary lead for delivering the Trust's internal and external communications activity.

They will lead proactive media relations, develop and deliver engaging communications campaigns, and manage key corporate and internal communication channels to support the Trust's strategic objectives and strengthen staff engagement.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, they will help protect and enhance the Trust's reputation through effective reactive communications, line manage a Communications Officer, and contribute to the Trust's 24/7 communications on-call rota.

Main duties of the job

Main duties

You will lead proactive media for the organisation, creating and curating compelling stories that raise the Trust's profile with and through the media. Reactively, you will support Director and Head of Communications and Engagement to act quickly to protect the reputation of the Trust, its staff and the wider NHS by developing.

Internally, you will be responsible for planning, developing and executing corporate and internal campaigns and projects and you will use staff feedback to shape the way we communicate and engage with our workforce, strengthening existing channels.

You will work closely with the Director, Head of Communications & Engagement and fellow Communication Managers to make sure activity is planned and coordinated and has maximum impact across all our audiences.

You will report to the Head of Communications & Engagement and directly line manage a Band 5 Communications Officer.

Skills needed:

• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Able to manage competing pressures, priorities and timelines effectively
• Ability to write clear and compelling content for a wide-range of channels and audiences
• Handle highly complex and sensitive information
• Influence colleagues and leaders on appropriate communications approach
• Organises and plan communications campaigns and projects and initiatives
• Proof reading skills with a keen eye for detail
• Work autonomously, take independent decisions and uses effective delegation

About us

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.

Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application!