Senior Communications Officer

The Senior Communications Officer will play a critical role in supporting the operational delivery of communications across the organisation. They will ensure communication channels are accurate, up to date, and effectively promote the right content to the right audience. The role includes a focus on reputation building, external communications, managing video and photography production, and overseeing processes and communication requests. The post holder will also manage and develop the Assistant Communications Officer. Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Senior Communications Officer will lead on internal and external communications strategies, producing high-quality materials tailored for diverse audiences. They will engage effectively with patients, staff, stakeholders, and the wider public, supporting the organisation's objectives and values. This role also involves managing projects, supporting process improvements, and delivering evidence-based communications that align with Trust priorities. The post holder will work within a corporate communications team, supporting innovations and transformations across the organisation. This is an opportunity for an experienced and adaptable professional who understands healthcare or public sector challenges and can deliver impactful messaging to internal and external audiences., The Senior Communications Officer supports digital communications, including managing the website, staff app, screensavers, and social media platforms. They handle media enquiries, prepare press releases, and contribute to public relations strategies. The role involves leading internal communications by developing staff channels and ensuring employees are informed and engaged. They plan, deliver, and evaluate communication campaigns and organise events such as VIP visits and staff engagement activities. A key focus is on identifying and promoting human interest stories that highlight the organisation's work and values. The officer oversees the communications email inbox, ensuring timely responses and providing guidance to colleagues. They create and edit engaging content for press releases, newsletters, internal updates, and social media, while also managing and supporting junior staff, including the Assistant Communications Officer. Additionally, they contribute to process improvements by developing tools and systems to enhance communication delivery., 1. Report to the Communications Manager and deputise for this post when necessary. 2. Support digital communications, including maintaining and updating the website, staff app, screensavers, and social media channels. Work to ensure these platforms are consistently engaging, up-to-date, and aligned with the Trust's objectives. 3. Support media enquiries, including responding promptly, preparing press statements, and organising media interviews. Provide input into communication plans and campaigns to strengthen public relations. 4. Plan and deliver events, including VIP visits, service openings, and staff engagement activities, ensuring they are well-organised and align with the Trust's communication objectives. 5. Oversee the communications email inbox, ensuring enquiries are handled promptly and appropriately. Provide guidance to colleagues and escalate issues where necessary. 6. Focus on human interest stories, identifying and promoting compelling stories from across the Trust. Share these through press releases, social media, and other internal and external communication channels to build engagement and reputation. 7. Plan and manage key campaigns, including preparing, managing, and evaluating plans with project teams to meet their objectives. Coordinate campaign delivery and ensure projects remain within budget. 8. Oversee internal communications, including managing staff communication channels such as newsletters, updates, and briefings to keep staff informed and engaged. 9. Design, implement, and evaluate communication and engagement strategies to support the Trust's overall goals and communication plans. 10. Provide advice and guidance to staff and managers on communication issues. Write clear and effective copy on their behalf when required. 11. Lead and support communications colleagues, motivating and advising them to deliver high-quality outputs. Manage the Assistant Communications Officer and oversee their development and contributions. 12. Collaborate with stakeholders and partners, building and maintaining effective working relationships to support integrated communications and shared goals. 13. Conduct research and evaluation to inform communication priorities, monitor effectiveness, and improve strategies in line with evidence-based practices. 14. Produce and implement comprehensive communications plans, introducing new communication initiatives aligned with best practice and legislation as required. 15. Identify and promote good news stories internally and externally to enhance the Trust's reputation. Share these through a variety of communication platforms. 16. Write engaging and effective content for press releases, newsletters, staff communications, and social media campaigns tailored to diverse audiences. 17. Coordinate and promote staff and manager briefings and other engagement initiatives to improve communication and collaboration within the Trust. 18. Manage video and photography production, ensuring high-quality outputs that align with communication goals and Trust standards. 19. Respond to communication queries received by the team from internal colleagues and external partners, providing timely and helpful support. General duties: 1. Support the team in the production and distribution of high quality print/online publications. This may include sourcing copy and images, writing copy, proof reading, liaising with external suppliers and distributing materials. 2. Contribute to monitoring the Communications and Engagement's team email inbox and telephone line, helping to progress enquiries efficiently and professionally. 3. Represent the Communications and Engagement team at internal and external meetings. 4. Undertake general administration tasks such as raising purchase orders and updating databases. 5. To undertake any other duties of a similar nature consistent with the responsibilities of this post in order to provide a quality communications and engagement service.

• Please Note that Internal at Risk Employees will be given preference for this position
We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward for this vacancy at any time should we receive an overwhelming response of applications. We therefore encourage applicants to apply early if you wish to be considered for this post. If you do not hear from the recruitment 4 weeks within the advertised closing date please assume that you have been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage. Please ensure that you check your emails on a regular basis for any recruitment updates regarding this vacancy. If you are not successful at the shortlisting stage and would like feedback, please contact the Recruitment Team directly for feedback. The salary range quoted is as per NHS Agenda for Change pay structures. This is based on the number of years' working directly within the NHS at the advertised pay band. Experience gained with other NHS Trusts will apply, but candidates without prior experience working direct for the NHS would normally be appointed at the lowest point unless they can demonstrate the equivalent experience and then be eligible for incremental increases in future years. Successful applicants for clinical posts up to and including Band 4 are expected to hold the national Care Certificate qualification and will be supported to attain this once in post. The Trust is committed to equal opportunities, providing opportunities for flexible working and is a non-smoking organisation. As a Trust we are passionate about Anti-Racism, Disability Inclusion, and LGBTQ+ Equality, and are committed to diversifying our staff team in all areas and at all levels of seniority to better reflect the diverse communities we serve. Therefore, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from people who belong to a minority or marginalised community, including from Black and Asian, Disabled (including hidden disabilities such as Neurodiversity, Mental Health, etc), or Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans or Queer (LGBTQ+) people. Furthermore, Disabled applicants have the option of requesting that their application is considered under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS). Please indicate your intention to apply under the GIS in the relevant section of your application. Regardless of whether you participate in the scheme or have shared a disability, you will be provided the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the interview process at each stage of the recruitment process. Due to the nature of the work some posts may be subject to a Standard Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, through the Disclosure and Barring Service as stipulated under part V of the Police Act 1997. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us; this will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances of your offences.

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health, learning disability, and community healthcare services for the population of the Black Country. Across the whole of the region we provide: + Adult and older adult mental health services + Specialist learning disability services + Mental health services for children and young people + Community healthcare services for children, young people and families in Dudley Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was formed on 1 April 2020, with the merger of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. Combining resources, strategies and talented workforce enables us to deliver a wider variety of outstanding services that are based on best practice and are continually improving. We currently employ over 4,000 people and just like the population we serve, we are made up of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Whatever your role, working in a NHS Foundation Trust, like ours, is a demanding and extremely rewarding experience. Knowing that every day you can help to make a positive difference to someone's life is a very powerful feeling. We know that our Trust runs on this desire to help and support people, and our Trust vision expresses this. Our vision is to improve health and wellbeing for everyone, especially our colleagues to achieve the best possible work/life balance.