We are seeking a very experienced Senior Communications and Engagement Manager to lead on media and external relations for the Trust and coordinating our response to high profile issues. You will have exceptional judgment, political nous and analytical skills to cut through the detail to help us communicate well to patients, the public and our staff. For those wishing to refresh their crisis and strategic PR experience, this opportunity may be for you?
UHCW works closely with all national media outlets and we are looking for top talent in media, stakeholder relations as well as ability to oversee and align patient communications with that activity. As a highly skilled communicator you will have a proven track record of providing professional advice and expertise, ideally in a healthcare or similar setting, whilst delivering highly effective communication and engagement strategies which have impact. The role will be supported and report directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications, Lynda Scott.
We are a values-led organisation and are looking for someone who naturally leads and works collaboratively as the role will often have to coordinate across teams and departments to achieve results. This is a 6 month secondment opportunity for NHS Trust colleagues or a 6 month Fixed Term Contract, both with potential for extension.
Leading and coordinating communications for reputational issues .
Lead and coordinate the media relations team
Coordinated oversight to stakeholder relations activity for reputational issues e.g. MPs, regulators.
Working to Director of Comms and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for ongoing clinical issues/programme.
Media training support for EPPR on call executive (July -Sept).
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Communications and Relationships:
Reporting directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications and working alongside the interim Head of Communications.
Provide media relations and reputation management advice support to Trust’s Leadership Team, Director of Communications and Marketing and Deputy Chief Medical Officer as well as other senior managers;
Act as communications link between organisation and stakeholders including NHS England/Department of Health and Social Care, arms-length bodies, healthcare partners, professional bodies, regulators (CQC) and patients.
Coordinate media and stakeholder relations for reputational issues.
Stakeholder and partnership relations – working with strategic relationship manager, supporting effective relationships with wide range of stakeholders and partners.
Support senior colleagues in the management of complex situations which pose a risk to the organisation’s reputation, recommending communication and stakeholder management strategies which may themselves involve balancing risks.
Support speaking opportunities for senior colleagues with speech writing, presentations and training.
Understanding of legal environment for issues within the NHS and support appropriate responses, working closely with Trust and NHS Resolution teams.
Proactive opportunities – oversight of corporate comms planner, horizon scanning and making connections to help navigate reputational impact of local, regional and national issues.
Knowledge Training and Experience:
To deliver effective media relations service as part reputation and help the Trust realise our ambition as an organisation to be a national and international leader in healthcare rooted in communities.
A key communications advisor role and helping lead our response to a range of reputational issues – an understanding of medical environment will be helpful.
Collaborative leadership : The role will work as part of the communications team, leading the media relations service but also leading the communications response to reputational issues. The role is supported directly by 2 media relations staff (Band 6 and Band 5).
Coordinator : The role will play a pivotal role in ensuring communications on complex issues is planned, coordinated and as efficient and effective as possible.
Responsible for media relations including developing forward media plan, delivering proactive and reactive media briefings, public relations and establishing effective relationships with the media . Oversight to a professional, proactive and responsive press office 24/7, ensuring that the hospital provides open, accurate and timely responses to all media enquiries. Oversight of busy media broadcast delivery with a range of media outlets including TV and radio. D ealing with enquiries from journalists, producing press statements and releases, liaising with television and radio crews for local, regional and national coverage. Assisting staff with preparation and training for media interviews. Preparation of response to Clinical Reviews, quality inspections (CQC) and court cases. Oversight of media monitoring and reporting to Trust Board and leadership team.
Internal communications –working in partnership with the Head of Communications, support effective internal communications including situations involving highly complex and sometime sensitive information.
Partnership : When managing reputational issues, working with those clinical teams involved as well as engagement and workforce colleagues to understand how best to support staff in media spotlight.
Governance : Work with colleagues at all levels to identify and understand the communication needs for specific projects with robust comms plans produced for each project and their delivery is monitored and effectiveness evaluated.
Support staff who are affected by issues and give support when they find themselves in media spotlight, both positive and negative situations.
Provide effective media or presentation training as needed including oversight of external agencies to help with this.
Digital Communications – working with the Director and Head of Communications, ensure that issues and media campaigns on all Trust digital channels such as website, social media accounts (Facebook, Linked In, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube) are reviewed for reputational impact.
Patient communications – working closely with our quality and legal teams, to ensure that patients and families are kept informed where issues arise either directly from clinical or other teams or sometimes directly from the communications team.
Safeguarding and confidentiality – due to the sensitive nature of issues, this role is key at ensuring confidentiality and consent in media environments is appropriate.
Broadcast TV opportunities – the Trust hosts TV series and this role will liaise with opportunities and coordinate responses including live filming with media team.
Planning and Organisational Skills:
Oversight, development, monitoring and delivery of strategic and communications plans for reputational issues , often involving changing situations and environmental factors
Partnership Liaison - Act as a senior communications link between organisations and stakeholders including professional bodies, patient organisations, local and national government.
Evaluating and reporting on metrics that demonstrate the value the communications function delivers and identify areas and plans for improvement.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
Secondment will be considered for internal candidates – If you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer.
