Job summary How do you effectively and meaningfully communicate and engage with 19,000 people who work across multiple sites, in varying roles at various times of the day and night? As Head of Internal Communications for the largest employer in Nottinghamshire and one of the biggest and busiest NHS Trusts in the country, you will help us find solutions to that challenge. As a member of the senior leadership team for communications, you will report to the Deputy Director of Communications and will lead this important and vital function responsible for ensuring that there is authentic and effective communication and engagement with colleagues across our hospitals and community sites. You will provide both strategic and tactical internal communications advice to the Trust's Board and senior directors relating to critical issues and change-management priorities. This is an exciting, challenging and rewarding role, where you will have the real opportunity to make a tangible difference to the working lives of our colleagues and contributing the quality of patient care the Trust delivers. NHS experience is not necessary, but a values-led commitment to delivering excellent internal comms is essential. Main duties of the job You will continue to lead and develop our internal communications function that ensures staff know what is happening across our Trust, how their work contributes towards our objectives and how they can have their say. You will work collaboratively with the Heads of External communications and Major Capital programmes to ensure activity is aligned and we work as one team. Responsible for a small team with opportunity to grow, you will also oversee management of our staff reward and recognition schemes, and work with senior leaders to support them to connect with the work being done across our wards, departments and sites. You will further develop and expand the communications business partnering model with our clinical divisions and corporate functions. About us With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation. Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH. Date posted 16 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £62,215 to £72,293 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 164-6930579-A Job locations Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham NG72UH Job description Job responsibilities key job responsibilities Provide strategic direction, challenge and leadership on the implementation of NUHs internal communications strategy, translating strategic activity into messages and activities that are relevant to our colleagues and secure support for it at Board and senior level, including a clear understanding of the resources required to deliver it. Take the communications lead on engaging with our colleagues on the organisations long term Strategy Review our existing approach to internal communications and identify how we can deliver a better service, including new channels and opportunities to reach colleagues, especially where engagement and involvement is low. Develop strong relationships with staff at all levels of the organisation; this will require strong communication and influencing skills in order to convey complex information to a diverse audience. Support leaders and managers across NUH to communicate effectively with their colleagues and recognise the importance of good communications. Work with the Board, executive team and other senior leaders to ensure they are visible and approachable for all staff. Deliver effective and informed change management communications to a diverse and busy workforce with a number of competing priorities in a compassionate and engaging way Help the Trust understand and meet our financial challenge, ensure we are engaging with colleagues to understand our operational performance and lead the team in our support of NUHs Networks to help us meet our ambitions on inclusivity Overseeing continued embedding of our Trust values and People First approach Work in partnership with HR colleagues to ensure a robust and effective staff engagement approach is in place one that listens to staff, acts on their feedback and communicates what has been done. Use insights, data and feedback to inform and plan internal communications activity and regularly measure the effectiveness of the internal communications strategy, contributing to the teams forward planner and quarterly performance reports. Develop and drive a truly innovative approach to the development of internal communications, enabling NUH to explore some of the newest approaches from industry and the public sector. Persuade others of the benefits of new approaches and work across departments to gain support for the testing and evaluation of new techniques. Develop strong relationships with communications teams across the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire system and region to share best practice and explore opportunities to work in partnership. Implement and manage an annual internal communications audit and deliver action plans to make the required improvements. Lead the ongoing development of the Trusts internal communications channels so that they are targeted and effective at connecting with multiple audiences across the organisation. Work with relevant internal stakeholders to deliver campaigns that support widespread and/or localised behaviour change, engagement and awareness. Lead for communications on shared campaigns and projects with the HR team and the relevant divisions to promote health and wellbeing, our equality and diversity priorities and other major internal programmes and projects. Work with the communications team to develop timely, engaging and relevant content for all colleagues, including copy-writing, photography and film to tell our story in way that excites, inspires and reassures as appropriate. Advise senior colleagues on strategic internal communications issues, writing briefs and reports as required. Provide expert, specialist advice to support organisational change and transformation programmes, making decisions on the appropriate internal communications approaches / visual identity strategies, alongside the optimal channel deployment to achieve objectives. Work with the Awards and Recognition Manager to ensure there is an effective approach to staff reward and recognition, including the management and organisation of staff recognition events and processes. Line management responsibility of the internal communications team, supporting their professional development and training. Develop, implement and monitor performance of the internal communications teams business and strategic planning processes. Take responsibility for own areas of work, working independently without supervision and on own initiative. Prioritise, plan and allocate resources for the delivery of key internal communications strategies including budget and staffing Develop and deliver plans for major projects including identifying the resources needed to deliver them. Produce business cases as needed for investments in the function taking into account the Trusts policies and procedures for making best use of public money. Plan for, advise and support the use of internal communications channels in the event of a crisis, as part of crisis communications handling, for example issues that impact normal service provision, major incidents or unexpected service closures. Identify, record and manage key risks and issues relating to internal communications and engagement. Ensure all communications and engagement work is inclusive, putting specific arrangements in place to engage with those groups and/or individuals that are harder to reach. Participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota for media enquiries, social media and communications support. This may involve travel to any hospital site at short notice out of hours. Financial and budgetary responsibilities for own team and projects, escalating issues appropriately and providing solutions where budgets may be falling off target. Maintain expert knowledge of communications and engagement best practice developments. Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate to the grade as required. Job description Job responsibilities key job responsibilities Provide strategic direction, challenge and leadership on the implementation of NUHs internal communications strategy, translating strategic activity into messages and activities that are relevant to our colleagues and secure support for it at Board and senior level, including a clear understanding of the resources required to deliver it. Take the communications lead on engaging with our colleagues on the organisations long term Strategy Review our existing approach to internal communications and identify how we can deliver a better service, including new channels and opportunities to reach colleagues, especially where engagement and involvement is low. Develop strong relationships with staff at all levels of the organisation; this will require strong communication and influencing skills in order to convey complex information to a diverse audience. Support leaders and managers across NUH to communicate effectively with their colleagues and recognise the importance of good communications. Work with the Board, executive team and other senior leaders to ensure they are visible and approachable for all staff. Deliver effective and informed change management communications to a diverse and busy workforce with a number of competing priorities in a compassionate and engaging way Help the Trust understand and meet our financial challenge, ensure we are engaging with colleagues to understand our operational performance and lead the team in our support of NUHs Networks to help us meet our ambitions on inclusivity Overseeing continued embedding of our Trust values and People First approach Work in partnership with HR colleagues to ensure a robust and effective staff engagement approach is in place one that listens to staff, acts on their feedback and communicates what has been done. Use insights, data and feedback to inform and plan internal communications activity and regularly measure the effectiveness of the internal communications strategy, contributing to the teams forward planner and quarterly performance reports. Develop and drive a truly innovative approach to the development of internal communications, enabling NUH to explore some of the newest approaches from industry and the public sector. Persuade others of the benefits of new approaches and work across departments to gain support for the testing and evaluation of new techniques. Develop strong relationships with communications teams across the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire system and region to share best practice and explore opportunities to work in partnership. Implement and manage an annual internal communications audit and deliver action plans to make the required improvements. Lead the ongoing development of the Trusts internal communications channels so that they are targeted and effective at connecting with multiple audiences across the organisation. Work with relevant internal stakeholders to deliver campaigns that support widespread and/or localised behaviour change, engagement and awareness. Lead for communications on shared campaigns and projects with the HR team and the relevant divisions to promote health and wellbeing, our equality and diversity priorities and other major internal programmes and projects. Work with the communications team to develop timely, engaging and relevant content for all colleagues, including copy-writing, photography and film to tell our story in way that excites, inspires and reassures as appropriate. Advise senior colleagues on strategic internal communications issues, writing briefs and reports as required. Provide expert, specialist advice to support organisational change and transformation programmes, making decisions on the appropriate internal communications approaches / visual identity strategies, alongside the optimal channel deployment to achieve objectives. Work with the Awards and Recognition Manager to ensure there is an effective approach to staff reward and recognition, including the management and organisation of staff recognition events and processes. Line management responsibility of the internal communications team, supporting their professional development and training. Develop, implement and monitor performance of the internal communications teams business and strategic planning processes. Take responsibility for own areas of work, working independently without supervision and on own initiative. Prioritise, plan and allocate resources for the delivery of key internal communications strategies including budget and staffing Develop and deliver plans for major projects including identifying the resources needed to deliver them. Produce business cases as needed for investments in the function taking into account the Trusts policies and procedures for making best use of public money. Plan for, advise and support the use of internal communications channels in the event of a crisis, as part of crisis communications handling, for example issues that impact normal service provision, major incidents or unexpected service closures. Identify, record and manage key risks and issues relating to internal communications and engagement. Ensure all communications and engagement work is inclusive, putting specific arrangements in place to engage with those groups and/or individuals that are harder to reach. Participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota for media enquiries, social media and communications support. This may involve travel to any hospital site at short notice out of hours. Financial and budgetary responsibilities for own team and projects, escalating issues appropriately and providing solutions where budgets may be falling off target. Maintain expert knowledge of communications and engagement best practice developments. Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate to the grade as required. Person Specification Training and qualifications Essential oEducated to a Masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area oEvidence of continuing professional development Desirable oEvidence of leadership development Experience Essential oSpecialist knowledge and experience of internal communications and considerable experience of leading internal communications at a senior level in a large complex organisation. oExperience of dealing with senior executives; providing counsel and where appropriate, oEvidence of successful communication strategy, development and implementation. oExperience in measuring and evaluating communications and designing channels that target audiences precisely oExcellent knowledge of how communication techniques are evolving and ability to use this information to continually transform Trust communications and plans for all audiences Desirable oExperience of leading internal communications strategies within large NHS organisations oUnderstanding of the public sector and awareness of the relevant social and political environments and impact on the health economy Communication and Relationship Skills Essential oExperience of receiving highly complex, difficult, sensitive and controversial/ contentious information which needs translating to different internal audiences and may require negotiation with senior stakeholders with whom the post holder will be required to influence on handling matters oAbility to influence and persuade others by articulating a balanced view and providing constructive challenge and feedback oUnderstanding of the practice of internal communications and engagement effectively to a range of different audiences, using a variety of methods, techniques and best practice oExcellent IT skills, including ability to use desktop publishing software and content management systems oExcellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work with staff from across the organisation at all levels Desirable oExperience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders oExperience of supporting and organising successful staff award programme and events Values and Behaviours Essential oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values; We are Kind, Inclusive, Ambitious and One Team oRespects, values and cares for others Supports learning and development of self and others Person Specification Training and qualifications Essential oEducated to a Masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area oEvidence of continuing professional development Desirable oEvidence of leadership development Experience Essential oSpecialist knowledge and experience of internal communications and considerable experience of leading internal communications at a senior level in a large complex organisation. oExperience of dealing with senior executives; providing counsel and where appropriate, oEvidence of successful communication strategy, development and implementation. oExperience in measuring and evaluating communications and designing channels that target audiences precisely oExcellent knowledge of how communication techniques are evolving and ability to use this information to continually transform Trust communications and plans for all audiences Desirable oExperience of leading internal communications strategies within large NHS organisations oUnderstanding of the public sector and awareness of the relevant social and political environments and impact on the health economy Communication and Relationship Skills Essential oExperience of receiving highly complex, difficult, sensitive and controversial/ contentious information which needs translating to different internal audiences and may require negotiation with senior stakeholders with whom the post holder will be required to influence on handling matters oAbility to influence and persuade others by articulating a balanced view and providing constructive challenge and feedback oUnderstanding of the practice of internal communications and engagement effectively to a range of different audiences, using a variety of methods, techniques and best practice oExcellent IT skills, including ability to use desktop publishing software and content management systems oExcellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work with staff from across the organisation at all levels Desirable oExperience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders oExperience of supporting and organising successful staff award programme and events Values and Behaviours Essential oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values; We are Kind, Inclusive, Ambitious and One Team oRespects, values and cares for others Supports learning and development of self and others Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts Address Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham NG72UH Employer's website https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)