Job summary We are seeking to appoint an Head of Communications who will lead the development and execution of dynamic, creative campaigns and strategic communications plans that support the delivery of ESNEFT's objectives. This role focuses on mid to long-term planning to enhance the Trust's reputation, engage stakeholders effectively, and ensure clear, consistent messaging both internally and externally. You will oversee proactive and reactive media relations, ensuring positive media coverage and effective crisis communication.Manage the communications team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This role is Fixed Term/Secondment until 31st March 2026. Main duties of the job Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, providing expert advice on communication best practices. Ensure effective engagement with each clinical division and corporate services. Ensure effective internal communications to engage and inform staff across the Trust. Monitor and evaluate the impact of communications activities, using insights to refine strategies. Manage the Trust's digital content over social media channels. Develop key messages and briefings for senior leaders and Board members. About us We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes. We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff. We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options. Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services. Our philosophy is thatTime Mattersto everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients. We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what's widely regarded as the world's best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients. If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you. Find out about living and working here -www.youtube.com/watch?vGkPu7HphU8A Date posted 03 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £62,215 to £72,293 a year per annum Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 432-HR2281-24 Job locations Colchester/Ipswich Hospital Colchester/Ipswich CO4 5JL Job description Job responsibilities For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description. Job description Job responsibilities For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description. Person Specification Experience Essential Proven experience of working in a senior management/leadership role Experience of managing and motivating a large team or teams Leading changes in practice in a complex environment to improve performance/services Leading complex projects Responsible for a significant budget and budget setting Identifying and interpreting national policy and implementing required changes Business case development Qualifications Essential Educated to masters level or equivalent experience Management/leadership qualification or equivalent experience Evidence of continued professional development Further relevant training Desirable Project Management Qualification Knowledge Essential Financial procedures including budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes Business planning /annual planning/long term planning In depth understanding of change management Able to use IT systems including Microsoft Office In depth understanding of the current NHS agenda and healthcare policy including transformation and workforce Understanding of the relationship between providers and commissioning organisations Demonstrable knowledge of service improvements and project management Risk management and governance Desirable NHS IT systems Person Specification Experience Essential Proven experience of working in a senior management/leadership role Experience of managing and motivating a large team or teams Leading changes in practice in a complex environment to improve performance/services Leading complex projects Responsible for a significant budget and budget setting Identifying and interpreting national policy and implementing required changes Business case development Qualifications Essential Educated to masters level or equivalent experience Management/leadership qualification or equivalent experience Evidence of continued professional development Further relevant training Desirable Project Management Qualification Knowledge Essential Financial procedures including budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes Business planning /annual planning/long term planning In depth understanding of change management Able to use IT systems including Microsoft Office In depth understanding of the current NHS agenda and healthcare policy including transformation and workforce Understanding of the relationship between providers and commissioning organisations Demonstrable knowledge of service improvements and project management Risk management and governance Desirable NHS IT systems 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. Employer details Employer name East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust Address Colchester/Ipswich Hospital Colchester/Ipswich CO4 5JL Employer's website https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)