Address Communications and engagement Support the development of an ambitious communications strategy for the Trust. Working with managers and clinicians to identify and understand the communications needs for specific projects. Ensuring unique, robust communications plans are produced for each project, then monitoring their delivery and evaluating their effectiveness. Develop strong relationships with staff at all levels of the organisation; utilising strong communication and influencing skills to convey and discuss complex information with a diverse audience.
Handling highly sensitive, confidential, and often complex information. This could be providing communications expertise during an incident or on a challenging reputational issue to guide written or verbal communication to internal or external audiences. Develop and manage our communications channels to ensure they are continuously improved, appropriate for our audiences, effective, value for money, and up to date. Drive improvement and service changes within the Communications and Engagement team which will bring benefit to the wider organisation.
Developing policies and guidance where appropriate. Support the communications team to maintain the staff intranet, as the go-to-point for news and information about the Trust. Actively seek out opportunities (internally and externally) to celebrate the achievements of staff and to help raise the Trusts profile and boost confidence in our care and services across Sussex. Build strong working relationships with local stakeholder offices and local journalists/media outlets.
Develop plans to support an increase in leadership visibility of the Trust Executive Team, seeking out opportunities to involve the senior team and foster two-way communication. Lead and support Communications team in coordinating Trust-wide events and initiatives such as the annual Staff Awards working with external suppliers, sponsors and key internal stakeholders. Supporting the AD of Communications and Engagement to build an understanding of, and insights into, the views of key internal and external stakeholders. Supporting the team to manage Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trusts web and social media presence and communications and engagement activity.
Supporting with activity to ensure the implementation of the organisations brand and visual identity. Supporting and leading on filming opportunities, using Trust equipment (iPhone, cameras, lapel microphones) to capture effective audio-visual content in a range of environments (e.g clinical and non-clinical, events, patient houses). Support and oversee video and design editing where required, using specialist software such as PremierPro, Canva and InDesign. Leading the organisation of high-profile public events, e.g.
ministerial and other VIP visits and openings of new facilities and services. Leadership and management Line management of other members of the Communications and Engagement team, holding regular one to ones and formal appraisal and employee meetings. Working with the AD of Communications and Engagement, have a strategic oversight of communications activity to ensure it is effective in meeting Trust objectives. Propose changes and support development of communications policies and guidance to support the wider organisation.
Lead on the development of the communications team planning tools to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to communication activity and messaging, ensuring consistency and joined-up working. Provide day-to-day support to all members of the communications team to help coordinate activities and ensure priorities are met and delivered to a consistent professional standard. Lead on evaluation and reporting of the teams activities to show breadth of the work undertaken and impact on the Trusts reputation. Represent the Trust at external meetings with partners and key stakeholders and joining relevant working groups as directed by the AD of Communications and Engagement.
Deputising for the AD of Communications and Engagement as needed, including periods of leave or unplanned absence. Monitor the use of the Communications and Engagement team budget, and work with the AD of Communications and Engagement to allocate the budget appropriately within the team.
