Deputy Head of Communications

Strategic Communications and Planning Lead on the communications planning process for the Trust, owning and continuously improving the forward planning grid and channel planner for all channels and services, including:

Internal communications

providing information to staff and engaging with them through a variety of means, building staff knowledge, confidence and connection to the Trusts strategy and values.

External public communications

seeking out compelling stories and using appropriate channels to share positive news about the Trust.

External stakeholder communications

ensuring partners are informed, briefed regularly and supportive of the Trusts strategic direction.

Digital communications

ensuring channels are exploited for engagement as well as broadcast, and that the Trust is using appropriate platforms including social media, the BHT app, the CAKE intranet and BHT Buzz. Provide expert communications guidance at internal and external meetings, deputising for the Associate Director of Communications and Engagement where required. Support the Associate Director in implementing key elements of the Trusts overarching Communications and Engagement Strategy, including support for embedding the four key behaviours: working in teams, listening to patients and colleagues, embracing difference, and empowering people. Influence, negotiate and advise colleagues at all levels on communication, media, crisis handling, marketing and engagement matters in accordance with best practice. Lead on effective communications reporting and evaluation, advising the team on best practice for demonstrating the value and impact of campaigns and activities. Profile Raising and Reputation Management Provide expert professional communications advice to senior leaders across the Trust, including on contentious matters where expert opinions may differ, often reacting to unforeseen events. Regularly horizon scan internally and externally, identifying potential risks and opportunities relevant to the Trusts profile or reputation at an early stage, ensuring the Trust can respond or capitalise in a timely fashion. Ensure reputational issues are escalated appropriately and that risks are identified, logged and managed. Proactively manage relationships, both internal and external, ensuring appropriate and timely engagement with stakeholders. Work with the team to provide an effective proactive and reactive media relations service, promoting the best interests of the Trust and minimising potential reputational damage. Establish effective links with Trust directorates to ensure managers and clinical staff are informed, engaged with the Trusts priorities and supported with expert communications advice. Provide expert briefing, reputational management and crisis handling advice to senior staff. During major incidents and crises, execute internal and external communications plans to ensure key stakeholders are informed and reputational risks are minimised. Work collaboratively with communications and engagement teams across the Buckinghamshire place partnership, ICS and NHS England, supporting system-wide communications on transformational change. Campaigns Lead on the design and delivery of innovative and creative communications and marketing plans to support key Trust campaigns, for example recruitment, transformation projects and public health initiatives. Support the development and maintenance of the Trusts brand, including visual identity and house style, advising and guiding colleagues in correct use of templates and guidelines. Working with internal colleagues and external agencies where necessary, develop appropriate materials, information and marketing collateral which reflect the Trusts brand, vision and values. Lead on communications activity for designated areas of Trust business, acting as a trusted communications advisor and the go-to person for internal and external communications advice. Team Management and Development Lead the communications team, including appraisals, personal development planning, coaching, mentoring and discipline. Effectively manage the performance and projects delivered by direct reports to ensure a consistent and excellent level of work at all times. Talent manage and grow individuals within the team, ensuring continuous development in line with national, technological and organisational changes. Understand individual development needs and provide personal development plans that support their needs and contribute to the departments business and skills requirements. Maintain and enhance own personal and professional skills and competences, contributing to own performance appraisals and development plan. Keep abreast of professional, technological and digital best practice that could enhance the role or team. Deputise for the Associate Director of Communications and Engagement at internal and external meetings and events as required. Financial Responsibilities Identify suppliers and negotiate, manage and evaluate contracts with external contractors providing communication or engagement services not available in-house (e.g. video, specialist design, printing services), in line with procurement policy. Support other departments on briefing suppliers for specific projects. Ensure that use of resources represents value for money and is properly accounted for at all times. Manage contracts or agreements with suppliers of communications or engagement activity or products. Information Management Ensure that patient confidentiality is protected at all times and the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018 are adhered to. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion, taking into account how individual actions contribute to the equality agenda. Act in a way that is compliant with standing financial instructions and governance, constantly striving for value for money and greater efficiency.