Senior Communications Officer

Our NHS client is looking for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to work on an interim basis. B6 or B7 Senior Communications Officer Location: Wickford (travel to other sites required) Duration: Expected to be for 12 weeks Hours : 9am - 5pm (flexible) Pay: Banding will be determined based on experience Band 6 £18.50 PAYE - £23.00 Umbrella Band 7 £20.50 PAYE - £28.00 Umbrella Develop, implement and evaluate communications projects a range of communications projects, including campaigns, engagement strategies, consultations and events as required. This includes managing budgets and schedules, and managing external contractors and suppliers as required. Commission, write and edit complex internal and external communications materials including reports, articles, media releases, statements and information products. Create written and visual content, bulletins, newsletters, video and other communications products for electronic and print distribution. Organise distribution as required using a range of tools, platforms and channels including social media. Develop, review and evaluate communications channels and activities to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement. Provide proactive and reactive media management, developing effective relationships with journalists and identifying opportunities to generate positive and accurate news coverage about the Trust and using expertise to manage reputational risk. Respond to media enquiries, brief journalists; manage events, press conferences, photo calls and visits as needed. Identify issues that pose a risk to the organisation’s reputation and public confidence and provide appropriate media handling in accordance with the trust’s policies. This includes confident management of media enquiries in distressing situations in relation to Serious Incidents and judging what information should be released into the public domain while adhering to the Trust’s confidentiality policy. Develop and maintain knowledge of communication systems and platforms as needed. Receive and respond to queries from Trust colleagues and members of the public, providing excellent customer service. Develop positive relationships and work in partnership with colleagues from teams across the Trust, and where appropriate external partner organisations, to deliver communications projects and activities. Ensure consistency in use of the Trust’s corporate image and style, in line with NHS branding guidelines. Provide communication, marketing and media advice and support to managers, staff, committees and working groups. Train colleagues in use of communications tools and channels including systems. Participate in the out-of-hours on call communications function for the Trust. Line manage Communications Officers and Assistants, in line with Trust policies and guidance, providing supervision and supporting colleagues’ development. Working independently under pressure, prioritising activities to manage workload and meet deadlines.