Sirona care & health CIC

Associate Director of Communications

The closing date is 26 June 2025

Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic individual to lead our Communications function as we build our strategy for the future of community services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. This is a pivotal role for Sirona as this role will lead all aspects of internal and external communications.

This role will work to the Chief People Officer but will also have regular direct contact with the Chief Executive and Chair, a senior influencer advising the Board and Executives on successful internal and external communications strategies.

Ideally you will have extensive experience of working within the public sector at a similar level and within a complex organisation, having demonstrated successful delivery of influential campaigns, brand development and reputational management.

This role will work with an award-winning team to deliver and implement creative, meaningful, and tailored campaigns which support engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and will work closely with leads across our integrated system, NHSE and UKSHA.

You will have demonstrable experience of contract management and the presentation of complex and sensitive information, accessibility requirements and equality, diversity and inclusion as well as a bumper network of contacts.

Main duties of the job

A key part of the role will be to assist the Chair, Chief Executive and Sirona Leadership team to effectively manage Sirona's relationships with its key stakeholders, in particular, the media, MPs and partner organisations maximising opportunities to promote Sirona's work and developing its brand and reputation and steering any major service changes or issues through public consultation and gaining political support as appropriate.

Internally the post holder will provide senior management to the Communications team, ensuring a skilled team is in place that focuses on objectives which underpin inclusive internal communications and high professional standards.

The post-holder will be the strategic communications lead for EPRR and will work closely with leads in our system, both in health and social care, regional NHSE and UKHSA teams and also the Local Resilience Forum as required.

About us

Ever dreamt about a career that sparks excitement and fosters your professional growth? Picture yourself waking up eager to make a real difference in our community, surrounded by teams who value your unique ideas. It's time to turn your dream into reality!

We are Sirona care & health - England's largest provider of Adult's and Children's Community Services and we'd love for you to join us in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire.

Agenda for Change Salary, full NHS benefits, 27+ days' annual leave, and participation in the NHS Pension Scheme - just a glimpse of the benefits we offer.

Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare, looking for a fresh challenge within the NHS, or contemplating a career change, don't be daunted by the prospect of something different - we create development opportunities for all our colleagues and apprentices.

Interested? View our benefits leaflet which you can find as an attachment on this vacancy.

Date posted

24 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

083-7277171-MP

Job locations

2nd Floor, Council Offices

Badminton Road

Yate

BS37 5AR

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please read the attached Job description and Person Specification for full details of the role before applying.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role and can only accept applications from UK based applicants.

If you are currently require a visa to work in the UK, there must be a minimum of 12 months from your start date until the expiry date.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please read the attached Job description and Person Specification for full details of the role before applying.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role and can only accept applications from UK based applicants.

If you are currently require a visa to work in the UK, there must be a minimum of 12 months from your start date until the expiry date.

Person Specification

Paper copies if required

Essential

Degree level qualification or working towards achieving. Or equivalent experience.
Extensive knowledge of specialist communication or similar areas with evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development gained
Qualification in specialist field

Desirable

Postgraduate qualification
Appropriate professional qualifications (e.g. membership of Chartered Institute of Public Relations or similar)

Questions

Essential

Extensive experience of providing strategic advice at a senior level within a complex organisation preferably within health or public sector
In-depth experience of stakeholder management and public affairs, successfully delivering an influencing campaign with tangible outcomes
Demonstrable record using audience insights to improve both internal and external communications in a complex organisation
Experience of successful media relations including confident handling of press
Demonstrable experience of crisis preparedness and management

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

Promotes high standards for improving diversity and equality, as per the Workforce Race Equality Standard and Workforce Disability Equality Standard.
Commitment to equality of opportunity, focussed on removing barriers to full participation. oFosters good working relationships and values diversity and difference.
Understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in delivering our role in the health and care system.
Adherence to the Data Protection Act 2018 / General Data Protection Regulation (GPDR).
Upholds the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Promotes gender equality and is supportive of closing our Gender Pay Gap.

Person Specification

Paper copies if required

Essential

Degree level qualification or working towards achieving. Or equivalent experience.
Extensive knowledge of specialist communication or similar areas with evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development gained
Qualification in specialist field

Desirable

Postgraduate qualification
Appropriate professional qualifications (e.g. membership of Chartered Institute of Public Relations or similar)

Questions

Essential

Extensive experience of providing strategic advice at a senior level within a complex organisation preferably within health or public sector
In-depth experience of stakeholder management and public affairs, successfully delivering an influencing campaign with tangible outcomes
Demonstrable record using audience insights to improve both internal and external communications in a complex organisation
Experience of successful media relations including confident handling of press
Demonstrable experience of crisis preparedness and management

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

Promotes high standards for improving diversity and equality, as per the Workforce Race Equality Standard and Workforce Disability Equality Standard.
Commitment to equality of opportunity, focussed on removing barriers to full participation. oFosters good working relationships and values diversity and difference.
Understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in delivering our role in the health and care system.
Adherence to the Data Protection Act 2018 / General Data Protection Regulation (GPDR).
Upholds the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Promotes gender equality and is supportive of closing our Gender Pay Gap.

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.