Job summary
This post will be responsible for engaging the hearts and minds of internal and external stakeholders, through stakeholder engagement, internal communications and corporate communications. They will play a critical role in developing and shaping internal and corporate communications capability so that the organisation is fully able to meet the significant challenges that lie ahead.
The postholder will have demonstrable expertise in internal communications, ensuring that there is an effective, planned approach that helps our staff and stakeholders understand who we are and what we do. They will lead a team of internal and corporate communications specialists and will be expected to develop the team and the individuals within it.
The post holder will play a full part in the leadership team of the communications division, ensuring that their own areas of responsibility and the wider requirements of the division are met and delivered.
Our organisational values of Working Together, with Trust and Respect, to Make a Difference, underpinned by our Being Our Best Framework set out how we are expected to undertake our roles. The Being Our Best colleague groups which apply to this role is/are Colleague and People Manager.
Main duties of the job
This post will be responsible for engaging the hearts and minds of internal and external stakeholders, through stakeholder engagement, internal communications and corporate communications.
The postholder will play a critical role in developing and shaping internal and corporate communications capability so that the organisation is fully able to meet the significant challenges that lie ahead. This will include strategic communications (internal and to external partners) to support accelerating the implementation of the long-term strategy and its six strategic priorities.
The postholder will have demonstrable expertise in internal communications, ensuring that there is an effective, planned approach that helps our staff and stakeholders understand who we are and what we do.
The postholder will lead a team of internal and corporate communications specialists and will be expected to develop the team and the individuals within it.
The post holder will support complex strategic programmes whose impact and stakeholders may span multiple directorates or the whole of the organisation. There is therefore considerable breadth to the communications work involved.
The post holder will play a full part in the leadership team of the communications division, ensuring that their own areas of responsibility and the wider requirements of the division are met and delivered.
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.
We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of highly skilled communications professionals.
- Develop and implement communications strategies and plans for organisation-wide projects that require significant change management skills (eg organisational changes, system implementations, staff restructuring). This will require the handling of extremely sensitive and contentious issues and advising on appropriate communication with the organisation.
- Lead on the organisations communications response to change affecting Public Health Waless services and staff again often requiring the handling of sensitive and contentious issues where staff and service users may feel uncertain and anxious.
- Oversee the delivery of the corporate events strategy for the organisation, to include major events, including the annual Staff Conference.
- Responsible for the day-to-day operational management and strategic development of functions within the post holders portfolio, balancing the need for proactive service development and strategic leadership against the reactive demand of operational responsibilities and stakeholders.
- Provide expert strategic and delivery support for key staff engagement activities and leadership communications.
- Drive strategic planning, ensuring that national and local priorities are reflected in communications activity at a national and local level, and use communication strategies to raise awareness of appropriate political priorities.
- Build communications into all long-term strategic planning, advising, influencing and persuading senior staff on appropriate approaches where necessary
- Lead and sponsor specific communication projects to develop new ways of working in line with the strategies and business plans of the organisation. This will include planning and organising a broad range of complex activities and programmes of work on short- and long-term basis adjusting communication and project priorities and adapting work plan as required.
- Analyse and assess conflicting information where expert opinion may differ, or information may not be available relying on judgment and critical thinking to deliver an appropriate outcome and be responsible for giving expert advice through systematic analysis and reports to inform on strategic decisions for the programme.
- Frequently exercise judgment and make significant and informed decisions, without the opportunity to discuss with colleagues, involving highly complex facts, figures and situations which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options. This could include the delivery of organisational change programmes and the impact on teams and individuals within them.
- A high degree of autonomy will be required of the post holder to enable them to act in consultation with members of the executive team on staff and organisation related issues.
- Work independently guided by broad organisational strategies and policies and specific local and national guidelines, advising on how these should be interpreted and implemented.
- Be politically aware and understand the complex NHS and political issues and changing strategic situations.
- Continually review internal communications practice, implementing improvements to promote best practice and cost effectiveness in all areas.
- Use formal and informal measurement data evaluate the effectiveness of communications channels and their content, as well as to improve future communications.
- Set, monitor and forecast an accurate budget for their specialist areas of work.
- Lead and support the Communications Team ensuring effective allocation and prioritisation of workload. Ensure all direct reports have an annual appraisal, clear objectives, personal development and training plan and regular My Contribution reviews. Monitor sickness absence and comply with other HR processes.
- Assist and deputise for the Head of Communications as required.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view on Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of highly skilled communications professionals.
- Develop and implement communications strategies and plans for organisation-wide projects that require significant change management skills (eg organisational changes, system implementations, staff restructuring). This will require the handling of extremely sensitive and contentious issues and advising on appropriate communication with the organisation.
- Lead on the organisations communications response to change affecting Public Health Waless services and staff again often requiring the handling of sensitive and contentious issues where staff and service users may feel uncertain and anxious.
- Oversee the delivery of the corporate events strategy for the organisation, to include major events, including the annual Staff Conference.
- Responsible for the day-to-day operational management and strategic development of functions within the post holders portfolio, balancing the need for proactive service development and strategic leadership against the reactive demand of operational responsibilities and stakeholders.
- Provide expert strategic and delivery support for key staff engagement activities and leadership communications.
- Drive strategic planning, ensuring that national and local priorities are reflected in communications activity at a national and local level, and use communication strategies to raise awareness of appropriate political priorities.
- Build communications into all long-term strategic planning, advising, influencing and persuading senior staff on appropriate approaches where necessary
- Lead and sponsor specific communication projects to develop new ways of working in line with the strategies and business plans of the organisation. This will include planning and organising a broad range of complex activities and programmes of work on short- and long-term basis adjusting communication and project priorities and adapting work plan as required.
- Analyse and assess conflicting information where expert opinion may differ, or information may not be available relying on judgment and critical thinking to deliver an appropriate outcome and be responsible for giving expert advice through systematic analysis and reports to inform on strategic decisions for the programme.
- Frequently exercise judgment and make significant and informed decisions, without the opportunity to discuss with colleagues, involving highly complex facts, figures and situations which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options. This could include the delivery of organisational change programmes and the impact on teams and individuals within them.
- A high degree of autonomy will be required of the post holder to enable them to act in consultation with members of the executive team on staff and organisation related issues.
- Work independently guided by broad organisational strategies and policies and specific local and national guidelines, advising on how these should be interpreted and implemented.
- Be politically aware and understand the complex NHS and political issues and changing strategic situations.
- Continually review internal communications practice, implementing improvements to promote best practice and cost effectiveness in all areas.
- Use formal and informal measurement data evaluate the effectiveness of communications channels and their content, as well as to improve future communications.
- Set, monitor and forecast an accurate budget for their specialist areas of work.
- Lead and support the Communications Team ensuring effective allocation and prioritisation of workload. Ensure all direct reports have an annual appraisal, clear objectives, personal development and training plan and regular My Contribution reviews. Monitor sickness absence and comply with other HR processes.
- Assist and deputise for the Head of Communications as required.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view on Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Educated to master's degree level or equivalent, or equivalent experience / Relevant qualification e.g. communication studies and/or public relations and/or marketing / Evidence of Continual professional development / Member of the CIPR/CIM/IOIC
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- oExperience of working with multidisciplinary teams at varying levels of seniority. oDemonstrable experience in building, leading, motivating, managing and developing teams. oBroad experience of, and evidence of, working in partnership with NHS organisations, broader public services and the third sector at all levels. oDemonstrable experience of working with, and providing expert internal communications advice to, senior colleagues, leaders and managers. oPractical experience and evidence of using formal and informal measurement techniques to evaluate communications. oHighly developed specialist knowledge of internal communications and the broad range of associated activities and procedures, underpinned by theory and experience. oExperience of planning and delivering high profile events.
Desirable
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- oCommunicate effectively, including excellent spoken and written skills oComfortable with working on their own initiative and are confident in making sound, independent judgements. oAn analytical mind and capable of drawing clear conclusions from multiple information sources. oCan evidence the ability to routinely build positive relationships with colleagues to establish confidence and trust. oHas the ability to relate to people, processes and systems equally well. oAble to develop long-term and complex internal communications strategies and evidence high degree of competence in execution of plans. oProven ability to achieve targets and objectives within a demanding and pressurised environment against challenging deadlines. oAble to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, displaying credibility, influence and political acumen. oExcellent communication, organisational, quality improvement, leadership and IT skills. oAble to apply creativity and innovation to develop their approach to internal communications, based on new concepts, insights or analysis.
Desirable
- oAbility to speak Welsh/willingness to learn. oTechnical skills to develop and manage intranet and internet communications.
Other
Essential
- oEnthusiastic, committed, proactive and innovative oAbility to manage competing demands and meet deadlines oAbility to work well as part of a team and propose innovative solutions to challenges oAbility to work on own initiative and self-manage workload oWillingness to learn and develop skills oAble to deal with challenging cross-organisational relationships oExpected to respond rapidly and efficiently to ever-changing circumstances
Desirable
- oAbility and willingness to travel throughout Wales on occasion.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Educated to master's degree level or equivalent, or equivalent experience / Relevant qualification e.g. communication studies and/or public relations and/or marketing / Evidence of Continual professional development / Member of the CIPR/CIM/IOIC
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- oExperience of working with multidisciplinary teams at varying levels of seniority. oDemonstrable experience in building, leading, motivating, managing and developing teams. oBroad experience of, and evidence of, working in partnership with NHS organisations, broader public services and the third sector at all levels. oDemonstrable experience of working with, and providing expert internal communications advice to, senior colleagues, leaders and managers. oPractical experience and evidence of using formal and informal measurement techniques to evaluate communications. oHighly developed specialist knowledge of internal communications and the broad range of associated activities and procedures, underpinned by theory and experience. oExperience of planning and delivering high profile events.
Desirable
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- oCommunicate effectively, including excellent spoken and written skills oComfortable with working on their own initiative and are confident in making sound, independent judgements. oAn analytical mind and capable of drawing clear conclusions from multiple information sources. oCan evidence the ability to routinely build positive relationships with colleagues to establish confidence and trust. oHas the ability to relate to people, processes and systems equally well. oAble to develop long-term and complex internal communications strategies and evidence high degree of competence in execution of plans. oProven ability to achieve targets and objectives within a demanding and pressurised environment against challenging deadlines. oAble to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, displaying credibility, influence and political acumen. oExcellent communication, organisational, quality improvement, leadership and IT skills. oAble to apply creativity and innovation to develop their approach to internal communications, based on new concepts, insights or analysis.
Desirable
- oAbility to speak Welsh/willingness to learn. oTechnical skills to develop and manage intranet and internet communications.
Other
Essential
- oEnthusiastic, committed, proactive and innovative oAbility to manage competing demands and meet deadlines oAbility to work well as part of a team and propose innovative solutions to challenges oAbility to work on own initiative and self-manage workload oWillingness to learn and develop skills oAble to deal with challenging cross-organisational relationships oExpected to respond rapidly and efficiently to ever-changing circumstances
Desirable
- oAbility and willingness to travel throughout Wales on occasion.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
