Job summary
Communications Lead - Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced communications professional to join the Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme and play a key role in supporting system-wide transformation across Dorset. We are looking for a confident and skilled communications lead with the passion and ability to shape clear, engaging and inclusive communications that support change, build understanding and bring people with us on the journey.
As a core member of the programme team, the post holder will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive communications approach to support Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and neighbourhood health and wellbeing. The role will work across a complex system, engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and collaborating closely with communications leads across partner organisations to ensure aligned, consistent and high-quality messaging.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will lead the strategic development and delivery of communications for the Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme, ensuring clear and consistent messaging that supports programme delivery, workforce engagement, public understanding and system alignment. They will develop and maintain a strong narrative for neighbourhood health and wellbeing, using data, insight and engagement feedback to reflect local priorities and enhance the programme's reputation. Working closely with partners across the ICB, local authorities, VCSE and Primary Care, the post holder will provide expert communications advice to programme, place and neighbourhood leaders.
The role will also lead high-quality operational communications, ensuring neighbourhood teams, system partners and communities receive timely updates and opportunities to contribute. This includes maximising communication channels, building effective engagement mechanisms, and raising the programme's profile through digital, social media, multimedia and print content. The post holder will work with communications teams and local media, ensure accessibility standards are met, evaluate impact, and adapt approaches using best practice in communications and engagement.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of training/experience of working at a similar level in a specialist area
- Experience of producing and implementing communications strategies
- Experience of managing projects and delivering change and realisation of benefits
- Skills for communicating complex, sometimes distressing information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral and written communication skills for a diverse audience.
- Ability to compile comprehensive business cases, reports, datasets and letters
- Experience of video filming, editing and production
- Experience in communications & stakeholder management
Desirable
- Qualification in digital communications
- Understanding of basic HTML and web coding
Finance & Resources
Essential
- A clear understanding of budgets and financial resources within the health system.
Information Technology
Essential
- Advanced experience of using Microsoft Office software in the workplace to RSA II/III equivalence
- Experience of web content management systems and understanding of basic HTML /coding.
Personal qualities & attributes
Essential
- High level of drive, self-motivation and energy to see tasks and projects through to conclusion. Able to manage complex activities and events.
- Ability to motivate and influence others and manage resistance to change
- Ability to gain confidence and credibility from a wide range of professionals
- Proven ability to achieve results both autonomously and as part of a team with the confidence to take initiative within boundaries
- Proven ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure, managing tight and often changing timescales.
- Is self-aware, which includes awareness of impact on others
Business travel
Essential
- Subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business. Will travel across a number of sites.
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of training/experience of working at a similar level in a specialist area
- Experience of producing and implementing communications strategies
- Experience of managing projects and delivering change and realisation of benefits
- Skills for communicating complex, sometimes distressing information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral and written communication skills for a diverse audience.
- Ability to compile comprehensive business cases, reports, datasets and letters
- Experience of video filming, editing and production
- Experience in communications & stakeholder management
Desirable
- Qualification in digital communications
- Understanding of basic HTML and web coding
Finance & Resources
Essential
- A clear understanding of budgets and financial resources within the health system.
Information Technology
Essential
- Advanced experience of using Microsoft Office software in the workplace to RSA II/III equivalence
- Experience of web content management systems and understanding of basic HTML /coding.
Personal qualities & attributes
Essential
- High level of drive, self-motivation and energy to see tasks and projects through to conclusion. Able to manage complex activities and events.
- Ability to motivate and influence others and manage resistance to change
- Ability to gain confidence and credibility from a wide range of professionals
- Proven ability to achieve results both autonomously and as part of a team with the confidence to take initiative within boundaries
- Proven ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure, managing tight and often changing timescales.
- Is self-aware, which includes awareness of impact on others
Business travel
Essential
- Subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business. Will travel across a number of sites.
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.
