Job summary
Interim Director of Communications (3 Month Secondment/Fixed Term)
We are seeking an exceptional Interim Director of Communications on a 3 month fixed term basis to specifically lead on our next phase of strategic communications across the Group alongside finalising the redesign of our shared communications function. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping a resilient, professional and efficient infrastructure and embedding a compelling narrative that connects our staff, patients, partners, and the public to our vision and values.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping how we communicate across our three Trusts going forwards, including the development of a Group-wide communications strategy.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Team and Communications Leaders across our Organisation, you will provide expert advice on all aspects of communications and reputation management.
Interviews will take place on 4th November. We anticipate the successful candidate will join us in late November, subject to the completion of all employment checks.
Main duties of the job
You will oversee brand management of our Group, acting as a spokesperson when required and managing high-profile issues with professionalism and sensitivity. You will also drive innovation in how we tell our story--leveraging digital platforms, multimedia content, and creative campaigns to enhance our reach and influence.
As a key representative of the Group, you will engage with regional and national communications networks, including Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and NHS England (NHSE), ensuring our messaging aligns with wider system priorities.
Finally, you will provide leadership to establish the framework for a high-performing and financially sustainable communications function.
We're looking for a dynamic, values-led leader with an appreciation of our context and extensive experience in senior communications roles, ideally within healthcare or public sector. You will have astrategic mindset with the ability to translate complex objectives into clear messagingandexceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
About us
BSW Hospitals Group is a collaborative of three NHS Foundation Trusts, working together to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire. We are committed to innovation, inclusivity, and transformation in healthcare delivery where everyone matters.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Director of Communications will lead the strategic communications function across the BSW Hospitals Group ("the Group"), providing expert leadership in internal and external communications, media relations, reputation management, and staff engagement.
Please see attached the full job description
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Director of Communications will lead the strategic communications function across the BSW Hospitals Group ("the Group"), providing expert leadership in internal and external communications, media relations, reputation management, and staff engagement.
Please see attached the full job description
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
- Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of specialist area of communications, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master's level equivalent
- Demonstrated understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement
- Ability to provide and receive, convey and present highly complex, sensitive and/or contentious information to large groups, responding openly to questions to ensure full understanding and engagement
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of expertise in providing senior leadership
- Demonstrated experience of leadership, vision, strategic thinking and planning with highly developed political skills
- High level analytical skills and the ability to draw qualitative and quantitative data from a wide range of sources and present in a clear concise manner
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
- Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of specialist area of communications, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master's level equivalent
- Demonstrated understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement
- Ability to provide and receive, convey and present highly complex, sensitive and/or contentious information to large groups, responding openly to questions to ensure full understanding and engagement
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of expertise in providing senior leadership
- Demonstrated experience of leadership, vision, strategic thinking and planning with highly developed political skills
- High level analytical skills and the ability to draw qualitative and quantitative data from a wide range of sources and present in a clear concise manner
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).
