Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Director of Communications and Engagement

The closing date is 14 September 2025

Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, creative and inspirational Director of Communications and Engagement to take a pivotal role in delivering our strategic ambitions for the people and communities we serve.

An excellent story-teller and highly skilled communicator you will have a proven track record of providing strategic leadership and professional advice and expertise, whilst delivering highly effective communication and engagement strategies which are purposeful, data driven and accessible. Through building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, internally and externally, you will be the guardian and guide of our organisational voice in line with our values.

The Trust's expectation is that colleagues are expected to be in person at their place of work during their working hours in order to optimise team effectiveness, with flexible working policies guiding any variation to this which takes into account team and individual circumstances. Colleagues within the Communications and Engagement team are expected to be present at their base in Leatherhead a minimum of 3 days a week.

Main duties of the job

Reporting to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer you will be a creative and compassionate leader of our Communications and Engagement team, cultivating a culture of high performance, collaboration and innovation to optimise their talent and central role in our work.

This is an exciting opportunity to take forward our recently approved Communications Strategy, working directly with senior leaders and colleagues across our Trust and partnerships to champion our work, serve our communities and inspire our colleagues, current and future.

Please read through the job description for more details on the requirements and duties of this role.

Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to undertake an assessment centre the outcome of which will inform which candidates are invited to interview

About us

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.

Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Date posted

01 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 9

Salary

£111,377 to £127,835 a year per annum including fringe HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

325-7428472-CORP

Job locations

Leatherhead Hub

18 Mole Business Park

Leatherhead

KT22 7AD

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please check the job description & person specification document for more information on the requirements for this job.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please check the job description & person specification document for more information on the requirements for this job.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience
Post graduate or professional qualification in communications or marketing / engagement
Evidence of continued professional development

Experience

Essential

Extensive experience in leading strategic communications, public relations and marketing or engagement function(s) within a complex, diverse service-led organisation.
Track record of working successfully in or alongside the public sector at senior level in a communications, media or journalist role.
Demonstrable experience of developing and successfully delivering high impact purposeful internal and external communications and engagement strategies driven by data and insight, to optimise impact and value
Tangible expertise in translating information into powerful, actionable messaging and activity, including data visualisation, to make them accessible to target audiences including those with disabilities
Extensive experience of digital, mobile and social media channels, and using new technology and media for marketing, communication and engagement purposes
Demonstrable understanding of reputation, brand management and customer experience to help shape engagement with the Trust and the development and communication of its culture.
Experience of successfully managing diverse stakeholders within complex and political environments
Experience of leading, managing and developing teams to cultivate collaboration and effective team working to optimise talent, enable others to succeed, amplify results, and drive innovation to deliver strategic objectives

Desirable

NHS experience in a similar role

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience
Post graduate or professional qualification in communications or marketing / engagement
Evidence of continued professional development

Experience

Essential

Extensive experience in leading strategic communications, public relations and marketing or engagement function(s) within a complex, diverse service-led organisation.
Track record of working successfully in or alongside the public sector at senior level in a communications, media or journalist role.
Demonstrable experience of developing and successfully delivering high impact purposeful internal and external communications and engagement strategies driven by data and insight, to optimise impact and value
Tangible expertise in translating information into powerful, actionable messaging and activity, including data visualisation, to make them accessible to target audiences including those with disabilities
Extensive experience of digital, mobile and social media channels, and using new technology and media for marketing, communication and engagement purposes
Demonstrable understanding of reputation, brand management and customer experience to help shape engagement with the Trust and the development and communication of its culture.
Experience of successfully managing diverse stakeholders within complex and political environments
Experience of leading, managing and developing teams to cultivate collaboration and effective team working to optimise talent, enable others to succeed, amplify results, and drive innovation to deliver strategic objectives

Desirable

NHS experience in a similar role

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.