Job Description

About Us

Headway Shropshire is a dedicated charity supporting individuals living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) and other neurological conditions to rebuild their lives.

As we continue to expand our reach and impact across the county, we're seeking a proactive and relationship-focused

Community Engagement Liaison

to help us connect with more people who need our support, as well as the professionals who work alongside them.

This role focuses on developing strong external relationships, establishing effective referral pathways, and ensuring that Headway Shropshire is visible, accessible, and recognised by those who can benefit from our services. It's an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting new people, networking with professionals, and turning connections into meaningful support opportunities.

The Opportunity

You will be responsible for increasing awareness and access to Headway Shropshire's services by:

Building Networks & Partnerships

Making introductions and building relationships with other organisations across health, social care, community and voluntary sectors. Creating and maintaining a record of all contacts, referral and signposting pathways. Attending networking opportunities, PR events and community engagement sessions to represent Headway Shropshire.

Health & Social Care Engagement

Liaising with hospital discharge teams and other health professionals to create clear referral and transition pathways for people with brain injuries or neurological conditions. Visiting hospitals, clinics and community hubs to raise awareness of our services and build relationships. Researching local health and social care providers and keeping an up-to-date database of contacts and partnerships.

Signposting & Directory Management

Developing a signposting framework so people are referred and supported effectively. Researching and adding Headway Shropshire's services to relevant local and national directories and online platforms. Training the internal team on how to use the signposting and referral processes.

Community Connections & Pathways

Identifying new partnership opportunities (e.g. Armed Forces Covenant, Men in Sheds) and establishing collaborative projects. Building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners and social workers to ensure our services are visible and utilised. Helping to set up new collaborative opportunities with a variety of community organisations.

Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising

Developing and managing corporate relationships (including framing with Social Responsibility criteria), sponsorship opportunities and fundraising collaborations. Planning and delivering fundraising events throughout the year, coordinating logistics, risk assessments, volunteer and team support, budgets, and ensuring events are safe, successful and on brand. Exploring and securing mutually beneficial collaborations that generate income and raise the profile of Headway Shropshire. Arranging 'Thank You' letters, email and mini videos for donors and supporters.

Student Placements & Volunteers

Building and managing relationships with universities and colleges to create student placement opportunities. Developing and coordinating the volunteer programme, including recruitment, induction and support. Delivering talks and presentations to students and academic partners and maintaining timely, professional communication with these networks. Attending and present at university, college and community networking opportunities and PR events to represent Headway Shropshire.

Communications & Marketing Assets

Sourcing and coordinating stories, photos, videos and other content from across the organisation. Working with the team and external designers to produce leaflets, booklets, posters and digital assets that promote our services and fundraising efforts. Ensuring timely, accurate communications with partners, networks and supporters. Responsible for the Headway quarterly newsletter and building the distribution list.

Information & Research

Gathering and analysing local data and statistics on brain injury and neurological conditions (including hospital admission/discharge figures). Staying up to date with the latest research from Headway UK and other sources, adapting insights to Shropshire's needs. Supporting the development of proposals for new initiatives, such as a Justice Programme for individuals with acquired brain injury.

Awareness & Education

Creating and updating information materials, signage and point-of-sale displays across hospitals, GP surgeries and community venues. Delivering presentations and briefings to professionals and community groups to promote Headway Shropshire's work.

Public Relations & Media Engagement

Acting as a key public-facing representative of Headway Shropshire -- building a strong, positive reputation across the county. Developing and maintaining relationships with local press, radio, TV and online news outlets to secure coverage that raises awareness of brain injury and promotes the charity's work. Writing and distributing press releases, news stories and success case studies, ensuring accurate and compelling messaging. Supporting the creation of social media content by providing stories, images and updates from the community. Coordinating photo opportunities, interviews and media visits, ensuring that staff, clients and families are briefed and comfortable. Monitoring media opportunities and responding promptly to press enquiries to ensure the charity is well represented.

Representation at Events & Conferences

Representing Headway Shropshire at local, regional and (where appropriate) national events, exhibitions and conferences to promote the charity's services and expertise in brain injury support. Attending health, social care and voluntary sector forums, networking groups and business events to raise the charity's profile and create meaningful connections. Delivering talks, presentations or panel contributions to share Headway Shropshire's impact and build referral and funding opportunities. Acting as a professional, knowledgeable and approachable ambassador for the charity in all external settings.

Important to Know

This is a dynamic and evolving role. As we build stronger networks and new referral pathways, priorities and areas of focus will adapt.

We're looking for someone who:

Enjoys building from scratch and developing new systems and relationships. Can work with flexibility and initiative, responding to opportunities as they arise. Is comfortable working independently but also collaborating with the wider team.

About You -- Minimum Requirements

Experience in health, social care, voluntary or community sector outreach, liaison or partnership work. Strong ability to network, build relationships and influence across different professional settings. Excellent communication and presentation skills, confident delivering information to groups and professionals. Organised and proactive, able to manage records and track relationships effectively (e.g. using CRM tools or spreadsheets). Good IT skills (Microsoft 365, SharePoint, online directories, digital tools). Knowledge of brain injury, neurological conditions or community health services would be an advantage but not essential.

What We Offer

Salary 30,225 per annum. Mileage and other expenses covered. Standard hours: Monday - Friday, 9am-4.30pm (Flexibility will be required for networking and fundraising events, including evening and weekend availability). 28 days holiday (inc. bank holidays), increasing with length of service. Pension scheme, private medical scheme and other employee benefits. A role where you can make a tangible impact by connecting people to life-changing support.

Recruitment Process & Key Dates

Apply

- Send your CV and a covering letter explaining why this role excites you to

jobs@headwayshropshire.org.uk

Applications close:

Midnight, Sunday 12th October 2025

Digital Assessments

- If shortlisted, you'll complete a series of online assessments to help us understand your skills and approach.

First Interview

- Online (if needed) or in person by Friday 17th October.

Final Interview

- With our CEO during week commencing Monday 20th October.

Proposed start date:

Monday 27th October 2025 (earlier or later start possible to suit individual circumstance)
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,225.00 per year

Work Location: In person