Job Description

You will provide expert advice to the Board and executive team, manage complex and sensitive media issues, and lead proactive campaigns that showcase the work of our staff and services. Internally, you'll support our senior leaders to further improve staff engagement through clear, inclusive communications and ensure our digital channels support two-way dialogue with our workforce and communities.



We're looking for someone with senior-level communications experience, ideally gained in the NHS, healthcare sector, or other complex public sector settings. You'll need to be an excellent communicator and networker, politically astute, and confident operating under pressure. You'll bring strong leadership skills to develop and motivate a high-performing communications team.



In return, we offer a supportive and forward-thinking environment, with the opportunity to help lead the Strategy Directorate as a member of our Senior Management Team (SMT).



If you are ready to take on this high-profile role and have the passion, creativity, and expertise to shape our communications for the future, we'd love to hear from you.



Informal discussions are encouraged. To arrange an informal conversation with Mary Hartley, Assistant Director, Strategic Partnerships and Communication, please contact her EA, Marta Searle-Barnes on 07880914559 or email marta.searle-barnes@nhs.net

Interview date:

25/11/25



The Head of Communications will lead Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust's (HCT) communications function, shaping and delivering a comprehensive communications strategy that supports our strategic objectives. The role will also promote HCT's vision and values, enhance our reputation, and strengthen engagement with patients, staff, partners, and the wider community. The postholder will provide expert leadership on internal and external communications, media management, digital channels, and campaigns, ensuring consistent, transparent, and effective communication across the organisation. They will have exceptional written and verbal communications skills, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences. The postholder will have a natural curiosity and interest in the NHS and the provision of health and care services, as well as in communications and engagement best practice. They will have a strong insight into the political, economic and operational realities of service provision and use this insight to inform HCT's approach to communications and engagement at strategic, tactical and operational levels.



They will work closely with partners and stakeholders within the new Central East ICB, promoting the interests of HCT within the system and supporting our role as a key partner and service provider.



A big thank you for considering joining us at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust



You'll find it a great place to work with many benefits offered to you as a member of our staff



We put our patients, their families and carers at the centre of our vision - Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities



Our staff are proud to be Innovative, Caring and Agile in their work to help achieve the Trust vision



We welcome diversity in our workforce and are interested in applicants from all backgrounds



We don't want you to miss out so we'd like you to know that if we have a high level of interest in this role, the vacancy may close prior to the advertised closing date, so please make your application as soon as possible.



You can apply to Access to Work to get money for communication support at a job interview - please use this link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-communication-support-at-a-job-interview-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-access-to-work

You need to apply before the interview takes place.



Develop and implement the Trust's communications strategy, aligned with organisational priorities and NHS values.



Provide strategic advice to the Board, executive team, and senior managers on communications, branding, and reputational risk.



Lead proactive and reactive media relations, managing high-profile and sensitive issues.



Appropriately handle complex and at times highly sensitive information and use sound judgement to manage the communications and reputational management implications of decisions and actions taken by the Trust and its leadership team.



Prepare detailed briefings when required for Board and executive team members and key stakeholders.



Lead or support production of key corporate events for the Trust, including the annual general meeting, staff award events, significant visits by stakeholders (including MPs, government ministers and NHS leaders) and official openings and service launches.



-