Job Description

This is a 4 day per week (0. 8 WTE) role offered on a fixed term contract until end of July 2026 .



The Senior Communications Officer will be part of a forward thinking, busy Marketing and Communications team.



Reporting to the Communications Manager, you will lead on delivering creative and effective communications for a wide range of corporate projects and initiatives, helping to keep our varied and dispersed workforce informed and engaged.



With a track record of developing and delivering engaging, accessible communications in fast-moving and strategic situations, you will bring creative flair and the ability to use a wide range of channels and approaches. You'll understand how to reach and involve diverse and hard to reach staff groups, inspiring and motivating people, while making sure all communications are inclusive, accessible and aligned with our Trust values.



You will demonstrate strong skills in planning, delivery and evaluation, and be confident producing high-quality copy for online and offline content. Experience in commissioning and creating multimedia content, and confidence in using digital platforms and tools will be essential, alongside a commitment to keeping up to date with emerging trends and insights.



There is a strong focus on internal communications, but you will also support external engagement with patients, the public and stakeholders, ensuring they are informed and involved appropriately.

Internal communications, including:

Inputting and delivering elements of our internal communications strategy



Plan work and activities that deliver team and corporate objectives



Develop bespoke communications for projects and programmes, leading on strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation



Write, edit and proof compelling content for campaigns and publications, in line with our tone of voice



Create and distribute regular internal communications, including our weekly e-newsletter, intranet content and other staff-facing updates



Create concepts, plan and deliver events for staff, both in person and virtual



Use analytics, feedback and insight tools for reporting and improvements



Translate complex transformational change information into effective communications



Lead and contribute to workshops, meetings, steering groups, programme boards etc representing and advising on internal comms

External communications, including:

Deliver effective awareness and communication campaigns to our patients, public and wider stakeholders



Work with system partners to promote national programmes



Develop communications for patients (print and digital) and support with copy for our web and social media channels



Identify proactive media opportunities to highlight successful initiatives/outcomes, drafting engaging content



Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

Caring for and about you is our top priority



Committed to providing good quality, safe services



Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions



Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:



Flexible working options to support work-life balance



27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell



Generous NHS pension scheme



Excellent learning and career development opportunities



'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles



Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services



Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants



Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality



Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave



Free parking across Trust sites

The "must haves" for this role:

Four years' minimum experience in a communications or marketing role, delivering strategies and campaigns from planning through to evaluation



Strong copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into engaging, accessible content



Confidence in using a range of digital tools and channels (e.g. intranet, e-newsletters, social media, video, multimedia content)



Proven ability to engage diverse and hard-to-reach audiences, ensuring communications are inclusive and accessible, and aligned with organisational values



Excel l ent stakeholder management skills, able to collaborate, influence and advise at all levels



Able to work independently, with the ability to prioritise an often demanding workload



For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.



We strongly encourage you to explain how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point - by - point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted .



We're committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed .