Job overview
SLaM runs a unique Communications Trainee Programme: We offer 12 month entry level positions for creative and empathetic individuals who are keen to get their first foot on the career ladder within communications and PR.
We are currently recruiting for three trainees for 2026 (January – December)!
Being a communications trainee at SLaM offers you both on-the-job training in a busy public sector environment and career development embedded in your work plan. This scheme is 12 months long as it is designed to be a first step into the industry – we will support you with your next step as part of the trainee programme.
If you are interested in joining our Trainee Programme, please do send your application via TRAC and include in your supporting statement your answers to each of these three questions:
1.What motivates you to start a career in NHS mental health communications?
2.What creative qualities would you bring to this role?
3.How do you currently use AI?
Main duties of the job
What is the job of a Communications Trainee?
Communications Trainees assist the Communications Team in all tasks. Two of the roles are split between the internal communications team and the clinical communications team, with one role focused on the King’s Maudsley Partnership. This is an opportunity learn about all aspects of communications and engagement. The post holders will take responsibility for small projects as part of their development.
During your trainee programme, you will receive tailored work plans with clear objectives, one to one support from your line manager for career development, one to one support from your “buddy” for skills and day-to-day tasks, a focus on AI in communications to support our wider work, training programmes in place, professional time management training and development tasks that focus on connecting strategic aims with the role of the communications team.
Working for our organisation
What will you get as part of the Trainee Programme?
1. A 12 month full time NHS contract (37h5 a week/ 3 days in the office minimum)
2. Work experience as part of a busy NHS Communications Team
3. Training on all our key digital platforms
4. A dedicated line manager supporting your induction and development
5. Access to further training opportunities (AI, shadowing clinical staff, site visits etc)
6. Support to make your next career move at the end of the contract
7. Access to all NHS benefits
Who is our Communications Trainee Programme for?
We are looking for young people who can hit the ground running, take initiative, respond and react quickly and have an eagerness to learn.
In the role, you will provide support and assistance to the whole communications team, using your skills to improve the communications service to the whole Trust. You must be able to work in a pressurised environment, be familiar with new media, be used to working/studying to tight deadlines and able to multitask when required. You will be highly organised with the ability to simultaneously manage simple projects.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Key Responsibilities will include:
8. Researching and drafting copy for internal and external channels
9. Writing and uploading engaging and compelling content to the Trust website, intranet, and other digital platforms
10. Developing creative skills such as writing press releases, newsletters, briefings, video editing and other digital content
11. Producing infographics and basic visual content (e.g., leaflets and posters)
12. Taking photos and producing/editing videos of colleagues around the Trust
13. Joining campaign planning sessions and contributing creative ideas
14. Working with the Communications Team to maintain excellent content streams
15. Promoting the work of other teams and services to further strategic objectives
16. Following briefs and achieving goals within set timescales
17. Being flexible, self-motivated, and able to organise own workload
18. Acting as the first point of contact for the team via the team telephone and shared mailbox
19. Supporting external, internal, and virtual events (booking venues, organising invitations, tracking attendees and feedback)
20. Updating intranet and website pages
21. Demonstrating excellent attention to detail
22. And more
Person specification
Shortlisting criteria
Essential criteria
23. Demonstrate strong motivation for mental health comms
24. Demonstrate creativity and curiosity
25. Some experience in comms (studies, charity, personal channels...)
Desirable criteria
26. BA degree or relevant experience
27. Motivated by NHS career
28. Interest in AI
Qualifications
Essential criteria
29. 5 GCSEs or equivalent (this must include A*- C in Maths and English Language or equivalent)
30. A Levels or equivalent in any subject.
Desirable criteria
31. Degree in any subject with an interest in either healthcare or communications more widely.