Overview
Are you keen to be part of an evolving organisation at the leading edge of regulation, where the intellectual challenge is high and the potential to make a difference is immeasurable?
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is the UK's independent regulator of clinics providing fertility treatment and research involving human embryos.
An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for a talented Communications Manager to lead on all aspects of our internal communications as well as clinic-facing communications. Your work will increase understanding of the HFEA's role and priorities.
This is a maternity cover, 9 - 12 month fixed term contract. Interviews are expected to take place 7/8 October. Start date would be mid November to allow for handover with the current post-holder.
Main duties of the job
You will be comfortable having sole responsibility for managing all aspects of our intranet. You’ll work closely with colleagues in our Policy and Intelligence teams to develop reports and guidance, bringing your first-class writing and editing skills to showcase the impact of our work. You’ll also produce communications plans to support projects, ensuring they meet our audiences needs and that evaluation is built in.
Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will be the internal comms representative for cross-departmental activity, participating in cross-government internal communications meetings. You will lead on producing the monthly Clinic Focus e-newsletter, which is our primary channel to communicate with clinics and the sector. You’ll also have excellent interpersonal skills, be able to work effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organisation, and the ability to work to tight deadlines. The successful candidate will also sit as a member of the HFEA's Executive Licensing Panel (ELP), supporting licensing decision making.
About us
The HFEA is the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice in fertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.
This post is offered as either office based (in which case you will need to attend the office at least one day per week) or home based (in which case office attendance will be specified by your line manager based on business need). Our office is in Stratford, east London, in attractive new premises on the edge of the Olympic Park, alongside several other health Arms Length Bodies. In addition to flexibility and hybrid working we offer generous annual leave and pension arrangements.
The HFEA is a member of the Community Race and Work Charter and the Disability Confident Charter. We are committed to an inclusive and supportive working environment free from discrimination. We recognise diverse staff and aim for a workforce representative of all sections of society. We also adopt a culture that attracts and retains talented individuals.
In November 2024, the HFEA was awarded People Insight's Outstanding Workplace Award 2024.
Details
Date posted: 08 September 2025
Salary: £45,500 a year
Contract: Fixed term, 9 months
Working pattern: Flexible working
Location: 2nd Floor, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ
Job responsibilities
The communications manager is a senior role responsible for leading all aspects of the organisation's internal communications and for clinic-facing communications. You will create and deliver communications plans to engage patients and other stakeholders to increase understanding of the HFEA and the impartial information we provide.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Leading on the production of content for internal communication channels, including the HFEA intranet, and identifying opportunities for development.
2. Leading on the production of the monthly Clinic Focus newsletter, managing all content and delivery.
3. Sole responsibility for the HFEA hub, maintaining intranet structure and content, and ensuring resources are up-to-date and accessible.
4. Creating and delivering corporate publications to enhance the HFEA's reputation and showcase impact.
5. Leading on content for the new HFEA website, ensuring up-to-date information aligned with the style guide.
6. Preparing briefings for external and stakeholder meetings for the Chair with Communications team colleagues.
7. Collaborating with project managers to produce communications plans that meet stakeholder needs and include evaluation.
8. Acting as internal comms representative for cross-departmental activity and participating in relevant meetings.
9. Overseeing the management of the PR and Communications Assistant.
10. Working with Intelligence and Policy colleagues to develop reports and guidance, including proofreading and plain English checks.
11. Creating and delivering public-facing campaigns to promote the HFEA and influence awareness and behaviours to support regulatory outcomes.
12. Sitting as a member of the Executive Licensing Panel (ELP), supporting licensing decision making.
Line management
13. To line manage the PR and Communications Assistant, providing support via regular one-to-one meetings, setting objectives and monitoring performance.
Other responsibilities
14. Deputising for the Head of Communications when needed
15. Leading on press enquiries and responses in place of the Senior External Communications Manager when needed
16. Providing cover for Web Manager/Developer when needed
17. Undertaking such other duties, training, travel and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job
18. Maintaining personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participating in appropriate learning activities and encouraging and supporting staff in their development;
Person Specification
Managing work
* Project management skills and experience
* The ability to prioritise tasks and work to tight deadlines
* Able to deputise for colleagues in the communications team as required
Knowledge & skills
* IT skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel
Experience
* Experience of developing communication strategies and the implementation and monitoring of communications plans.
* Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high quality communication materials, written in plain English, under tight deadlines
* Experience of running and managing patient/public facing communications campaigns
* Excellent editorial and writing skills, paying attention to detail and tailoring materials for specific audiences
* An understanding of a range of communications channels, such as digital media, publications and press/PR and using these to meet organisational and specific communications objectives
Desirable
* Experience of working in a communications team in a healthcare organisation
* Experience of managing and generating digital content
* Knowledge and experience of running an internal communications function
Interpersonal skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with and communicate effectively with people at all levels both inside and outside the organisation
* A good team player, willing to help others
* Good time management skills and experience in handling multiple projects
Desirable
* Basic knowledge of design principles
Qualifications
* Educated to at least degree level or equivalent experience in communications
* Relevant formal qualification and/or evidence of training in marketing, communications or events management
Employer details
Employer: Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority
Address: 2nd Floor, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ
Website: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/
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