Be part of our BHT family Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) is an integrated provider of acute hospital and community services for people living in Buckinghamshire and the surrounding area. We care for over half a million patients every year: Provide specialist spinal services at our world renowned National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the birthplace of the Paralympics Nationally recognised for urology and skin cancer services Regional specialist centre for burns, plastic surgery, dermatology, stroke and cardiac services Deliver community services in health centres, schools, patients' own homes, community hospitals and community hubs. More than 6,500 people from different nations, cultures and backgrounds work for us. We would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options. We strive to be a family friendly, inclusive employer. If you require any assistance in making this application, please contact bht.recruitment@nhs.net or phone 01494 734868. We pride ourselves in being a great place to work and invite you to join our BHT family. Job overview Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has launched a new 10-year strategy focused on reducing health inequalities and supporting healthier, more independent lives. Delivering this ambition depends on strong communications and engagement that connect colleagues, partners, patients and local communities, while responding to financial pressures and a diverse workforce. Underpinned by four behaviours - working in teams, listening, embracing difference and empowering people - the Communications and Engagement team plays a key role in ensuring colleagues feel valued, informed and engaged. This role supports the Associate Director of Communications and Engagement to lead and develop the team, delivering high-quality internal, external, digital and stakeholder communications aligned to the Trust's strategy and Buckinghamshire system priorities. It leads on media relations, issues management and campaign delivery, advising senior leaders on reputational risk and opportunity. The post includes line management responsibilities, forward planning and coordination of communications activity, and evaluation to demonstrate impact and value. Main duties of the job The Deputy Head of Communications and Engagement will: • Support the Associate Director to lead the communications and engagement function, ensuring it delivers against the Trust's 10-year strategy. • Lead the communications planning process for the Trust, owning systems and processes to facilitate effective internal and external communications across all channels. • Provide expert professional communications advice, guidance and support to senior leaders, including advice on contentious matters and crisis communications. • Lead on media relations, reputation management and issues management, both proactively and reactively. • Design and deliver innovative communications and marketing campaigns to support key Trust priorities, including recruitment, transformation projects and the promotion of the Trust's brand. • Manage direct reports, quality assuring their work and supporting their professional development. • Deputise for the Associate Director of Communications and Engagement as required. • Participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota for communications. Working for our organisation Why colleagues think we are