Communications Manager (Our Future Hospital)
The closing date is 16 November 2025
Want to be involved in the biggest hospital building programme in a generation?
Are you passionate about the future of North Devon District Hospital?
As a proven Communications and Engagement specialist, you will be involved in a once in a generation opportunity to help redevelop and futureproof our hospital services to provide better care for patients, a better place to work for our NHS staff and to help the NHS reach its net zero carbon ambition.
Our Future Hospital (OFH) programme
For more detail about the main duties of this role, see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients stay healthy when they need it most.
About us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).
Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people's own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.
It’s never been more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you help shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities, click the link below.
More detail about the role
This is a high‑profile programme and you will work as part of the Our Future Hospital Programme team, providing specialist advice in helping us develop and deliver communications that will engage the whole spectrum of stakeholders local, national, and political in our exciting plans. You will support the delivery of business cases at strategic, outline and full business case levels, providing advice on your specialist areas.
You will be a key member of the programme and work across the teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and in line with the programme’s plan. You will be solution focused when working through problems, and have the expertise to provide leadership, guidance and education to more junior members of the team.
What are we looking for?
* Communication and engagement experience on high‑value estates projects
* Experience of working within the NHS
* Proven experience of developing complex engagement plans for large programmes
* Ability to work in a constantly changing environment
* The ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external staff, patients, public and other key stakeholders
What we can offer:
* A supportive and friendly team environment to help you develop in our wider organisation.
* NHS benefits – including length of service and pension (if applicable)
* An exciting and rewarding role in which you can really make a difference for the local community of Northern Devon.
Working Pattern: The working hours are Mon‑Fri, 37.5 hours per week, with core office days Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Interview Date: 20th November 2025
For further information please contact: Dave Britton, Associate Director Communications and Engagement – dave.britton@nhs.net
This is a fixed‑term contract until 30/06/2027. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.
Inclusivity
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
Person Specification
General Requirements
* See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description.
* See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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