Overview
Job summary
A rare opportunity to lead a phenomenally successful and high profile communications team. We are seeking a highly motivated, creative and inspirational Head of Communications to take a pivotal role in leading our communications service. An excellent story-teller and highly skilled communicator you will have a proven track record of providing leadership and professional advice and expertise, whilst delivering highly effective communication and engagement strategies which are purposeful, data driven and accessible.
We are a values-led organisation and are looking for someone who can build relationships at pace, internally and externally, whilst being a champion for the communications. This is a 1 year secondment opportunity covering a secondment (that may extend).
In order to optimise team effectiveness for a communications team that supports the business operations for two hospitals and their services, colleagues are required to be based in Coventry for a minimum of 4 days per week.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, you will be a kind, compassionate leader who continues cultivating a culture of high performance, collaboration and innovation to optimise team and individual talent. The team of 7 delivers a full range of communications including plans, internal communications for 11,000 staff, media relations, social media, external relations, marketing campaigns, design, photography, video, and supports operational communications.
Details
Location: UHCW NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX
Date posted: 05 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 8b
Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 per year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 1 year
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 218-AC-B8B-7451323
Job locations: UHCW NHS Trust, Coventry
Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX
Employer: University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Employer's website: https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk
Responsibilities
* Supporting Director of Communications this role is responsible for development, implementation and evaluation of communications strategies, plans, projects, campaigns for UHCW Trust
* Provide communications, marketing communications and media, reputation management advice and training to Executive Team and senior colleagues including Director of Communications and Marketing and other senior managers; deputise for Director of Communications
* Act as communications link between organisation and stakeholders including local community, government departments, professional bodies, local and national government
Knowledge, Training and Experience
* To deliver strategic priorities as part of UHCW strategy to build a positive reputation and help the Trust realise our ambition as an organisation to be a national and international leader in healthcare
* A key communications management role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the communications service leading and supporting 5 communications staff and ensuring activities are planned, coordinated and as efficient and effective as possible.
Planning and Organisational Skills
* Oversight, development, monitoring and delivery of long term strategic and communications plans, often involving changing situations and environmental factors
* Partnership Liaison - Act as a communications link between organisations and stakeholders including local community, government departments, professional bodies, local and national government
* Evaluating and reporting on metrics that demonstrate the value the communications function delivers and identify areas and plans for improvement.
Physical Skills
* Creative responsible for ensuring that messages are effectively presented with high quality design and design solutions that achieve the right impact in print, video and images. Oversight of our corporate digital asset management (photography, video) in accordance with GDPR.
Responsibilities for Patient/Client Care
* Patient communications maintaining an overview on quality of communications for patients and their access to information, putting the patient first in all that we do.
* Respond to patients and issues relating to communications service concerns (e.g. Clinical Service Reviews, Court Cases)
* Work with patients on the development of communications e.g. patient stories
Policy/Service Development
* Improvement as one of five partners with Virginia Mason Institute in Seattle USA, this role will work closely with our Innovation Hub and improvement teams to showcase our journey of improvement across all services.
Financial and Physical Resources
* Resource management responsible for effective management of resources including procurement, supplier management and communications budget.
Human Resources
* Lead, manage, motivate and develop the comms team to maintain the highest standard of staff morale and create a climate characterised by high standards, openness and living the Trust values.
* Ensure communications team personal and professional development through review, appraisal, objective setting and personal development plans.
* Training and Service Quality: Ensuring consistent quality of service delivery through governance (policies), standards, staff training and assurance of communications and engagement plans. Production of regular reports on performance and delivery of the communications service.
Next steps
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK, recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation. The Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing high quality patient care. The post offers learning and development opportunities and a supportive culture focused on patient-centred care.
Requirements and Compliance
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be completed as part of the selection process. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered. Endorsed guidance regarding criminal records checks for overseas applicants is available on the UK government site.
Employer details
Employer: University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Address: UHCW NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX
#J-18808-Ljbffr