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South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has a rich history, well-established community links and an international reputation. We deliver specialist services in the London boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Wandsworth and Richmond.

We are committed to provide a high quality and specialist care to our service users and we are recognised for our care and treatment we provide. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good'.

We launched our five-year strategy, Aiming High; Changing Lives in 2021 together with Our Care Improvement System as our quality management system methodology to make a positive impact on patient care, outcomes and staff experience. By joining SLaM, all staff will get the opportunity to be part of this exciting improvement journey supported with learning and development to harness everyone's potential as change makers.

The trust recognises the unique and valuable contribution that people with lived experience of mental illness can bring to a role. We therefore welcome applications from people with lived experience and consider them as an asset to the Trust.

Our Values

We take pride in providing specialist care to our service users where our Trust values and our promise to be caring, kind, polite, prompt, honest, listen and do what I say I'm going to do is at the heart of everything we do. When you join us, you'll be part of something special.

As a Trust we are happy to talk flexible working.

Job overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement to join our communications senior leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will shape and execute our communications strategy, enhancing our public profile and ensuring clear, effective messaging across all of our internal and external channels.

You will be committed to bringing our values to life, producing exceptional communication campaigns and a collaborative leader that can build relationships and inspire their team. You will also be confident working in a complex and fast paced environment with high levels of public and media scrutiny.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on mental health in our community.

Main duties of the job

To oversee the development, delivery and evaluation of the Trust's communications strategy, and stakeholder and community engagement plan, that support the Trust's strategic objectives and build the Trust's reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS
To ensure that relationships with key stakeholders are maintained and proactively developed
To oversee the development and delivery of communications and engagement plans to support major trust-wide projects, providing leadership and expert advice
To work with senior managers to identify and develop communications campaigns to support the organisation in meeting its strategic objectives
To ensure that all communications materials and channels help build the Trust's reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS, that they are correctly tailored for the appropriate target audiences, including hard to reach audiences, and are in line with the Trust's overall communications strategy
To ensure the Trust brand and visual identity are developed and protected, including supporting other staff in the correct application of corporate style guidelines, ensuring compliance and addressing inconsistencies
To ensure the organisational internal and external channels are kept up-to-date with the relevant information from the clinical programmes and workstreams
To develop and maintain the Trust's Trust and Reputation dashboard and provide analysis

Working for our organisation

We are committed to ensuring our staff get the most out of their benefits package and understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. There is an extensive range of excellent benefits for you and your family.

We want you to feel like you are part of a close knit team at South London and Maudsley. It's important to us that you valued and appreciated and that are why we have a comprehensive benefits package on offer.

Some of our benefits include:

Generous pay, pensions and leave, we offer a comprehensive pay, pensions and leave package, which is dependent on the role and length of service
Work life balance, flexible working and support a range of flexible options, such as: part-time working and job sharing
Career development, There are plenty of opportunities to progress your career and we support your development through a number of programmes such as mentoring, coaching, positive people management, collective leadership and other talent programmes
Car lease, our staff benefits from competitive deals to lease cars
Accommodation, our staff benefits from key-worker housing available which is available on selected sites

NHS discounts, with discounts up to 10% from a variety of well-known retail brands though Health Service Discounts website.

Other benefits include:

Counselling services
Wellbeing events
Long service awards
Cycle to work scheme
Season ticket loan
Childcare vouchers
Staff restaurants

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Leadership and strategy

Lead the communications and stakeholder engagement team, setting agreed programmes of work and objectives in line with the overall communications strategy
Advise senior colleagues, including the Trust Board, on strategic communications and related issues, writing briefs and reports for senior colleagues
Provide advice and guidance to the Trust Board, Chief Executive and the senior leadership team in accordance with current legislation, NHS initiatives, DHSC guidance and communications best practice
Be an active participant in developing the department's annual strategic plan, and other planning as required
Be the accountable lead for stakeholder relations and public affairs activity that builds the Trust's reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS, ensuring media activity is in line with the Trust's overall stakeholder and community engagement plan and that maximum exposure is obtained
Connect with peers across the South East London Integrated Care System (and beyond) to situate South London and Maudsley in the broader narrative of improving healthcare and lives in south east London
Be aware, promote the investigation and, where beneficial, encourage the adoption of new and emerging technologies and media platforms
Audit all activity on an ongoing basis and devise and implement action plans to make required improvements. Work with the Director of Communications and Engagement to identify, record and manage risks and issues
• Deputise for the Director of Communications and Engagement where appropriate

Management (including finance and resources)

Directly line-manage the Senior Communications Manager, and Stakeholder and Public Affairs Manager, including performance, annual leave and sick leave
Responsible for the day-to-day management and direction of the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team
Management of recruitment activity for any vacant posts within the team, ensuring compliance with training etc
Budgetary responsibility for the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team, allocating financial and staff resources to projects, managing spend for projects and delivering projects within the agreed and allocated resources and in accordance with the Trust's Standing Financial Instructions
Constantly strive for value for money and greater efficiency in the use of these budgets and to ensure that they operate in recurrent financial balance year on year
Responsibility for tracking expenditure on communication and media activities and providing reports to the Director of Communications and Engagement, as required
Manage third parties (such as suppliers) to ensure deliverables are met in a timely manner and within budget
Commission and brief designers, communications agencies and other external suppliers; ensuring that expenditure stays within agreed budget
Ensure administrative and financial integrity as expected within a public sector organisation following Trust and national guidance

Reputation management

To deliver creative communication campaigns and materials, alongside engagement activities that build the Trust's reputation as a leading organisation within the NHS, within and beyond the sector
Maintain the Trust's Trust and Reputation dashboard, providing information on key metrics
Undertake market research projects as necessary to explore, benchmark and measure levels of trust and the Trust's reputation amongst its communities and stakeholders
Horizon scan for opportunities for the Trust to raise its profile externally, including regional and national initiatives and events, within and beyond the sector
Take, and be accountable for, decisions on reputational management, in order to support the Trust Board and senior managers
Lead on media management for the Trust including agreeing proactive and reactive lines to take in relation to media enquiries
Provide advice, guidance and engagement support to serious incident investigations and inquests
Manage the reputation of the organisation, advising senior managers and frontline staff of any potential reputational issues
Analyse, interpret and present data to highlight issues, risks and support decision making with regards to reputation and stakeholder management
Brief the Executive and Senior Management teams on any potential media and reputational issues
Develop communications handling plans for sensitive issues including, but not limited to, serious incidents (both clinical and non-clinical), incidents involving patients and high-profile complaints
Develop and deliver crisis communications handling plans and direct the involvement of the wider communications team in the delivery of these
Act as a spokesperson for the Trust if appropriate and required. This would include leading internal and external events and managing contentious issues
Ensure the Trust's values are embedded and expressed in all activities and underpin all communications and stakeholder activities

Clinical communications (including patient information)

To maintain and develop clinical communications that measurably inform and inspire our colleagues, in line with the organisation's strategic priorities
To lead on the strategic aspects of clinical communications, including the development, delivery and evaluation of strategies and plans, advising both the team and senior management of key messages, channels and actions
To develop and maintain patient information approach including the auditing of patient information materials to ensure they are accurate and high quality
To be the lead operational responsible officer for clinical communications activities
To use specialist expertise to influence and persuade senior colleagues on a wide range of complex communications issues
Engage actively with colleagues across the Trust, using a range of methods, to monitor and improve the effectiveness of our internal communications
Encourage the clinical communications team to be creative and ambitious, alert to best practice and effective techniques from any sector
Ensure the Trust's values are embedded and expressed in all activities and underpin all clinical messages

Stakeholder engagement

To build and maintain strong and highly effective collaborative working relationships with system partners and wider regional and national partners (including the voluntary and community sector; media; patient groups; and pressure groups), creating the conditions for successful partnerships and promoting a culture of co-design and collaboration.
To ensure that the Trust influences and seeks input from wider system partners including provider collaboratives, public health, local government, the voluntary and community sector, other partners, and local communities
Build a network of stakeholders that can be called on in relation to communication campaigns and initiatives
Be visible to colleagues as the key point of contact for external communications and stakeholder engagement, one with whom they will actively wish to share their views and content
Build a network of stakeholders that can be called on in relation to communication campaigns and initiatives
Work positively and collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, up to and including the Executive Team
Connect and work closely with peers across the south east London ICS
To advise and take decisions in relation to informal engagement and formal consultation activities as part of service developments and organisational change

Project management

To prioritise, plan and allocate resources (including budgets and staffing) for the delivery of key communications and media activities and projects.
To apply measurement criteria and tools and evaluate communications and media activity and outcomes in line with project briefs.

Information Resources

To produce and/or assist in the preparation of reports and, where necessary, attend relevant meetings with internal and external stakeholders to deliver those reports and advise on communications and media issues.
To prepare briefings for regulatory, advisory bodies or internal stakeholders in respect of updating them on complex issues on an ad hoc basis as requested by the Director of Communications and Engagement.
To analyse complex statistical data to inform the development of communications strategies, plans and reports.
To undertake annual audits and surveys and utilise other feedback techniques to evaluate the communications function both internally and externally, reporting findings and recommendations for improvement to the Executive Management Team and Senior Leadership Team.

Research and Development

To be responsible for keeping up-to-date with best practice and new techniques in media relations, marketing, brand, digital communications and public affairs.
To keep up to date with national policy, new health initiatives and partner organisations strategies and plans and how these impact locally on the Trust.
Keep up to date with new and emerging technologies and platforms, and their potential to enhance our communications and media activities.

Training and Development

To undertake mandatory and statutory training as required by Trust policy.
To contribute and commit to undertaking an annual Development Review/appraisal.
To undertake personal development as identified in the Personal Development Plan (PDP).
To train colleagues at all levels across the Trust in PR skills, particularly in media handling and social media, as required.

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria

Educated to master's level in relevant subject or equivalent level qualification or significant experience working at a similar level in specialist area

Desirable criteria

CIPR diploma or advanced certificate
Professional qualification or equivalent experience in communications

Values and behaviours

Essential criteria

Ability to act in accordance with our values and behaviours

Other

Essential criteria

Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems

Desirable criteria

Personal experience of mental health problems

Experience

Essential criteria

Demonstrable experience working in Communications at senior management level within a large NHS organisation or equivalent relevant health care environment
Experience in working with and influencing senior stakeholders and stakeholder groups, including at board level
Experience in developing and delivering creative, effective, and impactful communications strategies within the NHS
Experience in managing relationships, briefings and events with high profile and influential external stakeholders, including MPs, councillors, NHS chairs and CEOs, and journalists
Experience in media management and 'crisis communications'
Demonstrable experience in establishing collaborative working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders/ agencies
Experience in dealing with and advising on complex and/or sensitive/contentious matters
Experience in effectively planning, organising, and undertaking public engagement
Track record in managing, developing, and motivating individuals and high-performing teams, and in implementing and maintaining effective administrative systems and processes
Experience in budgetary management and the application of financial resources
Demonstrable communications experience working with digital, web and new/ social media channels
Working with and developing brands - visual and verbal - and championing the brand within the organisation

Desirable criteria

Experience working with NHS regulators
Managing significant budgets, suppliers; and effective matrix management across departments to deliver strategic goals through influencing and leading the work of others

Knowledge and skills

Essential criteria

Highly advanced communications skills as an expert and leader, using these skills both practically in hands-on delivery of communications products and strategically
Exercise influence, present complex information and engage in high level discussions
Knowledge of communications, public relations, journalism and communications techniques, approaches, procedures, gained within one or more of the NHS, health or related public sector or consumer/third sector communications, organisational and external political and stakeholder environment: acquired through experience in a relevant communications role
Highly skilled political operator in working with a wide range of external organisations such as local government, central government agencies, private sector agencies, community bodies and the voluntary and independent sector and the public
Developing and deploying messaging platforms and work in a complicated stakeholder environment with multiple demands and agendas
Able to lead, motivate and develop a team
Able to evaluate and learn from outcomes, with a clear commitment to innovation, learning and improvement
Effectiveness in conflict resolution and management

Desirable criteria

Advanced skills of analysis, and ability to exercise sophisticated judgement in relation to PR implications of decisions and actions
Identify interdependencies, manage risks, model the potential impacts of change and determine resource requirements

The Trust is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics. We provide reasonable adjustments for candidates with a disability and are committed to treating people fairly with compassion, respect and dignity and in promoting equality and human rights. We aim to put this commitment into practice by:

Embedding our commitment to tackling inequality, eliminating discrimination and harassment; promoting equality of opportunity and fostering good relations in our everyday practice
Ensuring that all our services and all staff understand and support our commitment
We believe that people who use our services, their carers and our staff, should be treated with compassion, respect and dignity

Please note:

That all applications for this post will need to be made online
That you read and understand the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role. Your Statement in Support should reflect the requirements specified as your application will be judged against these criteria
That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received. We advise that you submit your application as early as possible
That once you have submitted your application you agree to your application being transferred to a 3rd party e-recruitment system. All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps.trac.jobs
That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not successful
That priority consideration for applications may be given to at-risk NHS employees
That should you be successful and appointed, you authorise South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to confirm your previous NHS service via an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process
That we are a smoke-free Trust

SLaM is a Stonewall Diversity Champion , Stonewall is the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT) rights charity in Europe'

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Documents to download

Associate Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement JD&PS (PDF, 352.6KB)
SLaM Staff Benefits (PDF, 1.1MB)
Happy to Talk Flexible Working (PDF, 680.1KB)

Associate Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Associate Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

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