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Job summary

Main area
Communications
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 5
Contract
Fixed term: 11 months (or until 31st December 2026) At The Dudley Group, we understand the benefits of offering a range of flexible working options from day one of employment to support both employees and the Trust. Offering flexible working opportunities is one of the ways that the Trust aims to attract and retain a diverse workforce. Further information on the options available can be found via the link in the job advert.)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
253-0126-7688109
Employer
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Russells Hall Hospital
Town
Dudley
Salary
£31,049 - £37,796 Pro Rata Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
03/02/2026 23:59

Employer heading

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust logo

Communications Officer

NHS AfC: Band 5

Job overview

We are looking for a Communications specialist who has a real passion to put the Dudley Group at the forefront through excellent communications. 

Do you have the ability to connect us with the local communities we serve, with our incredible NHS staff, with local and national media and with our key stakeholder groups?

If you have the skills to develop and deliver strategies, create/write exciting and informative content and use digital platforms to communicate in a way that is modern, relevant and informative then we want you to work with us.

Main duties of the job

a.    Support the implementation of communications KPI’s, strategy and activity. 

b.    To work alongside the communications manager to ensure  systems, processes and initiatives are followed.

c.    Supporting divisional communications and staff engagement activities

d.    Provide information to the communications manager to ensure directors and managers have information to develop communications and engagement actions plans.

e.    Support the work of the director of communications and head of communications to develop communications processes and evaluation tools that support the Trust annual plans and strategic objectives.

f.     Ensure communication of the NHS National Staff Survey

g.    To support the production of The Dudley Group Annual Report

h.    To help ensure the positive reputation of The Dudley Group through proactive and positive external communications

i.         To research and apply for awards relevant to key areas of the work of The Dudley Group

j.      Support the development of plans to tackle any areas of concern for staff engagement supporting managers with tools and information to make changes.

k.    Support the communications manager with communication and marketing strategies 

l.      Manage media enquiries and write media responses and releases for approvals

m.    To ensure all targeted media releases are tailored for digital channels to ensure maximum reach

n.    To design creative and innovative content across all of our communications channels

Working for our organisation

At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”.  We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.

We are committed to becoming a diverse and an inclusive employer and where people feel sense of belonging. Seeking to expand diversity within our teams, we positively encourage applications from under-represented groups such as ethnically diverse, disabled and LGBTQ+ groups. We are also under-represented in-terms of gender within nursing roles and we would welcome applications from people from male and non-binary backgrounds.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust recognises the values and transferable skills that the Armed Forces community bring and recognise their compatibility with NHS roles.

We are committed to home life balance through flexible working and making reasonable adjustments where possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Degree level qualification / equivalent demonstrable work experience in relevant field or professional certificate qualification in related field
  • Evidence of continuing professional and personal development in related field

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Knowledge of guidance, policy and legislation relevant to the position
  • Good general knowledge of the NHS

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Management and leadership experience in a complex organisation
  • Experience of leading projects
  • Experience of collaborative working with multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams
  • Experience of working with and influencing staff at all levels including senior management and directors
  • Experience of supporting the implementation of strategy
  • Experience of working with staff and customers at all levels
  • Experience of individual and team performance management
  • Experience of working in a press office
  • Experience of digital media
  • Experience of social media
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working in the NHS
  • Experience of desktop publishing & design
  • Experience of website and content management

Planning and Organisational Skills

Essential criteria
  • Excellent written skills including ability to analyse and interpret complex information
  • Ability to innovate
  • Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills, and the ability to anticipate and address problems and provide workable solutions
  • Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise, maintain high quality of work and achieve deadlines
  • Proven excellent organisational and leadership skills
  • Proven ability to implement system to obtain feedback and view from customers/public
  • Proven ability to negotiate with others in an organisation

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Care Leaver CovenantNHS Pastoral CareArmed Forces Covenant Bronze AwardENEI 2024 Gold

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Simon Ashby
Job title
Communications Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01384 244403
Additional information

n/a

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