Job summary
- Main area
- Communications
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 374-LC9226
- Employer
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Eastbourne District General Hospital
- Town
- Eastbourne
- Salary
- £39,959 - £48,117 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 18/08/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Communications Officer
NHS AfC: Band 6
We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.
We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.
Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
Job overview
If you love creating content that informs, inspires and makes a real difference, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Communications Officer (Band 6) to join the Corporate Communications Team at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Based in Eastbourne with flexibility to work across multiple sites, you will help shape how we communicate with colleagues, patients, stakeholders, partners and local communities.
As a senior member of a busy and creative team, you will deliver high-quality communications across a range of channels, including internal communications, media relations, digital platforms, campaigns and publications.
You will have excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences. You will understand how effective communications support service transformation, patient safety, quality improvement, staff engagement and organisational reputation. Experience in a dynamic communications environment, strong relationship-building skills and confidence in handling media enquiries are essential.
We are looking for someone who is creative, organised and passionate about storytelling, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work at pace.
In return, you will join a supportive and forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
As a senior member of the communications team, the post holder will provide expert communications support across the Trust, drawing on experience gained in a fast-paced communications environment.
You will develop and deliver communications strategies and campaigns that support Trust priorities, including service transformation, patient safety, quality improvement and staff engagement. You will provide communications advice to senior leaders, clinical services and corporate teams, helping to ensure clear, effective and consistent messaging.
The role includes managing proactive and reactive media relations, responding to enquiries, preparing statements and supporting communications during incidents and organisational challenges. You will build and maintain positive relationships with media and key stakeholders.
You will lead the delivery of engaging internal communications through a range of channels, promoting staff wellbeing, engagement and organisational pride. Responsibility for digital communications includes managing social media content and supporting website development to improve accessibility, reach and user experience.
Working closely with NHS partners, local organisations and community stakeholders, you will support public engagement and involvement activities. The post holder will also deputise for the Head of Communications when required and contribute to the leadership and continued development of the communications function.
Working for our organisation
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Good general education including English and Maths
- Evidence of continued professional development to Degree Level plus training / experience to postgraduate diploma level in relevant subject
Experience
Essential criteria
- Relevant evidence of communications knowledge and experience
- A good understanding of communications and engagement
- Experience of video recording, editing and publication
- Experience supporting and training other in video recording
- Experience of content creation across a range of media
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of working in an NHS communications team
- Experience of supporting engagement with internal stakeholder groups
Skills
Essential criteria
- Advanced computer skills
- Demonstrates excellent communication and highly developed interpersonal skill
- Able to deal with highly pressurised and potentially controversial situations
- Capable of applying sustained concentration and focus on priorities and outcomes within a diverse workload
- Demonstrates evidence of developing and sustaining innovative practice and is a proactive supportive change agent
- Understanding and application of National and local strategies, legislation, mandatory and accreditation requirements e.g. CQC and their impact on the quality of patient care
- Knowledge and understanding of equalities legislation and guidelines and interest in embedding equality and diversity into how the organisation functions
- Good understanding and overview of NHS structures and organisations
- Ability to develop and present reports to a high standard without assistance and to short timescales
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Rachel Robinson
- Job title
- Head of Communications
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0300 131 4694
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