Job overview

BSW Hospitals Group is a collaborative of three NHS Foundation Trusts, working together to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire. We are committed to innovation, inclusivity, and transformation in healthcare delivery where everyone matters.

We are seeking an exceptional Interim Director of Communications on a 3 month fixed term basis to specifically lead on our next phase of strategic communications across the Group alongside finalising the redesign of our shared communications function. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping a resilient, professional and efficient infrastructure and embedding a compelling narrative that connects our staff, patients, partners, and the public to our vision and values.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping how we communicate across our three Trusts going forwards, including the development of a Group-wide communications strategy.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Team and Communications Leaders across our Organisation, you will provide expert advice on all aspects of communications and reputation management.

Interviews will take place on 4th November. We anticipate the successful candidate will join us in late November, subject to the completion of all employment checks.

Main duties of the job

You will oversee brand management of our Group, acting as a spokesperson when required and managing high-profile issues with professionalism and sensitivity. You will also drive innovation in how we tell our story--leveraging digital platforms, multimedia content, and creative campaigns to enhance our reach and influence.

As a key representative of the Group, you will engage with regional and national communications networks, including Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and NHS England (NHSE), ensuring our messaging aligns with wider system priorities.

Finally, you will provide leadership to establish the framework for a high-performing and financially sustainable communications function.

We're looking for a dynamic, values-led leader with an appreciation of our context and extensive experience in senior communications roles, ideally within healthcare or public sector. You will have a strategic mindset with the ability to translate complex objectives into clear messaging and exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Working for our organisation

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) is an innovative hospital with a proud heritage and over 250 years of experience behind us. Here we’re driven to deliver an outstanding experience for everyone and have been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment we continue to provide for our patients and also our staff.

We are an acute Trust, rated “Good” by the CQC, with a track record of high performance providing regional and super regional specialist services such as: Burns, Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery, Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, Wessex Rehabilitation, Spires Cleft Centre and the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre. We have about 470 beds and employ over 4000 staff.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service.  We think working here is pretty rewarding.  You can access a range of NHS discounts, receive a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme. On-site benefits include car parking (fee applies), leisure centre with swimming pool, day nursery and holiday play scheme. 

Salisbury is an attractive place to live and work and really gives you the best of everything.  With easy access to London and local airports, the city of Southampton is only a short train or car journey away or if you prefer the sea, Bournemouth is also accessible.  Don’t just take our word for it, why not explore what Salisbury has to offer by visiting www.experiencesalisbury.co.uk