Communications Officer

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare trust in Leicester seeks a Senior Communications Officer to enhance the profile of commercial research. The ideal candidate will foster strong stakeholder relationships, create engaging content for various channels, and maintain the organization's website to ensure accurate and accessible information. This role is crucial for supporting clinical teams and improving patient care through effective communication strategies. The position offers an exciting opportunity to shape commercial research initiatives in the region.

Qualifications

• Ability to adapt messages for different audiences and build credibility.
• Experience in copywriting with a keen eye for detail.
• Successful stakeholder relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders.
• Lead communications and engagement for research recruitment.
• Produce clear, engaging content for multiple platforms.
• Maintain the CRDC website and intranet for accurate information.
• Support internal communications for staff engagement.
• Create promotional materials for the CRDC.
• Assist with marketing for the Leicester Diabetes Centre.

Skills

Confident communication

Excellent copywriting

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Website content management

Job description

Senior Communications Officer

The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is proud to have secured funding for the Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), which will play a key role in bringing commercial health research to our region. Supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the NIHR Leicestershire and Northamptonshire CRDC works with primary and secondary care providers to deliver innovative research studies and recruit participants.

We are looking for a Senior Communications Officer to join our Research Communications team. This is a fantastic opportunity to help raise the profile of commercial research, working closely with clinical colleagues, operational teams and external partners. This role will shape the future of commercial research in our region and support improvements in patient care.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across healthcare, research, and industry.
• Lead on communications and engagement activities that support recruitment into research studies.
• Produce clear, engaging copy for different channels, including newsletters, staff updates, reports, and press releases.
• Update and maintain the CRDC website and intranet pages to ensure content is accurate, accessible, and engaging.
• Support internal communications to keep staff informed and connected.
• Develop creative materials to promote the CRDC to different audiences.
• Support communications and marketing activity for the Leicester Diabetes Centre as and when required.

Working for our Organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023‑2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high‑quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk

Qualifications

• A confident communicator, able to adapt messages for different audiences and build credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
• An experienced copywriter with excellent attention to detail.
• Skilled at managing relationships and influencing stakeholders with competing priorities.
• Organised, adaptable and able to manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Familiar with updating websites/intranets and producing content for digital and print channels.

Application Process

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

Equal Opportunities

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month’s payment. The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID‑19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre‑employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre‑employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer. The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid‑19 Vaccination Status

Covid‑19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid‑19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

Diversity Commitment

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.