Communications Officer - Tackling Diabetes Together Programme

NHS; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national public health agency in the UK seeks a Communications Officer for a 14-month fixed-term role. The successful candidate will support the Tackling Diabetes Together Programme, developing strategies to engage stakeholders and deliver impactful health communications. A degree and relevant experience in public health communications are required. This role promotes flexible working and aims to address one of Wales's key public health challenges.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of traditional and digital media.
• Understanding of NHS systems and structures.
• Experience in health communications.

Responsibilities

• Support development and delivery of communications strategies.
• Manage partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Evaluate communications activities.

Skills

Communications campaign development

Media relations

Crisis communications

Education

Degree or equivalent

CIPR, PRCA, CIM or IOIC qualification

Job description

Communications Officer - Tackling Diabetes Together Programme

Fixed Term Contract for 14 months until 31/03/2027 due to funding.

Wales has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the UK, with over 220,000 people living with the condition - projected to reach one in 11 adults by 2035. The Tackling Diabetes Together Programme brings together NHS Wales, clinicians, third‑sector partners and communities to drive urgent, system‑wide change in diabetes prevention and care.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our communications team and help tackle one of Wales's most pressing public health challenges. You'll support the delivery of communications strategies and campaigns that connect stakeholders, amplify patient voices, and empower both healthcare professionals and the public.

Working with the Communications and Engagement Manager and Engagement lead, you'll help manage partnerships with key stakeholders including those with lived experience, develop compelling campaigns informed by behavioural science, and undertake robust evaluations of our communications activities.

If you're a communications professional that is passionate about using communications to drive change in public health, we'd love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

You will be responsible for supporting the development and delivery of public health communications strategies and communications plans in Public Health Wales.

The main duties of this job are:

• Support the communications manager in the development and delivery of communications strategies, action plans and campaigns
• Manage partnerships with key stakeholders, including those with lived experience
• Undertake robust evaluations for communications activities

Candidates will be assessed on skills, behaviours, knowledge and attitude relevant to the role.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and welcome applicants who wish to work on a flexible basis.

About us

We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well‑being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.

We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view on Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Degree or equivalent; Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of traditional and digital media; Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of NHS systems and structures; Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the role and functions of public health organisations in Wales
• CIPR, PRCA, CIM or IOIC recognised Public Relations / social media / marketing / internal communications qualification; Knowledge of public health issues and structures; Knowledge of Welsh public sector; Knowledge of Welsh media; Knowledge of Welsh government and political structures

Experience

• Experience of working on the development and delivery of internal and external media campaigns
• Experience of working in a health communications; Experience of working in public affairs.
• Experience of journalism and crisis communications
• Worked in an in‑house or agency marketing or PR environment

Skills and Attributes

• Develop, implement and evaluate communications campaigns; Commission, write, edit, proofread, co‑ordinate complex internal and external publications, patient/client leaflets and advice documents; write press releases, articles; oversee print and distribution; Respond to media enquiries, brief journalists; manage events, press conferences, photo calls and visits; and respond to communications enquiries from agencies and key external and internal stakeholders; Provide communications and marketing communications advice to managers, staff, committees; Engage with local government, the third sector, the public and other stakeholders in relation to public health; Ability to meet tight and rigid deadlines; Ability to work on multiple tasks; Ability to stay calm in a crisis; Ability to think quickly and clearly when faced with unexpected and complex challenges requiring an immediate response; Ability to work on own initiative

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.