Group Chief Communications and Engagement Leader

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust; Wollaton; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking an accomplished Group Chief Communications & Engagement Officer to act as the CEO's principal adviser on reputational risk, governance, and messaging in routine and high-pressure situations.

The role provides expert strategic advice to the CEO, Board, and senior leadership on communications, reputation, and public affairs, safeguarding the Trust's reputation and managing media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement across

Qualifications

• Masters level or equivalent experience in communications.
• Specialist communications qualification or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Experience advising the Board in communications/media within an NHS setting.
• Senior level experience leading engagement within an NHS setting.
• Experience of devising and implementing effective communications and engagement strategies including social media.
• Knowledge and experience of managing formal public consultation on service change.
• Knowledge and experience of high-profile media issues management.
• Deep knowledge of media handling, public affairs/stakeholder management, and communications governance (FOI, data protection, media law, consultation).
• Strong strategic judgement; able to handle complex, sensitive and contentious issues with influential stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and oversight of a comprehensive Group communications and engagement strategy aligned to objectives and values.
• Act as strategic lead for crisis and serious incident communications, advising CEO/ELT on strategy and messaging.
• Develop external communications plans to manage the Trust's reputation and support the Group Strategy.
• Set the approach for two-way staff communications with People/OD and clinical leadership.
• Own governance for public engagement and formal consultation on service change, ensuring inclusivity and defensibility within legal framework.
• Lead relationships with national/local media, maximise positive coverage and balance overall media coverage.
• Provide visible, values-based leadership to the communications and engagement function.

Skills

Board-level communication

Media handling

Public affairs

Stakeholder management

Strategic judgement

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Specialist communications qualification

CPD evidence

Job description

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking an accomplished Group Chief Communications & Engagement Officer to act as the CEO's principal adviser on reputational risk, governance, and messaging in routine and high-pressure situations.

The role provides expert strategic advice to the CEO, Board, and senior leadership on communications, reputation, and public affairs, safeguarding the Trust's reputation and managing media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement across