Head of Digital Communications and Engagement

National health service; Frimley; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible working

Job summary

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Head of Communications and Engagement to lead high-impact campaigns that support our strategic objectives and strengthen our reputation. You will provide expert counsel to senior leaders and deliver campaigns that inform, engage and inspire across staff, patients and communities.

As a senior leader within the Communications and Engagement function, you will lead a dedicated team, shaping the future direction of communications while

Qualifications

• Post-graduate qualification or professional diploma in communications, public relations, engagement or a related discipline.
• Professional body membership and/or accreditation (e.g. CIPR, PRCA or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, multi-channel communications and engagement campaigns.
• Provide strategic communications advice to divisional leaders.
• Support the Trust's response to high-profile issues and incidents.
• Drive insight-based planning and measurement for campaigns.
• Develop staff and foster a culture of excellence in communications.

Skills

Writing

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Campaign planning

Data-driven decisions

Digital channels

Social media

Analytics

Content production

Education

Post-graduate qualification in communications/public relations/engagement

Job description

Job responsibilities

For a comprehensive list of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role please refer to the job description/person Specification

EssentialPost-graduate qualification or professional diploma in communications, public relations, engagement or a related discipline. DesirableProfessional body membership and/or accreditation (e.g. CIPR, PRCA or equivalent).

Experience

EssentialSignificant senior experience delivering communications and engagement in a complex, multi-stakeholder experience leading and owning complex, multi-channel communications and engagement campaigns or programmes, with accountability for outcomes. Demonstrated experience contributing to crisis or issues management communications, including drafting holding positions and managing fast-moving managing and developing others, with evidence of building team capability and professional standards. Experience using data and audience insight to inform planning and evaluate impact. DesirableNHS, public sector or similarly regulated communications environment experience. Experience commissioning and managing external communications or creative support. Experience delivering communications to support organisational change, staff engagement or culture development.

Skills & Knowledge

EssentialStrong practitioner skills across the core communications disciplines: writing, media relations, stakeholder engagement and campaign planning. Confident user of data and insight to set objectives, track performance and make evidence-based decisions. Sound understanding of digital communications channels, content formats and audience behaviour. Experience with social media management, digital content production or channel analytics.

DesirableUnderstanding of behaviour change methodologies and their application in communications planning. Familiarity with NHS communications frameworks, regulatory environment or public sector accountability structures.

Person Specification

Qualifications

EssentialPost-graduate qualification or professional diploma in communications, public relations, engagement or a related discipline. DesirableProfessional body membership and/or accreditation (e.g. CIPR, PRCA or equivalent).

Experience

EssentialSignificant senior experience delivering communications and engagement in a complex, multi-stakeholder experience leading and owning complex, multi-channel communications and engagement campaigns or programmes, with accountability for outcomes. Demonstrated experience contributing to crisis or issues management communications, including drafting holding positions and managing fast-moving managing and developing others, with evidence of building team capability and professional standards. Experience using data and audience insight to inform planning and evaluate impact. DesirableNHS, public sector or similarly regulated communications environment experience. Experience commissioning and managing external communications or creative support. Experience delivering communications to support organisational change, staff engagement or culture development.

Skills & Knowledge

EssentialStrong practitioner skills across the core communications disciplines: writing, media relations, stakeholder engagement and campaign planning. Confident user of data and insight to set objectives, track performance and make evidence-based decisions. Sound understanding of digital communications channels, content formats and audience behaviour. Experience with social media management, digital content production or channel analytics.

DesirableUnderstanding of behaviour change methodologies and their application in communications planning. Familiarity with NHS communications frameworks, regulatory environment or public sector accountability structures.

Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of

Job summary

Lead Communications That Make a Difference

Are you an experienced communications leader looking for an opportunity to shape the reputation, voice and engagement of one of the NHS's largest and most ambitious organisations?

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Communications and Engagement to lead high-impact communications and engagement programmes that help deliver our strategic objectives, strengthen our reputation and connect our staff, patients and communities with the work we do every day.

This is a senior leadership role within our integrated Communications and Engagement function. You will lead a dedicated team, providing expert counsel to senior leaders while delivering impactful campaigns that inform, engage and inspire.

If you're an experienced communications leader with the vision, credibility and passion to drive meaningful engagement and help shape the future of one of the NHS's most exciting organisations, we'd love to hear from you.

Frimley Health story.

Main duties of the job

You will play a pivotal role in:

Leading complex, multi-channel communications and engagement campaigns from planning through to trusted strategic communications advice to divisional and programme leaders.

Supporting the Trust's response to high-profile issues, significant incidents and reputational challenges.

Driving evidence-based communications through insight, measurement and audience understanding.

Developing communications professionals and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and shape the future direction of communications and engagement across the organisation.

About us

Why Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust?

At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS.

We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part-time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs.

Join Us

Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of a inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.

Frimley Health Trust benefits on VimeoDetailsDate posted13 October 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8aSalary