Head of PPI and Research Communications

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in London seeks a Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Research Communications. This role emphasizes effective engagement with patients and the public to impact research positively. The successful candidate will manage various communication channels and lead a team of specialists. Ideal for those passionate about transforming public involvement in healthcare research.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of communicating complex information clearly.
• Experience in engaging with individuals and communities.
• Ability to work with multiple partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic development of communications and PPIE.
• Responsible for managing communication channels.
• Lead a team of communications and involvement specialists.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of digital communications

Influencing and negotiation skills

Project management

Job description

UCLH, together with leading university UCL, is a centre for world-class clinical research and has one of the largest portfolios of studies. UCLH is home to one of the country’s most innovative biomedical research centres (BRCs). At our BRC, we have built a good reputation for communicating our research and engaging with patients and the public.

Communicating and actively involving patients and the public in research are essential to the work at UCLH JRO and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and are crucial for making our research more impactful and inclusive.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a 0.5 FTE job share position as Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Research Communications. This role offers a chance for someone passionate about communicating research and ensuring meaningful and effective engagement, involvement, and participation (PPIE) of patients and the public in research to shape and influence our work.

As the Head of PPIE and Research Communications, you will utilize your excellent communication and involvement skills to assist senior staff and researchers in engaging with patients and the public. You will be responsible for the strategic development of communications and PPIE, working with multiple departments and organizations to establish partnerships to advance research communications and involvement.

The role includes overseeing a PPIE support infrastructure for UCLH and UCL researchers, managing various communication channels such as digital platforms, websites, events, and social media. You will lead a team of four communications and involvement specialists.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of communicating complex information clearly and engagingly, working with individuals, groups, and communities, and selecting appropriate communication channels. They should possess excellent knowledge of digital communications, print, film, and photography. Influencing and negotiation skills, experience managing complex projects with multiple partners, and the ability to work at pace are essential. The candidate should also be innovative in developing approaches to communication, involvement, and engagement.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is among the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a diverse population. We provide high-quality acute and specialist services to local, national, and international patients. Our vision is to deliver top-tier patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

Our services span eight sites:

• University College Hospital (including the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to diagnosing and treating complex illnesses, with specialties in women’s health, cancer, infection, neurology, gastrointestinal, and oral diseases. Our world-class support services include critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine, and pathology.

For further details or informal visits, contact:

Name: Sharon Hay
Job Title: EA to Nick McNally, Managing Director BRC
Email: [e-mail]