Head of PPI and Research Communications

University College London Hospitals; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution based in London seeks a Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Research Communications. The successful candidate will manage a team and oversee communication strategies aimed at enhancing patient and public engagement in clinical research. Strong communication and project management skills are essential, alongside knowledge of various communication mediums. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence impactful research initiatives and collaboration across departments.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate complex information clearly and engagingly.
• Experience working with diverse groups.
• Knowledge of digital communications, print, film, and photography.

Responsibilities

• Manage a PPIE support infrastructure for researchers.
• Lead a team of four communications and involvement specialists.
• Oversee multiple communication channels including digital platforms.

Skills

Excellent communication

Managing complex projects

Digital communications

Negotiation skills

Innovation in strategies

Job description

Job overview

UCLH, in partnership with University College London, is a centre for world-class clinical research with a large portfolio of studies. UCLH hosts one of the country’s most innovative biomedical research centres (BRCs), renowned for communicating research and engaging with patients and the public.

Effective communication and active involvement of patients and the public are vital to our work at UCLH JRO and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, making our research more impactful and inclusive.

We are seeking a Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Research Communications to elevate our efforts. This role is ideal for someone passionate about communicating research and ensuring meaningful engagement, involvement, and participation (PPIE) of patients and the public, to shape and influence our work.

As the Head of PPIE and Research Communications, you will leverage your excellent communication and involvement skills to assist senior staff and researchers in engaging with patients and the public. You will oversee strategic development of communications and PPIE, collaborating across departments and organizations to establish partnerships for research communication and involvement.

Main duties of the job

The role involves managing a PPIE support infrastructure for UCLH and UCL researchers, along with multiple communication channels including 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 ability to communicate complex information clearly and engagingly, work with diverse groups, and identify suitable communication channels. Knowledge of digital communications, print, film, and photography is essential. Skills in influencing, negotiation, and managing complex projects with multiple partners are required. Innovation in communication, involvement, and engagement strategies is highly valued.

Working for our organisation

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the UK’s most complex NHS trusts, serving a diverse population. We provide top-quality acute and specialist services across eight sites, including University College Hospital, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and others. Our mission is to deliver excellent patient care, education, and research, with specializations in women’s health, cancer, infectious diseases, neurology, and more. We also offer advanced support services such as critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine, and pathology.