Head of Public Affairs | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Wickford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Wickford seeks a Communications Lead to develop and implement strategic communications plans. The role includes managing relationships with stakeholders and ensuring effective messages are communicated clearly. Candidates must possess strong analytical and written skills, and a keen ability to navigate political sensitivities. This position offers competitive benefits including a generous holiday entitlement and relocation package.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension up to 14.5%

Staff discounts and benefits

Flexible working options

Relocation package of £8K

Qualifications

• Previous experience in managing complex communications.
• Ability to draft effective articles and communications materials.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of communications plans for the Trust.
• Manage relationships with local politicians and stakeholders.
• Produce and distribute Trust messaging to key stakeholders.
• Support the Chief Executive’s office in handling MP queries.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent written communication

Judgement under pressure

Stakeholder engagement

Political sensitivity management

Job description

Overview

The post holder will lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s communications plan and activities for external stakeholder engagement, managing relationships with local politicians and MPs. This will frequently include materials of a highly complex and sensitive content and will require a high level of analytical skills and judgement. The post holder will devise plans for and lead external stakeholder engagement on behalf of the Trust’s Chair, Chief Executive and Board of Directors/Governors. They will be responsible for the production and distribution of the Trust’s messaging to MPs and other key stakeholders, both written and verbal, requiring excellent written skills to develop effective articles and other collateral and to exercise high levels of judgement in assessing the appropriate tone and content of material.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s communications plan and activities for managing the relationship with local politicians and MPs, including materials of highly complex and sensitive content.
• Devise plans for and lead external stakeholder engagement on behalf of the Trust’s Chair, Chief Executive and Board of Directors/Governors.
• Produce and distribute the Trust’s messaging to MPs and other key stakeholders, both written and verbal; develop effective articles and other collateral with high judgement on tone and content.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive’s office in handling MP contact and questions.
• Act as the lead communications contact for local MPs, politicians and stakeholders, ensuring requests for information are dealt with accurately and promptly with appropriate tone.
• Lead on the production of stakeholder briefings in conjunction with the Communications Director, Chief Executive’s Office and the Trust’s wider Executive and leadership team, including out of hours support, dealing with highly sensitive and contentious matters.
• Draft text for the Chair, Chief Executive, Executive Directors and Communications Director for presentations/publications – including MP and ministerial briefings.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director to produce communications for Ministers, MPs and other stakeholders, including event organisation, presentations and media liaison; manage negotiations with political sensitivities and potential conflicts.
• Provide advice to the Board of Directors in managing stakeholder communications in potentially challenging circumstances.
• Ensure material posted on the Trust’s website is suitably pitched to the target audience, considering the complexities and sensitivities of the field.
• Develop positive communication channels for Governors and constituent members; advise the Board on complex, contentious or potentially antagonistic stakeholder relationships and coordinate management of such circumstances.
• Provide leadership to all team members and assist with delivery of work as necessary; manage communication-related payments for stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain awareness of current issues within the Trust to ensure key personnel receive appropriate and timely communication.
• Share information with staff within the Trust and other organisations, observing data protection guidelines.
• Collate and analyse information as required and regularly write and present reports to relevant committees of the Trust.

Benefits / Work that wraps around your needs

• Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. We look after you: supervision and support to fulfil your potential; inclusive community and engagement networks; mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling; recognition awards for staff.
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
• Season ticket loans (interest-free) to cover travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
• Flexible working available from day one for most roles; job share applications welcomed.

Additional duties

• Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures.
• Keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy.
• Provide management supervision where appropriate.

This advert closes on Monday 20 Oct 2025