Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement

Job overview

This is a really exciting opportunity to make your mark in a brand new NHS organisation! This is a key post in our organisation and will report directly to the Chief Executive and be a member of the Executive Team. The role will work closely with the Chief Executive, Chair, members of the Board, the Council of Governors, the Executive Team and other senior colleagues internally and externally.

We are about to enter a really exciting new phase in our history as we become the new North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) on 1 November 2024. This follows several years where Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust have been working together as the North London Mental Health Partnership, with a single Chair, Chief Executive and Executive Team. Our Communications Team and functions have already been integrated, as have most other corporate functions.

As we become the new North London NHS Foundation Trust on 1 November, we are seeking to appoint an experienced senior communications professional to the role of Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement. The role will be supported by an Assistant Director and a team of seven other Communications staff.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will lead the new Trust’s communications, marketing and engagement function providing professional advice, expertise and leadership on all aspects of communications, marketing, staff and stakeholder engagement, maximising opportunities to promote the Trust’s work and reputation. They will develop strong relationships with external stakeholders, including the media, in seeking to enhance the reputation of the Trust. They will also encourage greater staff engagement across the organisation.

A major priority of the role will be to promote the new North London NHS Foundation Trust as an organisation that is synonymous with excellence in mental healthcare and develop our reputation as a leading NHS mental health provider and a great place to work for staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Corporate communications

• Corporate responsibility for the development and implementation of the Trust’s communications, marketing and engagement strategies, policies and functions.
• Provide high quality, expert advice on corporate, internal and digital communications to the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Trust Board and to the wider organisation.
• Managing and developing a proactive, integrated communications, marketing and engagement service spanning public and media relations, internal communications and stakeholder engagement to promote a strong, positive reputation for the Trust.
• Lead the communication and engagement agenda for the development and delivery of the Trust’s service transformation programmes.
• Support the delivery of the Strategic Aims and Objectives of the Trust and the embedding of our Values across the organisation.
• Present sensitive and contentious information to stakeholders and potentially hostile audiences in clear and appropriate ways that help to enhance the reputation of the Trust.
• Lead the development of key publications, including the Trust’s Annual Report and information for patients, carers, GPs and the general public.
• Lead the development and management of the digital and on-line communications, including the Trust’s website, staff intranet and social media.
• Co-ordinate and implement consistent and regular auditing, research and analysis of the effectiveness of communications techniques.
• Ensure the provision of effective 24/7 communications cover for the Trust.