JOB DESCRIPTION

1.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Job Title:  Communications Manager

Grade:   Band 7

Salary:   Per annum exclusive of allowances

Superannuation: 6% of salary (optional) (5% if ancillary staff)

Hours:   37.5 hours per week

Terms & Conditions In accordance with the Agenda for Change NHS Terms &
Of Service: Conditions of Service.

Responsible to: Head of Communications and Engagement

Accountable to: Trust Company Secretary

2.  JOB SUMMARY

To ensure the Trust has effective internal and external communications strategies that actively support C&I's strategic objectives, maintain the Trust's reputation and provide leadership on all communication issues.

The post holder will support the Head of Communications and Engagement to provide effective annual communications plans and day-to-day support to services; this will include a broad remit, including media, internal communications, events, campaigns and web / paper based publications.

Key Working Relationships

• Media
• Sector Communication leads
• Chief Executive and Trust Chair
• Human Resources
• Service Users & Carers
• Staff and staff side representatives
• Members of the Board of Directors
• Council of Governors
• Trust membership
• Community stakeholders
• Monitor
• Foundation Trust Network
• Foundation Trust Governors Association
• Trust Divisional Managers, Clinical Leads & Heads of Service
• Commissioners

3. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Strategic communications

3.1.1 To manage proactive and reactive public relations through developing and maintaining a constructive dialogue with all media contacts, ensuring that opportunities are maximised to actively promote the reputation of the Trust, its services and staff.  Maintain an up-to-date media contact list.

3.1.2 To support the development, implementation and evaluation of the Trust's internal and external communication strategies in order to enhance C&I's reputation, promote positive mental health and wellbeing and promote a culture of effective communication.

3.1.3 In conjunction with the Head of Communications and Associate Director of Business Development to develop a programme for Executive communication, marketing and relationship-building with key external stakeholders.

3.1.4 To provide communications advice and support to the Chair, Chief Executive, Executive Management Team and other senior managers and clinicians and attend and contribute to meetings as required.

3.1.5 To lead on the production of the Annual Report in accordance with statutory timeframes and guidance.

3.1.6 In conjunction with the Head of Communications to contribute to the strategic development of the Trust's intranet and website and other social media to meet the needs of staff, service users, carers, stakeholders, members and members of the public.

3.1.7 To identify and respond to the need for other forms of communication such as large print, audio, braille and information in different languages.

3.1.8 To be a communications lead during emergency planning events and major incidents.

3.1.9 To take a lead in co-ordinating the development and production of service user-focused information publications such as service directories, guides and leaflets, overseeing the corporate design and leading on best practice for accessible information.

3.1.10 To contribute to the development and regular review of Trust media and communications policies and procedures, ensuring these remain up-to-date and relevant.

3.2 Media relations

3.2.1 To build and sustain effective relationships with local journalists and media staff teams in partner organisations, developing appropriate media opportunities for senior clinicians and managers including the Chair and Chief Executive.

3.2.2 To oversee filming projects, ensuring that media protocols are followed and contracts are agreed which protect the Trust's reputation, staff and service users.

3.2.3 To source and advise appropriate media coaching for senior clinicians, managers and directors.

3.2.4 To advise staff on relevant legal and confidentiality matters and also ensure a robust approach to journalists in respect of these matters.

3.2.5 To prepare suitable responses to media enquiries and press releases

3.3 Internal communications

3.3.1 To lead and oversee the production of all internal communications and messaging such as the weekly staff bulletin, members' newsletters and other updates.

3.3.2 To work closely with members of the Human Resources department on the development and production of staff communications.  Knowledge and experience in using InDesign or similar software to produce simple posters and leaflets highly desirable.

3.3.3 To undertake regular and systematic reviews and audits to ensure the ongoing effectiveness and development of staff communications.

3.3.4 To lead on internal events such as the Annual Staff Awards and Christmas Carol Concert and to provide support and advice to services on their events.

3.3.5 To provide expertise and advice to C&I staff on communication issues and on the development of communication plans.

3.3.6 Work with the Digital Communications Manager to ensure the accurate maintenance and development of the information  provided on the C&I intranet.

3.4 External communications

3.4.1 To ensure that an effective range of communication channels are in place to meet the needs of different stakeholders, ranging from membership mailings, responding to incidents and press enquiries, publications and events.

3.4.2 To lead on the delivery of key aspects of the Trust's Membership Strategy and annual implementation plan including growing a sizeable and representative membership and engaging members through regular communication and events.

3.4.3   Develop internal and external communications channels with potential Foundation Trust members and Governors and ensure an accurate membership database is maintained, including the public register.  Ensure effective and regular communication with the Trust Governors and membership keeping them updated on important Trust news and ensuring that they are invited to key events including, for example, the monthly Board meeting, the annual Open Day and the Trust's Annual Members Meeting. 
3.4.4 To lead as directed on the communications associated with ministerial, political or other high profile VIP visits and events. 

3.4.5 To represent C&I at external communications events as directed by the Head of Communications.

3.4.6 To lead on a range of corporate events planning such as the Annual Members' Meeting, Open Days and annual forums. 

3.4.7 To initiate, plan and implement communication campaigns that support the Trust's strategic and annual objectives or in response to a request from the Executive or Board of Directors.

3.5 Financial responsibility and Resources

3.5.1 To have certain delegated budgetary responsibility for the communications budget and to be an authorised signatory.

3.5.2 To monitor advertising and printing services within agreed annual budget.

3.5.3 To be responsible for the procurement and maintenance of all physical assets and supplies for the communications office.

3.5.4 To use resources within the communications team efficiently and seek opportunities for responsible sponsorship for Trust events and publications.

3.5.5 To develop and maintain a photo library and systems for the storage of press cuttings, relevant publications and media releases.

3.6 Staff Management

3.6.1   To deputise jointly with the Digital Communications Manager for the Head of Communications and Engagement in her absence.  

3.6.1 To be responsible for the line management of staff within the communications team to include:
• Media and Communications Officer

3.6.2 To direct, control and motivate the staff for whom you have line management responsibility. To include:
 Accountability for the management, mentoring and career development of staff for whom  you have direct line management responsibility;
 Contribute to the setting of team objectives and measuring performance against objectives set;
 Ensuring individual roles and responsibilities are clearly defined within the team, including responsibility for managing cover during periods of annual leave and sickness;
 Developing appropriate systems to monitor the performance of your directly managed staff in accordance with trust policies and procedures;
 Staff appraisal and development, including identification of training needs and monitoring of training undertaken;
 Leading in the recruitment, selection and induction of new staff as directed;
 Dealing with leave applications, sickness, performance and disciplinary issues in line with Trust policies.

 

 

3.7 Other duties

3.7.1 To undertake any other duties that may be required in relation to the provision of an efficient and effective communications support function.

3.7.2 In emergencies, support the handling of out-of-hour's media enquiries.

4. PROBATIONARY PERIOD

This post is subject to the requirements of a six month probationary scheme for new staff only.

5. PARTNERSHIP WORKING

Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust & the London Boroughs of Camden & Islington are working in partnership to provide mental health services.  Employees from all the participating organisations work closely together and have joint management and supervision arrangements.  In addition you will be expected to collect and report data relating to performance indicators for both organisations.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

All information concerning patients/clients and staff must be treated as strictly confidential at all times.

7. CODE OF CONDUCT 

 Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust has a code of conduct for all non-registered staff in a direct care role.  As an employee of the Trust you are expected to comply with this code at all times, and any breach of it whilst in practice will be investigated by the Trust.

8. VALUING DIVERSITY

It is the aim of the Trust to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, marital/partnership status, race, religion, age, creed, colour, ethnic origin, disability, part time working status and real or suspected HIV/AIDS status and is not placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.  To this end the Trust has a Valuing Diversity in the Workplace Policy and it is for each employee to contribute to its success.

9. INFECTION CONTROL
 The prevention and control of infection is the responsibility of everyone who is employed by Camden and Islington Foundation Trust.  Employees must be aware of infection control policies, procedures and the importance of protecting themselves and their clients in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

10. HEALTH & SAFETY

All staff must comply with all Foundation Trust Health & Safety Policies and Procedures.  Staff must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), and to ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors.

11. NO SMOKING POLICY

There is a smoke free policy in operation in the Trust.  In accordance with this policy smoking is positively discouraged and is not permitted anywhere within the buildings, on the premises or grounds.

Designated smoking areas or smoking rooms are not permitted.  Support is provided for staff members who wish to stop smoking.

12. DATA PROTECTION

If you have contact with computerised data systems you are required to obtain, process and/or use information held on a computer or word processor in a fair and lawful way.  To hold data only for the specific registered purpose and not to use or disclose it in any way incompatible with such purpose.  To disclose data only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed.

13. DATA PROTECTION ACT

 All staff who contribute to patients' care records are expected to be familiar with, and adhere to, the Trust's Standards of Records Keeping Policy.  Staff should be aware that patients' care records throughout the Trust will be subject to regular audit.

 All staff who have access to patients' care records have a responsibility to ensure that these are maintained efficiently and that confidentiality is protected in line with the Trust's Confidentiality of Health Records Policy.

 All staff have an obligation to ensure that care records are maintained efficiently and that confidentiality is protected.  Staff are also subject to this obligation both on an implied basis and also on the basis that, on accepting their job description, they agree to maintain both patient / client and staff confidentiality.
 
 In addition, all health professionals are advised to compile records on the assumption that they are accessible to patients in