Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement

Job content

A member of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) senior leadership team, the Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement will lead on communication and engagement across the ICB and wider Integrated Care System (ICS) to support effective population health management and to maintain and enhance the reputation of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight system. This will include media relations (both reactive and proactive); issues management; public awareness campaigns; internal communications; web and intranet management; digital communications; briefings for key external stakeholders.; and public involvement processes that ensure the voice of communities influence the work and decisions of the ICB.

The Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement will collaborate with executive colleagues, taking joint collective accountability for delivery of the ICB’s priorities. Key responsibilities will align to the achievement of the four core purposes of the ICS, namely to: improve outcomes in population health and healthcare; tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience, and access; enhance productivity and value for money; and help the NHS support broader social and economic development.

Directly accountable to the Chief Executive, the Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement will work in a fast-paced and demanding environment, in which they will need to be adept in the rapid analysis and synthesis of complex information, and in the accurate interpretation of national and local policy and strategies. The role also requires the post-holder to be highly competent in the preparation and presentation of information, in multiple formats, to an exceptional standard.

The responsibilities and work content associated with the role will be varied and, as the ICB becomes further established, will develop over time. Therefore, the post-holder will need the ability to identify and capitalise on emerging opportunities to maximise the contribution and impact of the Communications and Engagement function, and will be comfortable in effectively responding to changing and evolving demands. With frequent interaction with Board members and a range of senior system and multi-agency stakeholders, the Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement will demonstrate sound political judgement, and an appreciation and sensitivity towards others’ views and perspectives.

This is a challenging time for the NHS but new drugs, new treatments and new ways of delivering healthcare offer the exciting potential for positive, transformational change.

The new Integrated Care Boards are the key drivers in this change process and effective communication and engagement is central to achieving the national objectives of reduced waiting times, sustainable services and improved patient outcomes.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board serves a population of almost 2 million people and we are now looking for an exceptional Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement to play a key role in shaping the future of the NHS in our region.

The health and care system in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight faces some unique challenges along with some great opportunities, not least of which is the prospect of a brand new hospital near Basingstoke.

We would be pleased to receive applications from candidates with an excellent track record who can demonstrate a thorough understanding of NHS structures, processes and current issues, along with the ability to motivate staff and persuade key stakeholders.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the ICB’s communications adviser, John Underwood, on 07730 955689 on or after Monday 11thSeptember.

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 24thSeptember

Setting strategy and delivering long-term transformation

Lead the co-design, implementation, and evaluation of an ICB communications and engagement strategy that will enable the ICB to develop, build, and promote its reputation and brand, while also ensuring that the needs of the Chair and Chief Executive in the discharge of their statutory duties relating to public and patient engagement are, at all times, fully met.

Lead the development and delivery of tactical, operational, and strategic communications and involvement plans associated with the population health services of the ICS.

Promote varied and innovative means of communicating and engaging with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight population, and ensure that health awareness and health promotion initiatives are well-positioned, credible, and effective.

Develop and implement a framework for public involvement that ensures insight and feedback from patients and the public influences and shapes the work of the ICB and wider ICS.

Driving high quality, sustainable outcomes

Provide strategic counsel on communications issues to the ICB Chief Executive and Board colleagues, helping inform effective decision-making which supports the health needs of Hampshire and Isle of Wight communities.

Work closely and collaboratively with ICB senior leadership colleagues to oversee the quality of all health services delivered across the ICS, and ensure the promotion of patient and public involvement in design and decision-making processes.

Influence leadership relationships and engagement opportunities to ensure that the ICB acts as an enabler to harness system development opportunities for the benefit of population health improvements.

Lead communications activity associated with major incident response and management.

Establishing robust governance and assurance

Support a strong culture of public accountability, probity, and governance, ensuring that appropriate and compliant structures, systems, and process are in place to minimise risk and promote the freedom to speak up.

Oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of key policies relating to best practice communications and media management, and develop and implement supporting guidance and training.

Undertake research among key audiences and, evaluating the information received, make recommendations for the further development and improvement of ICB communications and engagement channels and platforms.

Building trusted relationships with partners and communities

Build and maintain strong and highly effective collaborative working relationships with system partners, and wider regional and national partners (including the voluntary and community sector; media; patient groups; and pressure groups), thereby creating the conditions for successful partnerships and promoting a culture of co-design and collaboration beyond the statutory sector.

Ensure that the ICB influences and seeks input from wider ICS system leaders, including provider collaboratives; public health; local government; the voluntary and community sector; other partners; and local people, with the aim of making real transformational differences for local populations through the improvement of clinical outcomes, the reduction of health inequalities, and the achievement of better life outcomes.

Leading for social justice and health equality

Contribute to the promotion and facilitation of collective responsibility for improving whole patient pathways and removing organisational barriers to accessing health and care services.

Support and influence effective engagement with the public on matters relating to improvements in their own health and wellbeing, and also on matters relating to strategic change, specifically enabling and supporting partner organisations to comply with all relevant guidance and legislation informing engagement and consultation.

Creating a compassionate and inclusive culture

Provide visible and strategic leadership to the communications and engagement community within Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

Provide leadership, and professional and pastoral support in the development and maintenance of a cohesive, competent, and high-performing ICB communications and engagement function, which interacts effectively with communications and engagement colleagues within ICS partner organisations.

Promote the creation and maintenance of a truly inclusive working environment, and actively champion diversity and inclusion in the development and implementation of communications strategies and supporting materials (ensuring such materials are accessible, meaningful, and understandable to all audiences, and therefore use diverse images and content).

Ensure that there is specific attention to the needs of the legislative framework of the Equality Act and associated Accessibility Standards, including supporting commitments to minority groups, reducing inequalities, and providing widely accessible public-facing information and documents.

These main duties and responsibilities reflect the current, core focus for the role of Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement. These are not exhaustive, and the post-holder can expect to take on other responsibilities or specific tasks, as required. Further, over time, it is likely that the remit and requirements of the role will evolve. Therefore, this role description will be regularly reviewed and, where appropriate, revised.