Senior Communications Officer

Job content

We are looking for a communication professional who wants to make a
difference through their work and help us achieve our vision forA Healthier Mid and West Wales.

The Senior Communications Officer will support our journey to shift from a
service focused on treating illness, to one focused on preventing ill health (or worsening of ill-health) and with more care provided closer to home. This is a really exciting time for us as we have a plan seeking significant investment in our hospitals and community facilities. This will require us to work differently and to engage closely with our staff, patients, public and partners.

The Senior Communications Officer post will deliver proactive and integrated communication campaigns and be a lead in our response to reactive issues, both internally and externally. We are looking for someone who is passionate about how good communication can impact health and well-being and who thrives in a high paced environment.

The post-holder will be expected to deliver content and mechanisms for dialogue between staff across the organisation; influence behaviour change among staff and the public through communication; and provide the public with clear information whether that is service change, a major incident or how to access services.

The post holder will also be expected to deliver a programme of content and communication which recognises and celebrates staff and UHB achievements to the benefit of the local population and wider health service as a means of valuing staff, sharing good practice and building confidence in the UHB as a healthcare provider and employer of choice.

The role requires an experienced communications professional to develop, implement and evaluate innovative communication projects and campaigns, writing content for different formats, respond to enquiries from staff, journalists and social media users, and make best use of traditional and new media.

Communication will be tailored for a wide range of audiences so that it engages staff, stakeholders, media and the public. The individual will be able to influence and persuade others within the organisation, linking closely with committees, Chief Executive, Chair and Executive Directors, senior management, key stakeholders and staff in the provision.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is the planner and provider of NHS healthcare services for people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and its bordering counties. Our 11,000 members of staff provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services for around 384,000 people across a quarter of the landmass of Wales. We do this in partnership with our three local authorities and public, private and third sector colleagues, including our volunteers, through:

Four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli and Withybush General in Haverfordwest;

Seven community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron, Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire Hospital Health and Social Care Resource Centre in Pembrokeshire;

 48 general practices (four of which are managed practices), 47 dental practices (including three orthodontic), 99 community pharmacies, 44 general ophthalmic practices (43 providing Eye Health Examination Wales and 34 low vision services) and 17 domiciliary only providers and 11 health centres;

Numerous locations providing mental health and learning disabilities services; Highly specialised and tertiary services commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee, a joint committee representing seven health boards across Wales

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 22/12/22