Head of Involvement

Job summaryShape the Future of Healthcare Through Meaningful EngagementAre you passionate about ensuring the voices of patients, communities and the public influence healthcare decisions at the highest level?Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Involvement to lead our patient, public and community involvement agenda. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking Communications and Engagement Directorate and play a pivotal role in shaping how we engage with the people who use, support and influence our services.
As our Head of Involvement, you will provide strategic leadership across the Trust's involvement programmes, ensuring engagement activity is meaningful, inclusive, legally robust and delivers real impact. You will work closely with senior leaders, governors, community partners and stakeholders to strengthen relationships, amplify patient voices and support the delivery of our organisational priorities.
This role will be central to delivering the Trust's ambitions for patient and public involvement, including leading engagement activity linked to major transformation programmes such as the New Hospital Programme.
Main duties of the jobAs a senior member of the Communications and Engagement team, you will:Lead the development and delivery of the Trust's patient, public and community involvement strategy.
Provide strategic leadership for engagement activity associated with the New Hospital Programme, ensuring activities meet governance requirements and recognised involvement principles.
Build and maintain influential relationships with key partners, including Healthwatch organisations, voluntary and community groups, independent research partners and seldom-heard communities.
Lead the governance framework for Foundation Trust member and governor engagement, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met while fostering meaningful and proactive involvement.
Commission and oversee specialist engagement, research and evaluation activity, ensuring value for money and effective governance.
Work with senior executives, governors and external stakeholders to embed a culture where patient and community insight informs decision-making and service improvement.

About us
Why Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust?At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS.
We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part-time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs.
Join UsWhether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of a inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.
Frimley Health Trust benefits on VimeoDetailsDate posted13 October 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8aSalary
59,798 to 67,020 a year
per annum incl HCAS
ContractPermanentWorking pattern

Full-time

Reference number151-SF162Job locationsFrimley Park HospitalCamberleyGU16 7UJUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the full

Job Description
and Person Specification.

Job description

Job responsibilitiesFor a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the full

Job Description
and Person Specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialPost-graduate qualification or professional diploma in communications, public relations, engagement or a related discipline.
DesirableProfessional body membership and/or accreditation (e.g. CIPR, PRCA or equivalent).
Skills & Knowledge
EssentialExcellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills.
Strong project management, organisational and planning skills.
Ability to develop governance processes, policies and assurance frameworks.
Ability to analyse feedback, interpret findings and use insights to inform strategic decision-making.
DesirableFacilitation and consultation skills, including managing challenging discussions and competing interests.
Ability to design innovative approaches to community and public engagement, particularly with seldom-heard groups.
Experience
EssentialSignifi