Head of Communications

Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) is looking for a new Head of Communications. The Head of Communications is responsible for supporting the Assistant Director of Communications in the delivery of DHCW’s communications strategy and leading a forward-thinking and ambitious programme of operational communications for DHCW.

The Head of Communications will lead and manage the operational aspects of the communications team to provide a wide range of communications services and resources required to under-pin the successful operation of DHCW.

The post holder will support the Assistant Director of Communications to develop, implement and evaluate a strong portfolio of communications services and activities in line with DHCW’s communications strategy and organisational aims and objectives.

They will support DHCW to promote the corporate vision, values and objectives to internal and external audiences. The post holder will be required to plan, implement and evaluate a range of internal and external communications undertaken by DHCW, and make improvements to approaches where needed.

The Head of Communications will play a key role in building the organisation’s impact and reputation and ensuring its future success through the effective operations of its communications functions and raising the organisation’s profile and reputation amongst the internal workforce, service users, stakeholders, media and the general public.

They will provide strategic communications advice and reputational management support for internal and external communications to senior leaders and their divisions.

The post holder will support the Assistant Director of Communications to ensure DHCW’s communications is fully effective and engaged in collaborative projects with its NHS Wales partners and stakeholders. They will provide line management, leadership and support to the wider communications team.

The post holder will be comfortable working at pace in a complex, fast-moving and demanding environment. They will be familiar with receiving, analysing and responding to contentious or highly sensitive information and communicating with large groups of people.

This role requires a strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to be hands-on and highly focused on achieving results. With proven leadership and successful management experience, the post holder will have the ability to manage and plan complex projects and develop strong and meaningful relationships with internal staff at all levels and external stakeholders.

Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) is part of the NHS Wales family and has an important role in changing the way health and care services are delivered through technology and data. The organisation supports frontline staff with modern systems and access to important information about their patients, while empowering the people of Wales to manage their own health through digital NHS Wales services.

Working for DHCW offers lots of employee benefits, including flexible working, a competitive salary, 28 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays and opportunities for career development. We are committed to recognising and celebrating our staff as the most valuable part of our organisation.

Join our game changing, life-saving team and start making a real difference to health and care services in Wales.

**The post holder will**:

- Work with the Assistant Director of Communications to be responsible for the implementation of the DHCW communications strategy.
- Provide expert advice to the DHCW to senior leaders on communications issues, some of which will be contentious.
- Provide communications leadership, advice and support to DHCW and its projects.
- Manage a complex portfolio of communications activity across DHCW to ensure the needs of all stakeholders are being met.
- Review and refine communications systems, channels and messages that enable DHCW to have effective communication with its internal workforce, external partners, stakeholders, media and the wider public.
- Lead the communications team in the implementation of strategic developments to the DHCW’s digital communications channels.
- Support and deputise for the Assistant Director of Communications in the management of communications during adverse issues/crises.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with vital groups across the NHS, Welsh Government and other key stakeholders.
- Lead the day-to-day activities of the communications team to ensure the delivery of an effective and professional communications function.
- Challenge conventional approaches to drive forward ongoing change in communication approaches.

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