Head of Communications

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the communications team for an experienced professional to lead the communications function within Hywel Dda University Health Board. The post holder will lead and manage the Health Board's communications service, providing support to external customers such as the media and partners, and staff internally. They will provide leadership and decision making to balance the need for proactive service development and the reactive demand of operational responsibilities.
This is a full time role and is flexible in terms of location (mainly working from home). The post holder is expected travel across the Health Board counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.
Lead and manage the Health Board's communications service, providing support to external customers such as the media and partners, and staff internally.
Provide leadership and decision making to balance the need for proactive service development and the reactive demand of operational responsibilities.
Provide authoritative advice to Board Members, Executive Team and WG on a highly complex, sensitive information and a broad range of communication and engagement issues.
Design and deliver long-term strategic communication plans, approaches and policies to support the competing complexities and priorities within the UHBs health and care strategy and plans.
Organise the communication service so it is able to provide full and comprehensive client management for UHB portfolio areas, including a forward look plan, and prioritizing work according to business objectives and the current narrative.
Advise and deliver communication mechanisms for continuous dialogue with staff and the local population to ensure that the UHB takes full account of internal and external views in its decision-making, providing leadership in the fields of written, digital and media communication.
Take swift and decisive decisions in relation to leading and responding to highly sensitive and potentially damaging reputational issues as they arise (such as media requests on major issues).
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
**Our services are provided in**:
**Four main hospitals**: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
**Five community hospitals**: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
**Two integrated care centres**: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
The ability to speak Welsh is essential for this post.
A full job description and person specification can be found in the supporting documents.
The ability to communicate in Welsh to Level 1 is essential 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 achieve these minimum desirable requirements during your employment with us.
If you would like any further information, please contact Alwena Hughes Moakes, Director of Communications and Engagement.
Interviews will be held on 13/10/2025.