NHS Race & Health Observatory – Senior Communications Officer

The NHS Race & Health Observatory (‘the Observatory’) is an independent organisation, set up to explore ethnic inequalities in access to healthcare, experiences of healthcare, health outcomes.

  • Salary: £32,284 per annum (FTE) + £4000 London weighting allowance if applicable + £3,500 per annum on-call payment

About us

The NHS Confederation is the membership organisation that brings together, supports and speaks for the whole healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

NHS England has funded an independent Race and Health Observatory and has commissioned the NHS Confederation to host the Observatory in its initial stages. The Observatory’s role is to address the long-standing inequalities facing Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients, communities, and the healthcare workforce.

About the role

As the Senior Communications Officer you will be responsible for supporting the Observatory’s overall communications strategy and will help us further engage all aspects of media and public relations work with our key stakeholders and steering groups.

This role will include participation in an on-call media rota, leading on social media, drafting a range of communications materials, managing media requests and interview opportunities, briefing appropriate Observatory staff, as well as overseeing the drafting of case studies and updating a rolling calendar/media grid of regular announcements.

You will provide Social Media, Media Relations and PR support, this will include:

  • Acting as a point of contact for the media and manage and log a wide range of media enquiries
  • Leading on Social Media using Twitter, LinkedIn and other digital platforms including Dotdigital
  • Assisting with using content management systems to upload media enquiries to database and content and images for the Observatory website
  • Drafting communications materials including press releases and internal copy for Subscriber and Board newsletters
  • Liaising closely with the Assistant Director of Communications and Media to produce concise and timely media statements, summaries and press release announcements
  • Supporting event and stakeholder visits, liaising with staff and managing media and photographers on site

About you

We would love to hear from you if you:

  • Are interested in raising awareness of race and health inequalities impacting patients, communities and the NHS workforce
  • Enjoy dealing with media enquiries, drafting statements in response whilst building and maintaining effective relationships with a broad, diverse range of media outlets and correspondents
  • Have experience of managing social media, writing media releases for a range of media and diverse audiences
  • Are experienced in managing relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders 
  • Have excellent communication and proofreading skills  
  • Possess excellent planning, prioritisation and organisational skills, and can work to tight deadlines

How to Apply:

Please download the job description and complete the application form HERE. Please note we do not accept CVs. If you require the application form in another format please contact peopleteam@nhsconfed.org.

For an informal discussion about the post and the NHS Confederation before applying please contact Rose Obianwu via rose.obianwu@nhsrho.org

  • Application deadline: 28th July 2024 – midnight
  • Interview date: 9th August 2024

When submitting your application, please specify that you heard about the role through the Taylor Bennett Foundation.