Candidate Brief
Director of Communications & Engagement
Contents Why choose Frimley
4-5
The Job
6
Purpose of The Job
7
Strategic Leadership
8
High-level objectives
9
Board-Level Influence
10
Risk and reputation management
12
Operational leadership
13
Person Specification
15-16
Benefits
17
Location
18
How to Apply
19
Why choose Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is proud to play an active role in our local community. As an anchor organisation, we support local people to access employment, develop skills, and build meaningful careers.
We welcome and value diversity, nurture inclusion, and are committed to creating a respectful workplace where all staff thrive. Our Disability Confident status and Gold award in the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme reflect this commitment. Our people benefit from a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We promote work-life balance, offering flexible working patterns that meet the needs of our workforce and the people we care for. Our approach aligns with the NHS People Promise to ensure every colleague feels supported, listened to, and empowered to excel.
The Job
The Director of Communications and Engagement is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The postholder will lead a multidisciplinary team, overseeing all communications, engagement, and public affairs across the trust. As the trust's principal communications advisor, the Director holds delegated authority for media handling, crisis response, and engagement decisions. The postholder deputises for the CEO as needed in communications and public affairs, representing the trust with national and regional partners, ministers, and the media. The Director also maintains strategic relationships with MPs, NHS England/DHSC, regulators, local authorities, integrated care boards (ICBs), and media organisations. This role is central to ensuring staff, patients, and communities are well-informed and engaged, with a focus on inclusion and collaboration. The Director will shape strategic development, risk management, and high-level decision making at board level, providing expert advice. Areas of accountability include improving engagement metrics, media sentiment, public confidence, and digital presence. Participation in the communications on-call rota is required.
Purpose of The Job
The Director is responsible for delivering a coherent and compelling narrative for FHFT, ensuring internal and external audiences are informed, engaged, and able to contribute. The postholder will develop and implement an integrated communications and engagement strategy that supports the trust values and long-term ambitions, including the Frimley Health 2030 Strategy and major capital programmes such as the New Hospital Programme (NHP). Strategic storytelling and evidence-based approaches will be used to position the trust as a leading NHS organisation for patient care and outcomes.
Strategic Leadership
Develop and deliver a trust-wide communications and engagement strategy aligned with national priorities and major programmes. Provide targeted strategic advice on change initiatives. Contribute to board-level risk management and decision making. Lead proactive media relations, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. Oversee relationships across the health and care system, including political, regulatory, and community partners. Ensure legal, regulatory, and NHS standards are met across ll communications activities. Lead a specialist communications team, with responsibility for budget management.
High-level objectives
Implement integrated, evidence-based communications for FHFT 2030 Strategy, NHP, and national priorities. Act as a full member of the Executive Management Team, supporting strategic decisions across portfolios. Shape the trust’s position within the wider health and care system. Monitor and respond to political, economic, and social developments to inform communications. Maintain a two-way communications approach to engage and inform staff. Facilitate effective stakeholder engagement across divisions and system partners.
Board-Level Influence
Advise the CEO, EMT, and Board on communications, engagement, and reputation management. Coach senior leaders to enhance their communications impact. Maintain consistent and clear messaging across the trust. Represent the trust at regional and national forums. Lead engagement with the Council of Governors at key trust events. Anticipate and plan for reputational risks. Act as spokesperson in high-profile or sensitive situations. Ensure accurate, timely media responses including FOIs, press releases, and briefings.
Risk and reputation management
Lead public affairs and strategic engagement with NHS England, DHSC, regulators, ICBs, MPs, media, and community stakeholders. Strengthen the trust’s brand and inclusive identity. Oversee communications for major capital programmes and service transformations. Support efficient programme delivery, patient co-design, and service improvements. Ensure public consultation and engagement requirements are met. Major programmes and transformation Model Trust values and promote inclusive, accessible communications. Partner with the Chief People Officer to enhance leadership visibility and staff engagement. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all communications. Embed continuous quality improvement across communications activity. Foster integrity, creativity, and collaboration.
Operational leadership
Nurture a problem-solving, proactive culture within the Communications and Engagement team.
Support initiatives such as Freedom to Speak Up and patient co-design.
Manage the communications budget and contracts.
Advise on-call managers and directors on media relations.
Manage KPIs to monitor the department’s contribution to strategic goals.
Person Specification
Qualifications Masters-level education or equivalent experience. Postgraduate/professional qualification in communications, marketing, or engagement. Ongoing professional development. Experience Significant leadership in communications, public relations, or engagement within a complex, service-led organisation. In-depth knowledge of NHS policy and political factors. Proven ability to maintain reputation through challenging situations. Experience partnering with government bodies and national media. Record of effective communication at Board/Executive Director level. Demonstrated success delivering impactful internal and external communication strategies driven by data and insight.
Skills and Knowledge
Strong understanding of acute and community clinical services.
Ability to advise and collaborate effectively with Executive Team and partners.
Results-focused approach to relationship building.
Values and Behaviours
Reflect the Trust’s core values Frimley Values
Benefits
Comprehensive and flexible benefits package for professional growth and wellbeing. On-site day nursery, generous annual leave, enhanced maternity pay, and relocation package. Regular performance reviews and career development conversations. Continuous learning opportunities and support for further education and leadership development. NHS pension scheme, salary sacrifice car leasing, retail and leisure discounts, cycle-to-work scheme. Access to confidential counselling, mental health first aiders, on-site gyms, and occupational health support.
Location
Frimley Park: Located in Surrey, near Hampshire and Berkshire borders, one mile south of Camberley. Heatherwood: Located in Berkshire, less than one mile west of Ascot and three miles east of Bracknell.
Wexham Park: North of Slough, around two miles from the town centre.
Community Services: I ntegrated services covering northeast Hampshire, Farnham, and Surrey Heath, in partnership with Virgin Care Services, with additional clinics across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.
How to apply
All applications must include A full, up-to-date CV detailing qualifications and employment history, with contact email and telephone number. A two-page covering letter demonstrating how you meet the selection criteria and outlining your interest in the role and Trust.
Contact details for up to three referees (references will not be sought without permission).
All applications should be sent to fhft.ta@nhs.net
Application information is confidential and only used for monitoring. All applications will be acknowledged.
Stage
Date
17 Nov 2025 19 Nov 2025 4 Dec 2025
Advert closing date
Shortlisting date
Interview date
Frimley health NHS Foundation Trust
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