Head of External Affairs

In the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), we are proud of our purpose - to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. To achieve this, and create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile. If this sounds like an environment you would like to work in, we would love to hear from you.

The External Affairs team builds and maintains trusted relationships with a range of influential organisations and individuals to create an awareness and understanding of government policies. The team proactively engage with DHSC's stakeholders who represent what the department's audiences are thinking and feeling, as well as gathering and analysing insight to improve the impact of DHSC communications. You will lead a team responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key external audiences, ensuring the department's priorities are understood, and that ministers and senior officials are equipped with the insight and support they need to engage effectively with stakeholders.

This role (providing maternity leave cover) is currently expected to continue beyond 31 March 2027. However, as part of the DHSC and NHSE integration programme, organisational structures and workforce requirements may change and this temporary arrangement may need to be brought to an end earlier by the Department. Applicants should also note that, notwithstanding the advertised end date, the role, team, reporting line and organisational structure may change beyond integration.

• Provide strategic leadership on external affairs, developing and delivering a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned with organisational communications objectives, providing specialist advice to ministers, senior officials and leadership teams on partner engagement approaches
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders, the NHS, social care providers, patient and charity organisations, professional bodies and industry, developing proactive relationships and creating advocates for organisational communications priorities while bringing external insight into internal operations
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of external affairs professionals, setting clear objectives and supporting their professional growth in line with Government Communications standards and the Modern Communications Operating Model
• Provide senior counsel to ministers and officials on stakeholder positioning, sensitivities and reputational risk, particularly around major announcements, legislative changes and public health issues
• Work closely with colleagues across the Government Communications profession, including media, strategic communications and internal communications teams, to ensure a joined-up and consistent approach
• Horizon-scan for emerging issues and opportunities in the external environment, using insight and evidence to shape engagement strategy