Communications Officer

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 16 October 2026

The main responsibilities of the post fall under the following key areas;
Internal communications and engagement;
External communications and stakeholder engagement;
Media Relations;

Social Media

Working withthe

Head of Contentandour team'sCommunications Managers to develop high quality communications contentto support

Excellent Care Every whereas well meeting day-to-day communications requests from internal colleagues and external stakeholders, including the media.

Workwith the digital team developing content for the trust website,intranet and other online communications platforms.

Create content across a wide range of formats for all internal and external communications including events and briefings

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level
3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

This vacancy is advertised as a time-limited opportunity is expected to be undertaken on a secondment basis.

Before applying, employees must discuss the opportunity with their current line manager to confirm whether they may be released from their substantive role if successful. Release to undertake a secondment is not an automatic entitlement and must be agreed by all relevant parties: the employee, their current line manager, and the recruiting line manager.

Please note:

This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Internal Communications and engagement:

Internal communications plays a key role in helping the approximately 20,000 staff feel connected with the organisation, receive important information and build a sense of community. The post holder will play an important role by:

Producing content for the trusts internal communications including weekly newsletter/emails, staff social media platforms and regular internal events.

Recommending improvements and innovations to widen the reach and effectiveness of our internal communications.

Providing communications supporting the Trust five-year strategy and ambitions, including the creation of content for a range of channels.

Being a part of the team which delivers the trusts annual STAR awards and Conference.

Create content for staff and stakeholder briefings as directed by the Head of Content.

External communications and stakeholder relations;

The CO will work to provide outstanding external communications by:

Planning and assisting with event organisation including media tours, VIP visits, and the launch/opening of new services/buildings.

Working with the HoC and team on the development and production of corporate publications, telling the UHSussex story in a lively, inclusive, informative and accessible way.

Developing materials in a range of formats for our website, intranet and social media channels.

Proactive media relations

Initiate and develop proactive media engagement, media plans and events and reporting on coverage.

Assist with media interviews, filming/photo opportunities and press conferences.

Service Delivery and Improvement

Adhere to procedures, standards and policies around events and VIP visits and ensure they are implemented consistently and appropriately

Work to develop strong relationships with all service divisions.

Demonstrate continual professional development and utilise new and innovative ideas to deliver the best support to the organisation within the communications and engagement function.

Support the development of…