🚀 Interim Director of Communications - BSW Hospitals Group

Overview

BSW Hospitals Group is a collaborative of three NHS Foundation Trusts, working together to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire. We are seeking an exceptional Interim Director of Communications on a 3 month fixed term basis to lead our next phase of strategic communications and finalise the redesign of our shared communications function. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping a resilient, professional and efficient infrastructure and embedding a compelling narrative that connects staff, patients, partners and the public to our vision and values.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping how we communicate across our three Trusts going forwards, including the development of a Group-wide communications strategy. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Team and Communications Leaders across our Organisation, you will provide expert advice on all aspects of communications and reputation management. Interviews will take place on 4 November. We anticipate the successful candidate will join us in late November, subject to the completion of all employment checks.

Responsibilities

Main duties of the job include:

• Oversee brand management of the Group, acting as a spokesperson when required and managing high-profile issues with professionalism and sensitivity.
• Drive innovation in storytelling—leveraging digital platforms, multimedia content, and creative campaigns to enhance reach and influence.
• Engage with regional and national communications networks, including Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and NHS England (NHSE), ensuring messaging aligns with wider system priorities.
• Provide leadership to establish a framework for a high-performing and financially sustainable communications function.

About us

At the RUH we put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, colleagues and community. We value everyone’s contribution in supporting exceptional, person-centred care, and are committed to a compassionate and inclusive environment with a culture of learning, development and innovation. We offer staff wellbeing support, a holistic approach to health, and a broad package of benefits.

Details

Date posted: 17 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 9

Salary: £109,179 to £125,637 a year per annum

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 3 months

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number:

Job locations: Royal United Hospitals Bath, Bath, BA1 3NG

Job responsibilities

Please refer to attached job description and person specification for more information about the opportunity.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential

• Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
• Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development.

Skills and experience

• Extensive knowledge of specialist area of communications, acquired through postgraduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master’s level equivalent.
• Demonstrated understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and implications for engagement.
• Ability to convey highly complex, sensitive and/or contentious information to large groups, and respond openly to questions to ensure understanding and engagement.
• High level of expertise in providing senior leadership.
• Experience of leadership, vision, strategic thinking, planning and political skills.
• High level analytical skills with ability to draw qualitative and quantitative data from diverse sources and present clearly.

Disclosure and Sponsorship

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure check will be necessary. Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered.

Employer details

Employer: Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Royal United Hospitals Bath, Bath, BA1 3NG

Employer website:

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