Head of Communications and Engagement (Interim)

Head of Communications and Engagement (Interim)

Closing date: 14 April 2026

About the role

An exciting opportunity to lead the communications team and drive the Trust's journey to Outstanding. WWL is proud to serve the Wigan Borough community and we are looking for an innovative thinker and compassionate leader to join us as Interim Head of Communications and Engagement for a one year period.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a skilled communications and engagement team.
• Develop and deliver strategies that strengthen staff, patient and community engagement.
• Shape the future of communications at WWL, exploring new approaches and technologies, including the use of AI.
• Champion our values and ensure every message reflects our commitment to care, inclusion and excellence.
• Implement the Trust narrative, messages, positioning and branding.
• Assist with reputational management, media relations and crisis communication.
• Oversee internal and external communications, digital and social media, and external affairs and public engagement.
• Manage and review the communications budget, ensuring value for money.
• Play an active role in the planning and delivery of the communications team's work, including line management of senior staff.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, human resources and health care specific regulations.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading a successful communications department.
• Experience of media management and the creation of communications campaigns.
• Extensive experience in communications and engagement planning.
• Professional qualification related to the field.
• Knowledge of NHS policy and governance frameworks (desirable).
• Strong leadership, presentation and event management skills.
• Ability to respond to complex scenarios and plan effective campaigns.

Contract & benefits

Fixed term contract of 12 months on an acting/secondment basis, with the potential to become permanent. Salary ranges from £57,528 to £647,500 per annum, pro rata.

Application process

Apply now to help us tell the story of WWL and make a difference. NHS employees should secure their manager's agreement for a secondment arrangement prior to applying.

Legal & immigration information

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcomed. Offer of sponsorship will be considered in a separate stage of the hiring process.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Employer details

Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NN

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