Communications Support Assistant

The post holder will support the delivery of the Trust's communications strategy by assisting with a wide range of internal and external communications activities. This includes supporting digital and traditional communication channels, contributing to campaigns and events, and providing essential administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the Communications function., The Communications Support Assistant will provide comprehensive support to the team across a broad range of activities:

• Managing internal and external enquiries via the Communications inbox and ensuring queries are appropriately handled or redirected
• Maintaining project logs, action plans and trackers to support effective delivery of communications activity
• Supporting the press office function, including logging and monitoring media enquiries
• Assisting with the creation and publication of internal communications content, including staff news articles and bulletins
• Supporting the delivery and monitoring of social media activity, including content creation and evaluation
• Updating and maintaining Trust internet and intranet pages to ensure content is accurate and current
• Proofreading communications materials to ensure accuracy, consistency and adherence to brand guidelines
• Supporting the design and production of promotional materials, liaising with external suppliers where required
• Assisting in the planning and delivery of communications campaigns and awareness initiatives
• Providing administrative support for events, including coordination of logistics and stakeholder engagement
• Maintaining stakeholder contact lists, media databases and communications records in line with information governance requirements
• Supporting the preparation of reports, including the provision of communications analytics
Working for our organisation East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering high-quality, safe and effective care to the communities we serve. Our Communications Team plays a key role in ensuring clear, engaging and timely information is shared with colleagues, patients and the public. We are guided by our core values:
• Respecting the individual
• Putting patients and customers first
• Promoting positive change
• Acting with integrity
• Serving the community
As part of our team, you will be supported to develop your skills, contribute to meaningful work, and play a role in supporting frontline services through effective communication., The post holder will be responsible for supporting the Communications Team in delivering a comprehensive and effective communications service. This includes:
• Handling routine communications enquiries and ensuring timely responses
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date communications records, including logs, databases and stakeholder lists
• Supporting content creation across multiple channels, ensuring messaging is clear, concise and aligned with organisational standards
• Assisting with social media management, including content posting, monitoring and record keeping
• Updating website and intranet content in collaboration with relevant stakeholders
• Proofreading and quality-checking communications materials
• Supporting campaign delivery and promotional activity
• Assisting with the organisation and administration of events, including VIP visits and staff engagement activities
• Supporting media handling processes through accurate record keeping and tracking
• Maintaining and organising digital assets such as photography and video content, ensuring appropriate storage and consent records
• Contributing to reporting processes by collating communications data and analytics
  
  The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The post holder will be expected to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands within a busy communications environment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism in all interactions and uphold Trust policies, procedures and values in all aspects of their work.,
• Level 3 qualification which can include 2 or more A-levels, NVQ3 or Level 3 awards, diplomas and certificates
• Previous experience working within a communications role
• Full UK driving license, Experience of producing engaging content for internal or external audiences
• Experience of managing social media accounts
• Experience updating websites or using a content management system (with training), Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise own workload
• Ability to follow processes, guidance and templates
• Ability to use standard content management systems
• Flexible and able to respond to changing priorities, Reliable and organised approach to work
• Ability to work as part of a team and support colleagues
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks within agreed guidance
  
  At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work., The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust.
We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background. We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit.

It is important you are made aware of the following as regards your application to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
• Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37.5 hours per week, the salary will be pro-rata. For posts on Agenda for Change pay-scales, new entrants to the NHS will normally commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.
• This vacancy may close before the closing date if the recruiting manager deems sufficient applications have been received. Therefore it is advised to complete your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.
• Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Therefore only applicants, who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short-listed.
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained. The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In line with other NHS organisations in the North West Region, the Trust is now passing the charge for undertaking a DBS check on to candidates in the event they are successfully appointed into the post for which they have applied. Candidates can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months as a deduction from the monthly salary. However, if you are applying for a post as a BANK worker, the payment must be made in full at the time of employment checks. By applying for this vacancy you are agreeing to this undertaking in the event you are successfully appointed. The cost of an Enhanced Disclosure will be £55.38 and for a Standard Disclosure will be £27.38.