Communications
Working in communications team will mean interacting and communicating with a range of stakeholders such as patients, staff, the media, suppliers and other organisation’s communications teams.
Each NHS Wales organisation will have a communications lead to ensure that the organisation communicates effectively; in larger organisations you will likely be part of a team.
Although not exhaustive, the responsibilities could form part of your role depending seniority:
- Ensuring effective communications with all stakeholders
- Event Management and photography
- Marketing (general and digital), such as producing high quality patient information and engaging in health promotion campaign
- Taking editorial responsibility for the organisation's website, and other corporate communications tools
- Developing, implementing and evaluating communications strategies, including online presence
- Taking the lead on dealing with media handling enquiries and producing media/ press releases
- Managing corporate brand identity
- Managing the reputation of the organisation
Qualifications, experience and memberships
The majority of entry-level jobs in communications require a bachelor's degree (BA). To advance into the position of Communications Manager experience is required and a master's degree (MA) may be preferred.
Majoring in communications, public relations or marketing may also prepare you for the role. Other beneficial qualifications and skills may include: project management (such as Prince 2); Adobe software knowledge (such as InDesign); photography and journalism.
Communications Managers must have excellent written and oral abilities along with leadership skills for directing staff and overseeing projects. Communications professionals must also develop research and proofreading skills to ensure all materials are of a high quality and accurate.
Although not obligatory, communications professionals are often members of, and have qualifications with, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).