Apprentice Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Assistant

We are a Disability Confident Employer and actively welcome applications from people with a disability, and commit to shortlisting all such suitable applicants who meet the essential criteria for an interview. Please let us know of any reasonable adjustments you require in order to participate in the recruitment process.

Job overview

We're looking for an enthusiastic, organised Apprentice Communications Assistant to join the NHS Birmingham and Solihull communications team to help us find and share compelling content and stories with a wide range of audiences.

In this 18 month role you will have the opportunity to develop through education, training and practice the fundamental skills, knowledge and competencies to perform the following duties at a competent level in the Communications Department.

You will work with all members of the Communications and Engagement Team to develop proactive multi-channel content about service development and transformation, new innovations and a range of communications campaigns, for example vaccinations.

You will work directly to provide support to the Director of Communications as needed, with a number of development opportunities and chances for shadowing throughout your 18 months.

You will report to the Senior Communications Officer with regular meetings with the Director of Communications to share and reflect on your progress and development.

Main duties of the job

• Proactively finding information to produce a number of high-quality and engaging products including, but not limited to: stakeholder briefings, news releases, social media posts, videos, pictures, case studies, blogs and internal newsletters.
• Copywriting for all ICB communications channels including, but not limited to: newsletters, blogs, social media.
• Maintain the photo library, distribution lists and contact databases.
• Support the management of an effective image and asset library, with a log of filming and photography consent documentation in line with GDPR requirements and Trust policies. Take steps to decommission assets or renew consent over time, in ICB policies.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all times demonstrating awareness and sensitivity
• Working for our organisation

For an chance to be part of the fantastic opportunity we have as an Integrated Care System, apply for this role today.

As a member of our system you will actively demonstrate system values in all that you do. You will be driven to address health inequalities and create an environment that is inclusive for all people.

In return NHS Birmingham and Solihull can offer you the opportunity to thrive and develop in a team that is supportive, ambitious and inclusive. You will have plenty of opportunities to build your skills and experience, with a chance to work with colleagues across our five Provider Trusts, two Local Authorities, voluntary organisations, Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS England to truly effect change and add value.

We know that diversity fosters creativity and innovation and are committed to challenging discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity for all, being a fair and inclusive employer, and creating a place of work in which all of us feel we belong.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Other duties:

• Ensure all orders and invoices relating to the communications and engagement team are dealt with appropriately, and managed in line with Trust protocols.
• Maintain and enhance your own personal and professional skills and competences, undertake the training required to complete your apprenticeship and your personal development plan.
• Managing content on the ICB and ICS websites and ICB staff hub (intranet), ensuring information remains up-to-date, relevant and appropriate.
• Develop and manage high-quality and accessible surveys to gather relevant quantitative information to inform reporting.
• Understand and translate complex quantitative and qualitative information and present summary information for reporting.
• Assist with producing communications and engagement plans/approaches.
• Assist with identifying and mapping key stakeholders, to ensure relevant and targeted communications.
• Event organisation; helping to develop, plan, organise and support events and stakeholder visits.
• Attending internal and external meetings; facilitating conversations and helping gather feedback.
• To organise own workload using independent judgement to prioritise required tasks and duties.
• Frequent use of Microsoft Office applications e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Frequent use of a range of specialist software e.g. Mail Chimp and Survey Monkey.
• Where appropriate, fulfil the function of photographer and videographer for the organisation.

Additional requirements:

• Ensure that departmental standards of practice are maintained at all times and contribute in a positive manner to the overall development of the communications and engagement team.
• There will be a requirement to work outside of core working hours, on occasions.
• Project a professional image of the ICB at all times abiding by established policies and procedures.
• The post holder will be required to travel to many other locations, and other organisations, as required.
• This post is one of continual development.
• The post holder must have a genuine passion for reducing inequalities and driving social inclusion.

Training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will undertake a public relations and communications assistant (level 4) training course with one in five days set aside to complete your course. You will learn to:

• Use IT systems and software to support campaigns.
• Build stakeholder relationships including developing contacts within the media and presenting to them in both formal and informal settings.
• Support campaigns by undertaking tasks such as desk research, event co-ordination, and database management to ensure compliance with agreed service or performance levels.
• Produce written content such as news releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, and blogs, that is accessible to meet the needs of different audiences and channels.
• Able to adapt communication styles as appropriate to the audience.
• Support the production of non-written content such as film production management, producing short user generated style content, live video streaming, social image creation, and infographic production.
• Distribute content using social media channels.

• Analyse and interpret complex subjects through different communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
• Input to and review communications programmes and plans with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
• Undertake risk assessment and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
• Plan and deliver engagement activities for stakeholders, such as curating the content, supporting events, and collating feedback.
• Proofread and edit communications materials such as news releases, graphics and video, and social media content.
• Support team and colleague development through buddying or coaching.
• Contribute to activities which focus on improving sustainability within the organisation.
• Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.

Person specification

Application form and interview

• GCSE A*- C in English Language or equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2; Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 2)
• GCSE A* - C or equivalent in Mathematics (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2, Certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 2)
• Be able to work as a member of a team
• Experience of using social media
• Good communication skills both written and verbal
• Attention to detail
• Able to use standard Microsoft Office software
• Professional attitude when dealing with internal and external audiences Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the health care setting
• Ability to obtain, analyse, interpret and communicate complex information rapidly and successfully
• Digitally conversant, able to explore new digital and social platforms with confidence
• You conduct yourself in a caring and considerate manner at all times.
• You are respectful to others and listen to others.
• You operate with openness and honesty and ensure you are approachable in conducting your role.
• Professionalism and understanding difference is key.
• A demonstrable understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion with evidence of personal impact in these areas
• Ability to travel across the patch via car or reasonable alternative

• Experience producing a range of content e.g. videos, quotes, news stories, images, animations etc
• Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage and prioritise an unpredictable workload and the need to multi-task, often under pressure with frequent disruption.
• Able to meet deadlines when under pressure
• Able to use video and image editing software

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the published closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

Arden & GEM CSU administer this account on behalf of the ICB, you may receive communications from both the CSU and the ICB during your recruitment.

BSOL ICB is committed to give people greater choice over working patterns, helping our staff to achieve a better work-life balance. Please identify at application stage if you wish to discuss flexible working options.