As a communications and corporate affairs manager, you'll manage the reputation of your NHS organisation by communicating with a variety of people including the media, MPs and the general public.
You can enter a role in communications and corporate affairs management with a variety of qualifications and experience, and at different levels. Although not compulsory, there are a range of qualifications available in communications and public relations. These include diplomas, degrees and masters in public relations or communications. Qualifications are offered by organisations including CAM Foundation, Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. In communications and corporate affairs management, you’d typically start at Agenda for Change Band 6 or 7, with the most senior roles rising to Band 9 for example. Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
To work in communications and corporate affairs management, you’ll typically need resilience and common sense, ability to work equally well both on your own and within a team; ability to write, speak and brief others clearly; ability to assess and select appropriate communications routes for different messages and audiences; ability to remain calm under pressure; ability to recognise sensitive situations and act appropriately; negotiating and influencing skills; ability to work well with others at all levels both within and outside your organisation; ability to gain the trust and respect of senior colleagues; ability to provide creative input to projects (such as exhibitions or design/print projects) and the ability to think strategically.
With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for more senior managerial roles. Progression for those with ability is typically via operational management in a large healthcare provider. Relocation for promotion is common. More diverse routes are now opening up, for example, jointly-funded posts between health and social services.
Related roles
The NHS is investing heavily in digitisation and health informatics [7] projects are at the forefront of continuously improving patient care.
It is possible to start in an entry-level post without formal qualifications, but GCSEs or equivalent qualifications are an advantage. Apprenticeships in health informatics are also available. More senior project and programme management roles are likely to need a degree or equivalent experience. A project or programme management qualification may also be helpful such as PRINCE2, APM or Managing Successful Programmes (MSP). Many IT projects in health now use the AGILE project management methodology. The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme also has a health informatics strand for graduates with relevant degrees.
Most project and programme management jobs in the NHS are covered by Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. ICT staff in the NHS usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Terms and conditions for non-NHS employers and contractors will vary.
Good communication and team working skills are needed for all roles within project and programme management. Many roles will also require good presentation, IT and organisational skills. You’ll need to be enthusiastic, be able to work under pressure and on your own initiative.
There are opportunities to progress your career into senior management roles. Most NHS organisations now have chief information officers who lead the delivery of knowledge management systems locally. Courses in health informatics are also offered by some universities at undergraduate and master's level. The NHS has also developed training and courses to support you through your career.