Communications Officer NHS Job in Eastbourne – Visa Sponsorship

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Location: Eastbourne, England, United Kingdom
Salary: £39,959 – £48,117 per year, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Band: Band 6
Reference Number: 374-LC9226
Closing Date: 18 August 2026
Visa Sponsorship: Available

Job Summary

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Communications Officer (Band 6) to join its Corporate Communications Team.

Based in Eastbourne, with flexibility to work across multiple sites, the successful candidate will help shape communications with colleagues, patients, stakeholders, partners, and local communities.

As a senior member of a busy and creative team, you will deliver high-quality communications across internal communications, media relations, digital platforms, campaigns, and publications.

You will need excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences. Experience working in a dynamic communications environment, strong relationship-building skills, and confidence handling media enquiries are essential.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a senior member of the communications team, you will provide expert communications support across the Trust, drawing on experience gained in a fast-paced communications environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering communications strategies and campaigns supporting Trust priorities.
• Supporting service transformation, patient safety, quality improvement, and staff engagement initiatives.
• Providing communications advice to senior leaders, clinical services, and corporate teams.
• Ensuring clear, effective, and consistent organisational messaging.
• Managing proactive and reactive media relations.
• Responding to media enquiries and preparing statements.
• Supporting communications during incidents and organisational challenges.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with the media and key stakeholders.
• Leading engaging internal communications through a range of channels.
• Promoting staff wellbeing, engagement, and organisational pride.
• Managing social media content and supporting website development.
• Improving digital accessibility, reach, and user experience.
• Working with NHS partners, local organisations, and community stakeholders to support public engagement activities.
• Deputising for the Head of Communications when required.
• Contributing to the leadership and continued development of the communications function.

About East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides a wide range of staff benefits, including staff development opportunities, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, access to its Temporary Workforce Service, onsite nurseries, staff restaurants, and accommodation.

Staff also have access to an internal Occupational Health department and free psychological support through a confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from £50 per year.

The Trust is committed to providing a supportive environment where staff can develop their skills and contribute to high-quality healthcare services.

Statement on the Use of AI

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust values the individuality of every candidate and strongly discourages applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for its jobs.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure their applications accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge, and motivations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential:

• Good general education, including English and Maths.
• Evidence of continued professional development to Degree Level.
• Training and experience to postgraduate diploma level in a relevant subject.

Experience

Essential:

• Relevant communications knowledge and experience.
• Good understanding of communications and engagement.
• Experience of video recording, editing, and publication.
• Experience supporting and training others in video recording.
• Experience creating content across a range of media.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in an NHS communications team.
• Experience supporting engagement with internal stakeholder groups.

Skills

Essential:

• Advanced computer skills.
• Excellent communication and highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deal with highly pressurised and potentially controversial situations.
• Ability to maintain concentration and focus on priorities and outcomes within a diverse workload.
• Evidence of developing and sustaining innovative practice.
• Proactive and supportive approach to organisational change.
• Understanding and application of national and local strategies, legislation, mandatory requirements, and accreditation requirements such as CQC.
• Understanding of how these requirements affect the quality of patient care.
• Knowledge and understanding of equalities legislation and guidelines.
• Interest in embedding equality and diversity within organisational practice.
• Good understanding of NHS structures and organisations.
• Ability to develop and present high-quality reports independently and within short timescales.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will therefore be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.

Applicants requiring sponsorship must meet the relevant UK immigration requirements.

Salary and Contract Details

• Salary: £39,959 – £48,117 per year, pro rata
• Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: Band 6
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Reference Number: 374-LC9226
• Closing Date: 18 August 2026

Employer Details

Employer: East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Location: Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, BN21 2UD, United Kingdom

For questions about the role, contact Rachel Robinson, Head of Communications, on 0300 131 4694 or rachel.robinson32@nhs.net.

How to Apply

To apply for the Communications Officer – Band 6 position, click the Apply button below and complete the online application.

Closing Date: 18 August 2026

Applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome, subject to meeting the applicable eligibility requirements.