Healthset Head of Communications & Engagement
Job summary
Recruitment is now underway for a Head of Communications and Engagement role within Healthset, our joint programme to deliver a single shared electronic health record (EHR) across Dorset and Somerset, powered by Epic. This once in a generation programme will transform how care is delivered and information is recorded, shared and accessed, enabling colleagues to spend less time working around systems and more time caring.
The contract with Epic was signed in March, and we are expecting the new EHR to go live in April 2028. Successful delivery must be genuinely clinically and operationally led, supported by the expertise of our digital teams.
Our teams deliver safe, compassionate care every day, but we still rely on multiple systems, separate records and paper processes. This can mean patients repeating their story and colleagues spending valuable time duplicating work or managing gaps in information. For our digital teams, this means managing multiple systems and data sources to support users to deliver services. Healthset is our shared response. By introducing one EHR across our organisations, we will support more joined up working, safer decision-making and better use of information, freeing up more time for care.
Main duties of the job
We want you!
At its peak the Healthset team will include over three hundred people and Healthset is a ten-year programme. Roles required only during the initial two-year implementation phase will be filled through secondments, fixed term contracts or external contractors. All other roles will be permanent posts. We are committed to equitable access to these opportunities and will consider part-time working and reasonable adjustments where required.
The HealthSet Head of Communications and Engagement will have an integral role in the success of the Healthset EHR Programme, developing and implementing a comprehensive Communications and Engagement strategy to support the Healthset Programme. The Head of Communications and Engagement will work closely with Communications Teams and the Healthset Programme Leadership Team providing expert advice and solutions for all Communications and Engagement activities required to support the delivery of this transformational programme.
About us
Healthset is our shared response. By introducing one EHR across our organisations, we will support more joined-up working, safer decision-making and better use of information, freeing up more time for care.
This ambitious programme will fundamentally change how health and care is delivered across Dorset and Somerset in a way that is clinically and financially sustainable. We will be guided by doing the right thing for our patients, carers, people and communities, while creating a working environment that better supports our colleagues.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information about the role, please refer to the attached job description and person specification.
You will be a good fit if you:
- Have significant experience of developing and implementing Communications and Engagement strategies
- Have significant knowledge of the variety of Communications and Engagement techniques required to deliver transformational change.
- Be an exert Communications and Engagement professional with credibility in your area.
- Can write and develop inspiring Communications and Engagement materials to support multiple organisations through this significant period of change
- Enjoy working collaboratively across teams and organisations.
- Want to help shape how care is delivered in the future.
If interested in these roles then please submit your application via Trac as soon as possible.
A supported process
We are encouraging interested individuals to apply as soon as possible,with the closing date for applications 11.59pm on Tuesday 2nd June 2026.
Please note, the volume of applications received will be reviewed periodically throughout and we may decide to close the vacancy early should a sufficient number of applications be received. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about the roles and/or the process, please email uhd.ehrrecruitment@nhs.net.
We look forward to receiving yourapplication.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
- Please refer to the job description and person specification
Specific skills
- Please refer to the job description and person specification
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Dorset County Hospital, Dorset Healthcare, Somerset Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Dorset
Dorset/Somerset
BH15 2JB
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers