Communications Officer

As a communications officer you will help your organisation engage with service users, their local communities, staff and other interested groups including the media.

Effective communication is a vital part of providing the best possible care you could be involved with both internal and external communication. You will use many different types of communication including: print, digital, the media, events and campaigns.

Communications Officer is also known as Public Relations Officer, Communications and Engagement Officer, Marketing Officer.

Role Characteristics

Produce written information for a variety of different audiences and for a variety of channels, eg print, web, social media
Create supporting resources such as videos and graphics to support accessibility - from concept through to delivering the final product
Work with people (either professionals or service users) to understand their needs and develop communications resources to support them
Manage flow of requests and information and making sure information reaches the right people, and is escalated where appropriate
Ensure staff are consulted and engaged on what is happening at the organisation
Communicate with and consult the local and national media, politicians, other organisations and the public

Skills

Active listening
Attention to detail
Communication
Creative thinking
Public speaking
Written communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to learn more about the work of a Communications Officer

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Degree apprenticeship

How to become

There are many different routes to becoming a Communications Officer; these include on the job training, a university degree or an apprenticeship.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent and either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience you could become a Communications Manager, Social Media Manager or Head of Communications. You could work as a freelance Communications Specialist, offering advice on a an individual basis. You could move into advertising, market or journalism or teach others.