Communications, Engagement and Public Affairs Lead (Hospital Manager Regulation Programme)

We are hiring a Communications, Engagement and Public Affairs Lead to help design and implement the new statutory barring scheme for senior hospital leaders in the NHS (in England).

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in one of the most significant regulatory transformation programmes in the health and care sector.

In 2025 the Government announced its intention to introduce a statutory barring system for senior leaders in the NHS in England.

As Communications, Engagement and Public Affairs Lead you will be spearheading the strategic communication outcomes for the HCPC whist collaborating with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to ensure the input of a wide range of stakeholders helps shapes the design of the barring scheme and help tell the story of how these reforms can strengthen accountability and public confidence in healthcare leadership.

As Communications, Engagement and Public Affairs Lead you will support a high-profile Government programme to establish a new statutory regulatory framework for senior hospital leaders in England, strengthening public trust and confidence in NHS leadership.

You will work closely with the HCPC executive leadership team and senior leaders across government, the NHS and the wider regulatory landscape, you will operate at the heart of a politically sensitive and highly scrutinised programme of national importance.

Therefore, the postholder will need to possess excellent communication and influencing skills as well as a sound working knowledge of the political and regulatory landscape.

This is a demanding, complex and fast paced role, that will come with challenges, however the opportunity will give the postholder to make a real difference by helping to protect the public and shape a landmark reform with lasting impact.

Your responsibilities will include.

• Lead the development and delivery of the programme’s communications, engagement and public affairs strategy.
• Ensure communications activity supports programme objectives and contributes to improved patient safety and public confidence.
• Lead and undertake engagement activity with key stakeholders across healthcare, government, regulation and patient representative sectors.
• Develop and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies and plans to support programme objectives including pre-consultation engagement and full consultation activity.
• Monitor political, legislative and policy developments relevant to healthcare regulation, patient safety and healthcare leadership.
• Oversee the production of media statements, press releases, key messages, Q&As and interview briefings.
• Analyse stakeholder intelligence, public sentiment and emerging risks to support informed decision-making.

Person Specification

We are looking for candidates that have:

• Significant experience in a senior communications, engagement, public affairs, corporate affairs or external relations role.
• Experience leading communications and engagement for large-scale transformation, regulatory, policy or change programmes.
• Experience managing media relations and reputational issues.
• Knowledge of public affairs, government relations and policy making processes.
• The ability to influence and advise senior leaders with confidence and credibility.
• Excellent planning, prioritisation and programme management capability.

Further information on this role is detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification (click to download).

Rewards and Benefits 30 days holiday + bank, 8% employer pension, enhanced employee assistance and lifestyle rewards, free online 24/7 GP, ongoing training and professional membership support

Advert Closing Date: 9th November 2026. Applications are reviewed weekly and we reserve the right to close the advert early.

Interview Date: 23rd - 24th November 2026.

Application Process

• To apply please submit your CV and Supporting Statement demonstrating how you meet the job role and essential criteria.
• We will not consider applications without a supporting statement.
• We are unable to provide feedback at application stage.