BHSCT Band 6 Senior Public Liaison Officer

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: Nore Villa, Knockbracken Healthcare Park
• Salary: Band 6 (£38,682 - £46,580)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 04/06/26
• Closes: Thu, 18 June 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: Thursday 9th July

Notes

We accept online applications only.? “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Senior Public Liaison Officer

BAND

6

DIRECTORATE

Corporate Communications

LOCATION

Nore Villa, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

REPORTS TO

Communications & FOI Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Senior Communications Manager

Job Summary

The post holder will provide a co-ordinating communications service with a focus on Public Liaison for Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and as part of the wider Corporate Communications team.

The role will include delegation and management of workload, ensuring services are delivered consistently and effectively with best use of resource, line management of Public Liaison staff and attendance at relevant meetings.

Responsibility for contributing to and leading on the design of the processes and structures which underpin Infreemation, the Public Liaison Service's recording and monitoring system.

The post holder will ensure the Trust is aware of its legal responsibilities and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (2000) legislation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Participate in the provision of a responsive, efficient and effective Public Liaison communications service as part of the corporate communications team in Belfast Trust.

In fulfilling all duties, liaise closely with directors, clinicians and senior managers across the Trust.

Receive and provide complex, highly sensitive and contentious information from and to a wide range of people, ensuring the cascading of the information is done in an appropriate, informative and sensitive manner.

Oversee and proactively manage the workflow of the Public Liaison in-box and delegate Freedom of Information requests, Constituency Enquires and Assembly Questions appropriately across the team in a timely manner.

Carry out line management duties for the Public Liaison team.

Have and maintain up-to-date awareness of Freedom of Information legislation.

Have awareness of anxieties and feelings of patients, carers and families who are facing serious and/or life threatening illnesses/conditions.

Maintain professional productive working relationships with staff at all levels in the Trust and with key external stakeholders, in particular linking in with Information & Governance.

Maintain and monitor databases, for recording of all requests for information.

Knowledge of Trust consultations, commissioning targets, and external political environment.

Contribute to developing robust communication processes that disseminate information to various key stakeholders.

Assist in the development of a strategic approach to public affairs and the development of a political engagement strategy encompassing regular briefings, monthly newsletter, and issues management.

Provide specialist support in the production of elected representative briefings, newssheets, queries and meetings.

When necessary provide a point of contact for communications colleagues in HSCB, PHA and Department.

Staff Management

Manage and supervise the team of Public Liaison Service administrative staff, including ongoing provision of effective feedback, recognition and annual development/contribution appraisals in line with the Department’s objectives.

Ensure services are delivered effectively with best use of resources.

Co-ordinate the administrative workload to support the Corporate Communications Team in the delivery of their Public Liaison services.

Promote the corporate values and culture of the organisation by supporting the Communications & FOI Manager and Senior Communications Manager in developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective running of the Public Liaison Service.

Maintain good staff relationships and morale amongst the Public Liaison team.

Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

Promote the Trust’s policies on ‘equality of opportunity’, and the promotion of ‘good relations’ through his/her own actions.

General Responsibilities

To play a full role in the work of the Corporate Communications Service.

To work closely with internal departments as required including Complaints, Litigation, Patient Liaison, Press Office.

Ensure protocols are maintained.

Assist with preparation of briefings and other writing as required.

Represent Corporate Communications Service as required.

Attend as a member of, or advisor to various committees as required.

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Comply with the requirements of Data Protection legislation and maintain strict confidentiality in respect of patients and staff records.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

In addition to the duties of your post there are additional duties that all employees of the Belfast Trust are expected to carry out. A summary of these can be found here.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE

Senior Public Liaison Officer

BAND

6

DIRECTORATE

Corporate Communications

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications Registration

A university degree or professional qualification and at least two years relevant experience in a role involving liaising with internal and external stakeholders and handling responses

OR

HSC/HND or relevant equivalent /higher qualification AND three years’ experience at band 4 or above in a role involving liaising with internal and external stakeholders and dealing with handling responses

OR

Five years’ experience in a role involving liaising with internal and external stakeholders and dealing with handling responses

Shortlisting by Application Form

Staff Management

A minimum of one year’s experience of managing* a staff team (*includes responsibility for recruitment and selection, induction, carrying out annual staff reviews, regular performance monitoring and dealing with attendance, performance, disciplinary and other difficult issues)

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Demonstrable experience in handling FOI requests, Assembly Questions and MLA responses

Demonstrable evidence of having experience in meeting deadlines, including planning and organisational skills

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Knowledge Skills

Abilities

Excellent understanding of the current NI political environment

Ability to identify solutions to problems and implement them effectively

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Experience in developing and delivering training to all levels of staff

Experience in the use of Canva or other graphic design software

Experience of filming and editing content

Access to/use of a vehicle

Shortlisting by Application Form

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times