Communications Chief Sought for National Programme

A six-figure package is on offer for the high flier chosen to communicate the NHS National IT Programme to a wide audience in the health service, industry, media, patients and citizens.

The advertisement placed today for a head of strategic communications for the programme says that the post holder will report to the director general of IT, Richard Granger, and be responsible for developing and delivering a communications strategy for the programme.

There was no indication of the salary on offer within the package, though the advertisement makes clear that Mr Granger is looking for a senior, experienced player with a good understanding of IT supplier markets and a strong track record in communicating issues around IT-enabled change.

Communication is a vital thread running through the IT programme which, in turn, supports an overall modernisation agenda committed to implementing radical changes in the way people work in the NHS.

The advertisement says the new communications chief will need a “detailed understanding of the political considerations around the modernisation agenda and the need to manage and respond in such an environment.” The role sets the appointee the ambitious task of “using the communications strategy as a vehicle for initiating change throughout the NHS.”

The post is a permanent one, though the advertisement indicates that secondments and flexible working patterns will be considered.

Communications for the programme have been under consideration for some months. E-Health Insider understands an external consultant has been looking at the task ahead and providing advice to Mr Granger on the communications challenges to be faced.