Overview
Designed for senior communications and engagement leads in NHS trusts, ICBs and other member organisations, this forum is your opportunity to network and connect with your communications peers. Our first in-person event for this forum since becoming The NHS Alliance, explore common challenges and build relationships with peers.
Why this matters
Bringing together members from across the sector, this forum will provide a stronger and unified voice for NHS communications leaders.
Operating under Chatham House Rule, this forum is your opportunity to:
- Share ideas, best practice and exchange learning.
- Gain insights from government and national body leaders on key issues impacting the NHS communicators.
- Hear case studies from communications leaders on the latest innovative work in the sector.
- Engage in interactive sessions to ask questions and share your thoughts.
- Have open and honest discussions with peers in breakout sessions.
Always a helpful event. I leave with knowing I'm not alone in the issues I'm struggling with, helpful ideas for things to try and a renewed sense of optimism.
Agenda
Wednesday 23 Sep
10:00Registration, refreshments and networking
10:30Welcome
Introduction and chair's welcome
Chief Corporate Services Officer, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and co chair of the NHS Communications Forum
Kate Jarman
10:40Session 1
Strategic policy update
A presentation on strategic policy, communications and other key developments and what they mean for NHS Alliance members, followed by table discussions with your peers.
Director of Communications, The NHS Alliance
Daniel Reynolds
11:25Comfort break
11:40Session 2
Managing NHS service change: communications and engagement best practice
The 10 Year Health Plan signals an ambition to deliver more care in the community, with the expectation that we will see more local service reconfigurations in the months ahead. At the same time, the Health Bill going through Parliament proposes more powers for the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – this follows changes in ministerial powers announced last year that allow for the secretary of state to ‘call in’ contentious reconfigurations.
This session will focus on best practice when it comes to leading communications and engagement for service reconfigurations, featuring a panel of experts who understand the legal requirements and who have first-hand experience of delivering these initiatives.
12:30Lunch and networking
13:30Session 3
Breakout sessions
In these facilitated discussions, delegates will be split into three groups to explore the following:
- Combating violence and abuse
- Supporting communications leaders while they navigate change
- The future of strategic engagement and involvement
14:15Session 3
Learning from abroad: panel with international communications leaders
More details will be available soon.
15:00Session 4 - TBC
15:45Closing comments
16:00Further networking opportunities
Drinks reception
Please note, our agenda is still in development for this event so session timings may be subject to change. We will share more details over the coming weeks of further sessions and speakers.
Forum chairs and speakers
Kate Jarman
Chief Corporate Services Officer
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Tom Gurney
Director of Transition and Communications
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board
Daniel Reynolds
Director of Communications
The NHS Alliance
How to book
Attendance is free, however you will need to book in advance to receive event details ahead of the Forum.
If you have any questions, or would like to be added to the mailing list to hear about future events, please contact the Forums team.
Who should attend
This forum is open to communications leaders from:
- Directors of communications and engagement across trusts, ICBs and other parts of the system.
- Other senior communications leaders.