Communications Officer - Health Determinants Research

This role has a starting salary of 22,854 per annum (pro rata to 38,090 FTE), working 21.6 hours per week.

This is an 18-month fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity. If you are applying for a secondment, please seek permission from your line manager before applying.

We have a great opportunity to join our Health Determinants Research Collaboration team (HDRC Surrey) team as a Communications Officer. HDRC Surrey is all about making Surrey a healthier place to live, by strengthening how local government generates and uses research to shape decisions that truly reflect the needs of the community.

We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week) and support working from home the rest of the time.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About The Role

You will lead the delivery of the HDRC Surrey communications function, ensuring that research, learning and impact are communicated effectively to a wide range of audiences. This will involve creating engaging content such as case studies, blogs and newsletters to support the sharing of research and insights, managing HDRC Surrey's digital channels including its website, SharePoint and social media platforms, and ensuring that research findings are presented in clear, accessible and engaging ways. You will also promote events, training and wider programme activity, while maintaining the consistent application of HDRC Surrey branding across all communications.

You will work closely with colleagues and partners to coordinate communications activity and support programme delivery. Over the next 12 to 18 months, you will establish and implement a consistent communications approach for HDRC Surrey, develop and embed a stakeholder newsletter, strengthen the organisation's digital presence and engagement, and support the delivery of knowledge mobilisation activity as part of Workstream 3. Through increasing the visibility, reach and impact of HDRC Surrey's work, you will play a key role in shaping how research is shared and understood across Surrey, helping to build a culture where evidence and insight are actively used to inform decision-making and improve outcomes for residents.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear, engaging content for a range of audiences
• Experience developing and delivering communications activity across digital channels (e.g. web, social media, newsletters)
• Ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging formats
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Commitment to inclusive practice, ensuring communications reach and reflect diverse communities

Your Application

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

1. What has motivated you to apply for this position?
2. Please provide examples of your experience developing and delivering communications activity (e.g. campaigns, content, or engagement work). How did you ensure your communications were effective for different audiences?
3. Tell us about a time where you created content to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging way. What approach did you take and what was the outcome?
4. How would you approach raising awareness of HDRC Surrey and ensuring research findings are shared in an accessible and impactful way across different stakeholders?

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 26/07/2026 with interview dates to be confirmed.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.