South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Communications Assistant - Trainee Programme
The closing date is 22 November 2026
We will be hosting an informal online Q&A session on Monday 16 November 12 to 12:30pm for prospective applicants, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the role, the trainee programme or the application process directly to the Communications Team. Please email [email protected] if you'd like to register to this session.
SLaM runs a unique Communications Trainee Programme: We offer 12 month entry level positions for creative and empathetic individuals who are keen to get their first foot on the career ladder within communications and PR.
We are currently recruiting for three trainees for 2027 (January - December)!
Being a communications trainee at SLaM offers you both on-the-job training in a busy public sector environment and career development embedded in your work plan. This scheme is 12 months long as it is designed to be a first step into the industry - we will support you with your next step as part of the trainee programme.
Main duties of the job
What is the job of a Communications Trainee?
Communications Trainees assist the Communications Team in all tasks. Two of the roles are split between the internal communications team and the clinical communications team, with one role focused on the King's Maudsley Partnership. This is an opportunity learn about all aspects of communications and engagement. The post holders will take responsibility for small projects as part of their development.
During your trainee programme, you will receive tailored work plans with clear objectives, one to one support from your line manager for career development, one to one support from your "buddy" for skills and day-to-day tasks, a focus on AI in communications to support our wider work, training programmes in place, professional time management training and development tasks that focus on connecting strategic aims with the role of the communications team.
About us
What will you get as part of the Trainee Programme?
- A 12 month full time NHS contract (37h5 a week/ 3 days in the office minimum)
- Work experience as part of a busy NHS Communications Team
- Training on all our key digital platforms
- A dedicated line manager supporting your induction and development
- Access to further training opportunities (AI, shadowing clinical staff, site visits etc)
- Support to make your next career move at the end of the contract
- Access to all NHS benefits
Who is our Communications Trainee Programme for?
We are looking for young people who can hit the ground running, take initiative, respond and react quickly and have an eagerness to learn.
In the role, you will provide support and assistance to the whole communications team, using your skills to improve the communications service to the whole Trust. You must be able to work in a pressurised environment, be familiar with new media, be used to working/studying to tight deadlines and able to multitask when required. You will be highly organised with the ability to simultaneously manage simple projects.
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Researching and drafting copy for internal and external channels
- Writing and uploading engaging and compelling content to the Trust website, intranet, and other digital platforms
- Developing creative skills such as writing press releases, newsletters, briefings, video editing and other digital content
- Producing infographics and basic visual content (e.g., leaflets and posters)
- Taking photos and producing/editing videos of colleagues around the Trust
- Joining campaign planning sessions and contributing creative ideas
- Working with the Communications Team to maintain excellent content streams
- Promoting the work of other teams and services to further strategic objectives
- Following briefs and achieving goals within set timescales
- Being flexible, self-motivated, and able to organise own workload
- Acting as the first point of contact for the team via the team telephone and shared mailbox
- Supporting external, internal, and virtual events (booking venues, organising invitations, tracking attendees and feedback)
- Updating intranet and website pages
- Demonstrating excellent attention to detail
- And more
Person Specification
Shortlisting criteria
- Demonstrate strong motivation for mental health comms
- Demonstrate creativity and curiosity
- Some experience in comms (studies, charity, personal channels...)
- BA degree or relevant experience
- Motivated by NHS career
- Interest in AI
Qualifications
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent (this must include A*- C in Maths and English Language or equivalent)
- A Levels or equivalent in any subject.
- Degree in any subject with an interest in either healthcare or communications more widely.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
£31,554 to £33,270 a yearPer Annum inclusive of HCAS
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