• NEC Software Solutions is headquartered in the UK and operates around the world.
• We employ more than 3,000 people in six countries, building software and services to get our customers better outcomes.
• We traded as Northgate Public Services until 1 July 2021 when we rebranded to align with our owners, NEC. Most of our subsidiary companies did too (APD Communications, i2N, EMIS Care and Charter Systems) but our service design agency still trades as Snook.
• We’ve been part of global tech company NEC Corporation since January 2018.
• Find out more about our business on the Corporate Responsibility and Performance pages.

NEC Care, part of the NEC Health division, delivers the national diabetic eye screening programme. Our mission, vision and values are to provide people-centric services that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of those we serve by working to achieve excellence in service delivery.

The Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (BSW DESP) provides retinal screening clinics and image grading to people with diabetes across those areas - our main office is based in Bath. We are commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) to provide retinal screening on behalf of the NHS and our service is compliant with the National Service Framework (NSF) and National Screening Committee (NSC) guidance, standards, and objectives.

By focusing on the needs of the patient we create bespoke solutions to meet the demands of those we serve. We tailor all service provision according to the locality and not to a set specification. Our service provision is designed to meet and where possible exceed national and local standards and objectives.

We are very open to speaking with recently graduated marketing professionals, or individuals with some commercial communications experience.

The Communications and Engagement Officer will be responsible for communications, promotions and building relationships with local commissioners. They will also drive the communications with GP practices, healthcare professionals, community groups and charities to promote diabetic eye screening within marginalised communities. This is intended to increase understanding of the importance of screening with service users and wider communities, increase uptake of appointments; particularly for those who frequently do not attend. They will also gain feedback from our service users and act on that to ensure voices are heard and appreciated. Feedback and updates will also be shared with colleagues at Multi Disciplinary Team  (MDT)  meetings.

Main Accountabilities

• Improve knowledge of the importance of eye screening in diverse or marginalised communities supporting using promotional activities and campaigns.
• Be a strong presence on all social media platforms, edit and maintain all pages, seek new pages to like and follow, interact with CCGs, GPs, pharmacies, health pages and community groups.
• Attend monthly engagement team meetings to share best practice and SOFT reports.
• Attend quarterly Programme Board meetings to showcase engagement projects.
• Contact persistent non-responders to encourage engagement with eye screening, seeking to understand their fears or reasons for non-attendance and working with the Programme Manager to implement solutions.
• Establish productive links with community health support groups such as Social Prescribers, Health watch, Diabetes UK, LMC, GP Forums and diabetic specialist nursing teams.
• Working alongside the Central Administration Team, monitor clinic booking performance to ensure all clinics are fully utilised and waiting lists are kept to a minimum in higher demand areas.

The Communications and  Engagement Officer supports the Communications and Engagement Team Leader to reduce barriers to screening and help reduce health inequalities for our service users. 

Keys Skills and Experience

•  Excellent Communication Experience, including face to face, remote and direct.
•  Experience with Data Analysis - particularly focussed on Microsoft Excel.
• Competent IT Skills and Knowledge
• Ability to work under your own initiative and priorities tasks using problem solving skills.
• Confident, professional presentation and public speaking skills.
• Experience of using social media in a commercial setting, running promotional events and generating publicity materials.
• Able to deal with patients in a calm, sensitive and reassuring way.
• A full driving licence and own transport to travel where needed is desirable - due to the equipment required for events your own vehicle will be necessary 

We are proud of the benefits we offer employees of NEC Software Solutions 

• Private Medical Cover funded by NEC for Employees (with the option to add family members at an additional cost)
• 25 days paid holiday with the option to buy/ sell 
• 4 x basic salary life assurance cover funded by NEC (with the option to increase cover at an additional cost)
• A Group Pension Plan with fantastic employer contributions up to a maximum of 8.5%
• A fantastic selection of flexible benefits to suit your individual needs
• We are an employer who cares, we have a invaluable employee assistance programme which can help in every area of your life
• All colleagues get free access to LinkedIn Learning. Over 15000 courses covering a huge breadth of subjects. Learn about what you like, when you like, how you like.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate a pre-existing right to work and travel within the UK. Documentary evidence will be required.

All offers are subject to satisfactory vetting and reference checks. 

NEC Software Solutions is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all communities.