REPORTS TO: Helpline and Information Manager

Publications Officer

REPORTS TO: Helpline and Information Manager

HOURS OF WORK: Full time (35 hours per week)

SALARY: £27,000 - £29,000 (depending on experience)

LOCATION: London, SW9 with some travel to attend meetings and events as needed

Additional benefits: Contributory pension scheme, season ticket loan, 25 days holiday, flexible working by arrangement.

Background

The Brain and Spine Foundation aims to improve the quality of life of people affected by neurological problems by providing expert information, support and education.

The Foundation’s main services include the Helpline, publications and the Brain and Spine website. The purpose of this role is to oversee the development of resources for people affected by neurological problems, with a particular focus on the booklets and fact sheets but also working to develop online and multimedia support for patients, carers and health professionals.

We are seeking a Publications Officer preferably with a health background and strong writing, research and editing skills, to be responsible for developing this area of work. This dedicated post will allow us to maintain the quality of our booklets and leaflets whilst expanding the number of publications and range of conditions we cover. Some knowledge and understanding of neurological conditions and the Information Standard would be an advantage.

Main Purpose:

Ø  To update, write, edit and publish a range of booklets, factsheets and other information resources to support people affected by neurological problems.

Ø  Maintain the Information Standard accreditation, to demonstrate the publications we produce are based on the latest research and include contributions from users and health professionals.

Ø  Involve and consult with patients/ carers and health professionals in the development of information resources as well as feedback mechanisms in order to continuously improve the quality of information produced.

Ø  To work as an integral part of the Helpline and Information team to develop information resources to the highest possible quality standards, in accordance with the wants and needs of our beneficiaries and the wider neurological community.

Ø  To work with the team to promote the services and support provided by the Brain and Spine Foundation.

Job Description:

Resources

Ø  To prepare, in consultation with the Helpline & Information Manager, a plan and schedule for review and production of information resources as part of the annual planning process and in response to the needs of users and the wider neurological community.

Ø  Implement the schedule of review in line with the priority levels and deadlines set.

Ø  The Publications Officer will initiate the production of new titles which have been identified in the schedule.

Ø  To enlist and support a group of patients and carers/ lay readers and health professionals to assist with the publications contents, wording and format.

Ø  To work closely with the Helpline team to identify new titles and the need for continuance of current titles, both in paper format and on the Brain and Spine website.

Ø  Work within the requirements of the Information Standard accreditation and undertake the annual self-audit to ensure continuing accreditation.

Ø  Subject to funding, work on producing online multi-media resources, including video, apps and webinars.

Ø  To work as part of the Information & Helpline team, to measure performance of the resources by monitoring use and responding to feedback.

Ø  To ensure that evaluation, feedback and audit of all resources are built into the programme.

Ø  Seek opportunities for collaboration with other groups with shared aims.

External and public relations

Ø  Produce the charity’s Annual Review

Ø  Contribute to the overall communications plan, including providing articles for the monthly e-newsletter about new resources.

Ø  Work with the Website and Digital Communications Officer to plan and implement publicity for all new and updated resources.

Ø  Periodically represent the Brain and Spine Foundation at meetings, conferences, PR and fundraising activities.

General duties and responsibilities

Ø  To keep up with the latest trends in information provision, and make recommendations for development of existing or new work.

Ø  The post holder will undertake all the administration relating to the job and will be expected to use a full range of IT equipment and software.

Ø  Provide reports on progress and plans as required for staff meetings and Board meetings

Ø  Work with volunteers to increase the contribution of this area of work to the wider organisation; and to engage supporters in the charity’s work.

Ø  To attend and contribute constructively to team and other meetings as required

Ø  To contribute to the team’s ongoing and annual planning, assisting with the smooth running of team systems and processes

Ø  To positively promote the work and activities of the charity at all times

Ø  To work within the organisation’s policies and procedures

Ø  To undertake any other reasonable activity as requested by the CEO or other staff

Person Specification:

Essential
Two years experience in health information production and writing
Experience of working with health and social care professionals, statutory bodies and/ or voluntary organisations
Excellent writing skills including grammar, spelling, use of plain English
Experience and understanding of the publishing process including design and production
Experience of overseeing and coordinating the work of external writers, designers and printers
Educated to degree level and/or relevant professional qualification
Project management skills
Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines and targets
Good verbal communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with internal and external contacts at all levels including senior members of the medical profession and their colleagues
Good organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload
Confident user of IT including MS Office, email and internet
Self-motivated, able to work on own initiative with minimal supervision
A team player with the ability to work in a small team
Ability to respond sensitively to people affected by neurological disorders and their families
Discretion and confidentiality
A ‘can-do’ attitude and positive manner
Excellent attention to detail
A commitment to the policies and aims of the charity
Willing to undertake occasional evening and weekend work*
Desirable
Experience and understanding of the Information Standard accreditation
Experience of developing video, apps and webinars
Working knowledge of brain and spine conditions
Awareness of issues surrounding health and disability
Experience of working with health/social care professionals
Experience of working in the charitable or public health sectors

* BSF operates a time off in lieu scheme (TOIL) for any overtime worked