Meeting a... Communications officer
Who are you: Beth Smith.
Summarise your role: It can be quite varied! I am often the first port of call for a lot of communication requests that come in to the team. I also write and upload news items on SASHnet, manage the stall bookings, direct people to our communications briefing form if they'd like our support with a project and direct people to our web page changes form, too. With the team, I write and publish external news stories based on the wonderful things happening at the Trust, and promote our work with media and other stakeholders. I also lead and support SASH communication campaigns on local and wider NHS priorities - including designing branded materials and assets. Promoting and protecting the SASH reputation and brand is at the heart of everything I do.
What do you find challenging about your role: Sometimes we have to work quite reactively, and things we have planned get pushed to the side for something else. Also communicating messages to staff who don't typically access their emails or virtual channels during work can be challenging, so it just means we work a bit creatively to make sure everyone is up to date.
What do you find rewarding: Knowing what I have put out has positively impacted SASH, aligned with our priorities and has had the desired outcome is really rewarding. There are so many wonderful people who work at SASH who do incredible things, so promoting them via channels like 'meeting a...' and news releases is really fulfilling.
What do you enjoy outside of work: Outside of work I really value winding down and spending time with my support network. Also a huge fan of exploring nature, going to the seaside, live music and going to the bingo hall with my friends (whilst being the youngest ones in there).