Networks and Communications Manager
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation TrustAt the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision which is “Working together to provide outstanding care for our community.”
Royal Berkshire Hospital are pleased to announce that following our CQC inspection we have been rated ‘Good’ with inspectors reporting that we have made significant improvements. The Trust’s overall rating has also improved to ‘good’.
We are Compassionate in our thoughts, words and actions
We are Aspirational and have a true desire to be dynamic and to innovate
We are Resourceful and responsible in the way we work and live
We are Excellent in our development, fairness and sharing best practice
At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, we value candidates who bring their unique personalities, skills, and experiences to the Trust. When completing your application, we encourage you to highlight your individual achievements and strengths, showing us how they align with the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools during the process, please be mindful that AI-generated responses can often lack the personal detail and relevance needed to demonstrate your suitability for the role. AI generated content is discouraged by the Trust and may diminish the candidates chances of success.
Amazing things happen at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; delivered by amazing people so why don’t you come and join us. We offer a range of learning and development for all employees may you be clinical or non-clinical.
Job overview
The Networks and Communications Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, design, configuration, maintenance, and deployment of the Trust’s enterprise network infrastructure, alongside its communications and voice systems.
This role combines strong leadership with advanced technical expertise to ensure the resilience, security, and performance of the Trust’s network architecture, while supporting integrated communication and mobile solutions.
The post holder will collaborate with IT teams, senior managers, clinicians, and external partners to deliver a robust, scalable network environment that meets the Trust’s operational and clinical requirements. All infrastructure must comply with NHS technology standards and underpin the delivery of high-quality patient care and organizational efficiency.
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· Lead the design, planning, configuration, and maintenance of the Trust’s enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, wireless connectivity, VoIP telephony systems, and associated communication platforms.
· Oversee network performance, capacity planning, and resilience, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity across all Trust sites and services.
· Manage device policies and ensure robust monitoring and lifecycle management of all IT hardware, including timely replacement of outdated equipment and provisioning for new starters.
· Develop and maintain the Trust’s data and network security architecture, including firewalls, VPNs, remote access services, and internet connectivity, ensuring compliance with NHS security standards.
· Provide leadership for the team delivering expert third-line technical support for network and communications infrastructure, resolving complex issues and coordinating with external suppliers when required.
Working for our organisation
Diversity is what makes us interesting… Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.
Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.
If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.
Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
· Lead the design, planning, configuration, and maintenance of the Trust’s enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, wireless connectivity, VoIP telephony systems, and associated communication platforms.
· Oversee network performance, capacity planning, and resilience, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity across all Trust sites and services.
· Manage device policies and ensure robust monitoring and lifecycle management of all IT hardware, including timely replacement of outdated equipment and provisioning for new starters.
· Develop and maintain the Trust’s data and network security architecture, including firewalls, VPNs, remote access services, and internet connectivity, ensuring compliance with NHS security standards.
· Provide leadership for the team delivering expert third-line technical support for network and communications infrastructure, resolving complex issues and coordinating with external suppliers when required.
· Monitor and enhance network security protocols, including firewall rules, access control lists, and intrusion prevention measures to safeguard systems and data.
· Drive the implementation of emerging network technologies and communication solutions, such as advanced VPN services and unified communications platforms.
· Ensure proactive maintenance and timely replacement of network hardware, including switches, routers, and wireless access points, to maintain optimal service levels.
· Maintain and optimize core network services such as DNS, DHCP, and IP address management, ensuring high availability and security.
· Align all network and communications initiatives with the Trust’s DDaT strategy, supporting future objectives through upgrades and adoption of innovative technologies.
· Develop and enforce standardized configurations, operational procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency and efficiency in network and communications management.
· Oversee mobile connectivity, telephony lines, paging systems, and call logging platforms, ensuring seamless integration with the Trust’s voice and data networks.
· Lead and prioritize multiple network and communications projects, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales, budgets, and quality standards.
· Prepare business cases, technical specifications, and budget proposals for network and communications projects, engaging stakeholders and negotiating with suppliers.
· Manage project risks and dependencies, ensuring alignment with the Trust’s strategic goals and operational requirements.
· Represent the Trust in external forums and vendor engagements, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery of network and communications services.
· Provide advanced technical guidance to internal teams and departments, supporting decision-making and troubleshooting complex infrastructure challenges.
· Evaluate and recommend network and communications technologies, hardware, and services in line with NHS standards and the Trust’s strategic direction.
· Deliver training and knowledge-sharing sessions for technical and non-technical staff to maximize the effective use of network and communication systems.
· Maintain comprehensive documentation of network architecture, standards, and operational procedures, ensuring compliance and readiness for audits.
· Make critical decisions regarding network and communications infrastructure to safeguard patient care and operational continuity.
· Stay informed on technological advancements and NHS digital strategies to ensure the Trust’s network and communications environment remains secure, scalable, and future-ready.
We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the government website.
Staff Benefits
- Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on your work, life balance
- Annual leave – 27 days for new starters, plus bank holidays. Increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service. Pro rata for part time staff
- NHS pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Money Advice Service
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff
- On-site nursery (based at RBH)
- Full educational library services
- Cycle to work scheme, lockable storage for cycles
- Bus to work scheme
- Excellent rail and bus links
- A huge range of Health Service Discounts at hundreds of big brands from holidays to gadgets and restaurants to retail.
After applying via NHS Jobs, your submitted application will be imported into our preferred Third party recruitment system (TRAC). All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps.trac.jobs. You will not be able to track the progress of your application or receive messages through the NHS Jobs website, and furthermore, that as an employer, we will not be able to respond to any e-mails sent to us via the NHS Jobs website.
By applying for this post you are agreeing to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are appointed to a post information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.
Appointment to any position is conditional on the satisfactory completion of the core NHS Employment Checks Standards. Information disclosed in your application will be checked and any offer of appointment may be withdrawn if you knowingly withhold information or provide false or misleading information. All new appointments to the Trust, with the exception of executive positions, are subject to a 6 month probationary period.
The Trust may close any vacancy prior to the advertised closing date due to the high level of responses we receive for some of our vacancies.
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is committed to improving the health of its staff, patients and the wider community by providing a smoke free environment. A smoke free policy is in operation and smoking is not permitted on any of the Trust’s sites.
The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults.