Healthwatch Essex

Company Description Healthwatch Essex is an independent organisation dedicated to amplifying the voices of Essex residents who use health and care services. With legal authority under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Healthwatch Essex encourages individuals to share their experiences to help improve healthcare delivery across the county. Through research and engagement, the organization provides evidence-based recommendations to the NHS and social care authorities. Additionally, it operates a confidential information service to help residents navigate the healthcare system and access the support they need. Role Description The Information and Guidance (IAG) Officer will sit within the IAG team and support work across the organisation, feeding into a range of exciting projects and opportunities. They will manage to deliver a variety of engagement activities, support individuals who contact the service via phone, email or at face-to-face events, and work closely with the staff, volunteer ambassadors and local stakeholders. The post holder will have some knowledge and experience of health and social care and outreach/engagement, as well as experience of planning and facilitating meetings, organising their own diary and directly supporting members of the public and writing short reports. The role requires flexibility and multi-tasking, as well as the confidence to work independently, and as part of a busy and productive team. Excellent communication skills are vital, along with a passion for engaging with people and hearing their experiences. Day-to-day responsibilities of the post holder will be supported by the Information and Guidance Manager. All work will be fully explained and support will be offered by their line manager and wider senior management team. Other work will be varied, but the main purpose will be to ensure that our influence is maximised through the delivery of high-quality and well evidenced reports, taking part in events and activities that will capture and articulate the voice and lived experience of the people of Essex. Skills You'll need to show: excellent communication skills strong interpersonal skills, to deal with a diverse range of people and their differing needs experience of managing or coordinating projects and volunteers (paid or unpaid) the capacity to inspire and motivate others the ability to deal with information in a confidential manner and respond with sensitivity good organisational skills and the ability to manage a variety of tasks administrative and IT skills, and an ability to maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports experience of working across different sectors and developing links with other agencies a flexible and non-judgmental approach to people and work. proactivity in travelling frequently across the county. Closing date: 27th February 2026 1pm Salary: £25,000 1 Year Fixed Term