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Communication Leads Network

27 January 2026

11:00 - 12:30

Online via Teams

Overview

Connect with your peers from across the country

With the NHS continuing to evolve and adapt to new challenges, our latest network meeting offers you the chance to come together with peers from across the country to reflect with other communications leaders on your key challenges and share insight and learning.

Why this matters

This meeting provides the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and reflect on the key challenges facing your role, team and trust. 

Operating under Chatham House Rule, this member-only network will provide you an opportunity to:

  • Share ideas and exchange learning.
  • hear presentations from communications leaders experts on the latest innovative work in the sector.
  • Engage in interactive sessions to ask questions and share your thoughts.
  • Have open and honest discussions with peers in breakout sessions.

 

Great to network with peers facing similar challenges

Previous attendee

Agenda

Tuesday 27 Jan

  1. 10:45Waiting room open

  2. 11:00Welcome and introductions

    • Introduction and chair's welcome
      • Chair

        Kate Jarman

  3. 11:05Session 1

    • Strategic policy update

      A presentation from NHS Providers' head of media on strategic policy issues and developments, sharing analysis on what these may mean for the provider sector and considerations for comms leaders. 

      Following the presentation, you'll have opportunity to engage in a Q&A.

      • Speaker

        Susan Bahl

  4. 11:35Comfort break

  5. 11:40Session 2

    • TBA

  6. 12:05Session 3

    • TBA

  7. 12:25Closing comments

Please note, our agenda is still in development for this event so session timings may be subject to change. We will share more details over the coming weeks of further sessions and speakers.

Network chair and speakers

Kate Jarman

Kate Jarman

Chief Corporate Services Officer

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Communication Leads Network chair.

Susan Bahl

Susan Bahl

Head of Media

NHS Providers

Susan Bahl

Susan Bahl

Head of Media

NHS Providers

Susan is the head of media at NHS Providers. She oversees our busy press office which acts as the ‘gateway’ between NHS Providers and journalists from leading broadcast, print and online media outlets. Susan leads the media team, providing support to our members and keeping them informed of key media activity.

How to book

Attendance is free, however you will need to book in advance to receive joining instructions to access the network. 

If you have any questions, or would like to be added to the mailing list to hear about future events and NHS Providers resources, please contact the Networks team.

Who should attend

This network is designed for anyone with strategic oversight for the communications agenda of their trusts. This includes:

  • Directors of communications, public affairs engagement of marketing and senior communications managers.
  • Interim/acting/assistant/deputy directors and heads of are also welcome to attend.