Gemma Smith Email & Phone Number

I have started a new role as Stakeholder Communications and Engagement Manager at East Kent Hospitals, building on previous skills honed at Kent County Council and Kent Fire service, by developing existing and new partnerships, working with staff, patients and external stakeholders to deliver effective communications which support the Trust's vision. Sourcing interesting stories is how my career started as a reporter in Medway; achieving a Diploma in Journalism before transfering from print to broadcast at BBC Radio Kent. After almost nine years as a reporter, programme producer and occasional news editor, I then "jumped the fence"​ to become Media and PR Manager for Kent Fire and Rescue Service.Developing traditional and social media relationships and strategies for one of the UK's leading fire services was an exciting challenge and I also picked up a CIPR Pride award, as well as achieving a CIPR Diploma in PR.At KCC, I developed into a multi-skilled marketing campaigns and communications role, achieving a Public Health Champion Certificate from Canterbury Christchurch Uni, a CIPR silver award for a major public health campaign and a CIM Certificate in Marketing.I also led the local authority's Public Health marketing and media response during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to work with key partners in my new role with the NHS.

Listed skills include Crisis Management, Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Media Relations, and 15 others.