Policy Manager

Join the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and help promote excellence in the veterinary profession.

The role:

The BSAVA is looking for an experienced policy professional in the areas of policy development and legislative change set against a backdrop of a complex and regulated environment. The role operates within a changing landscape dealing with high-profile issues for the sector.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape BSAVA’s policies and national legislation with the aim of influencing outcomes of benefit to the veterinary profession, its clients and the health and welfare of companion animals.

Skills and experience:

We are looking for a self-motivated individual with a track record of success, who can demonstrate excellent understanding of policy-making and legislative change in an unpredictable environment. They will have significant previous experience of working in a policy role, ideally within a life-sciences or a veterinary or human medicine setting.

Experience of working with central government departments along with an understanding of parliamentary processes are preferable for the role. Equally important is the ability to analyse and critique information, formulate evidence-based solutions and accurately convey proposals to influence outcomes.

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, with strong written and verbal skills. They will be able to demonstrate effective engagement skills across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including the membership. Diplomacy and political awareness will be essential to ensure successful outcomes. Experience of PR and reputation management as part of the policy-making agenda is desirable.

The candidate must be flexible to work outside of normal office hours depending on the demands of the role which are often driven by the external environment and national events. The role is hybrid, incorporating working from home with travelling to meetings in or around London as required.  Therefore, to facilitate the needs of the role and the organisation, ideally candidates would be located in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire or Oxfordshire.

Other essential skills include:

·       Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, as well as general IT skills

·       Exceptional organisational and time management skills

·       The ability to work effectively as part of a broader team.

·       A flexible approach to work

About the BSAVA:

The BSAVA is a professional membership association which exists to advance care for companion animals. With a membership of more than 11,000 veterinary surgeons, vet nurses and students, we work in the UK and internationally to promote excellence in small animal practice through education and science, by facilitating training, conducting research, and developing policy. Each year we deliver numerous education courses, host a large small-animal Congress, and publish books, manuals, apps, and magazines. 

This post sits within the Policy and (Corporate) Communications Department and reports to the Head of Department.

Our reward package for this role includes a basic salary of between £43,000 - £48,000 per annum (depending on experience). In addition, we offer employer pension contributions starting at 7% and increasing up to 10% with length of service.

We also offer:

·       Holiday starting at 25 days (plus bank holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 28 days, plus a further entitlement of an additional one day every 5 years of service.

·       Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and other family-related leave.

·       Life assurance of 3 x annual salary.

·       Support for hybrid working for our employees, meaning you can work at home subject to agreement and we also have a comprehensive Flexible Working Policy.

·       Access to a free legal helpline where you can ask our specialist lawyers for legal advice on an array of topics.

·       Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and a network of mental health first aiders. Plus, enhanced Company sick pay, access to private medical insurance upon completion of 12 months’ service, occupational health service and annual flu vaccinations.

·       Optional Bupa dental plan.

·       Training and development.

·       Free onsite parking, and for those who wish to cycle, we offer a cycle to work scheme which provides a discounted purchase of a bicycle and accessories for healthy, low carbon travel.

·       Last but by no means least, we have regular social activities and events for those who wish to participate!

And we are:

Community friendly – offering a day’s paid leave to volunteer for a charity or not for profit organisation.

 Committed to supporting sustainability in our work and in the veterinary profession.  The Association has completed a certified carbon audit and has been awarded silver accreditation with Investors in the Environment.

So, if you are bold and innovative, strive for excellence whilst taking ownership and accountability of your work, show passion for what you do and work effectively in a team – then you’ll be a great fit for the Association, and we would love to hear from you.