Policy & Engagement Officer
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The policy and engagement officer will play an integral role in engaging with charities and other organisations across the substance misuse field to support Collective Voice to influence decision-makers to improve England’s drug and alcohol treatment and recovery system and to champion the role of charities in delivering it.
Collective Voice is the national alliance of voluntary sector drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. We advocate for a system that reduces harm and nurtures recovery and the vital role of charities in delivering this.
In a typical week you might draft a response to a government consultation on national policy, support a meeting to convene and collate the views of the field on a key issue, write our weekly e-bulletin to engage and inform stakeholders, brief the Director on a policy issue before they meet officials in Whitehall, take minutes at a board meeting, or write a blog analysing and explaining policy developments.
Forming a team of just two with the Director, the post holder will work closely with the Director across all functions of the organisation. This represents, therefore, a significant opportunity for professional development.
Key responsibilities
1. Advocating for treatment and recovery (40%)
• Support Collective Voice to develop authentic, empowering and influential public positions on policy and campaigning issues
•Research and draft high quality influencing materials, including formal policy submissions, briefings, blogs and articles
• Develop expert knowledge in specific areas relevant to CV’s strategy and make recommendations for proactive and reactive responses
• Represent Collective Voice at external meetings and events, including some public speaking
• Develop relationships with relevant stakeholders in national and local government, policy and advocacy charities and beyond
2. Building the field (35%)
• Work with the Director to build our work to convene the field, currently through Collective Voice’s groups and events (online and in person) including providing administration and chairing where appropriate.
• Engage and convene organisations across the field and wider partners to gather intelligence, good practice and canvas opinion to inform policy positions
• Manage a range of projects, setting and meeting own deadlines and managing simple budgets where needed
• Coordinate Collective Voice’s social media, weekly e-bulletin and blogs to engage and inform the field and support delivery of our strategy
3. Strengthening our Collective Voice (20%)
• Contribute to the strategic and organisational development of Collective Voice, working alongside the Director
• Support governance by organising board meetings, writing minutes and papers and communicating with trustees
• Be a proud ambassador for the organisation and the wider sector at all times • Manage contractors and/or junior staff where appropriate
• Work flexibly and pragmatically within the constraints of a small organisation with a high profile
• Provide general administrative support appropriate to a charity of this size
4. Developing self and values (5%)
Proactively pursue formal and informal learning opportunities and create own development plan
• Actively participate in line-management and appraisal processes
We believe that diversity of thought, background and experience creates better outcomes. Those from under-represented communities, including but definitely not limited to people with lived experience of substance use problems and from racially minoritised backgrounds, are encouraged to apply.
If you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements for the recruitment process or the role, please just let us know.
Registered Charity 
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