Specialist Policy Officer

Job Purpose

The Specialist Policy Officer plays a vital role within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks team, delivering high-quality policy work that supports systemic change in the criminal justice system. The postholder will contribute to shaping evidence-based policy and influencing decision-makers, working closely with colleagues across Clinks and external stakeholders. More information about our policy work please visit our website.

Duties and key responsibilities

1. Policy Intelligence and Research

· Lead horizon scanning of central, local and devolved government policy developments (with the Senior Engagement & Development Officer – Wales) to assess implications for the voluntary sector.

· Conduct member-focused research to inform Clinks’ consultation responses and policy publications, including blogs, briefings, and outputs from the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3).

· Lead the design, delivery, and publication of Clinks’ annual State of the Sector research.

2. Policy Development and Influence

· Draft clear, evidence-based policy materials for engagement with political stakeholders, including Ministers and officials.

· Develop mechanisms and opportunities for voluntary sector organisations to engage in policy development with statutory agencies.

· Provide policy support and analysis for Clinks’ Chief Executive and Director of National Influencing & Networks in high-level meetings.

3. Internal Collaboration and Support

· Work closely with Clinks' Area Engagement & Partnerships team to ensure member experiences and regional insights inform national policy work.

· Support colleagues across Clinks to understand policy contexts and improve their influencing work—including restricted specialist projects.

· Share policy updates and emerging trends during internal staff meetings.

4. External Representation and Stakeholder Engagement

· Represent Clinks at external meetings and events, including with senior political stakeholders and at Clinks-facilitated regional forums.

· Contribute to the development and operation of policy-focused groups, networks, and advisory structures.

· Work with the communications and admin team to maintain Clinks’ stakeholder database and ensure the distribution of policy content.

5. Content and Communications

· Collaborate with the Specialist Communications Officer to produce accessible and engaging social media and website content related to policy.

· Contribute written materials that engage audiences, influence decision-makers, and promote understanding of key issues.

General responsibilities

· Act as a positive ambassador for Clinks and uphold its mission and values.

· Work flexibly, supporting other duties as required in line with the role.

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

· Work collaboratively and constructively across teams.

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.

Person specification

· Working well in a team with a flexible approach to work

· Ability to manage multiple and sometimes competing priorities

· Personal resilience and ability to stay focused in a rapidly changing environment

· Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities, including for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system

· Ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work

· Commitment to upholding the rights of people facing disadvantage and discrimination in the criminal justice system

Education and experience

· Experience in a criminal justice-related policy role

· Demonstrated experience of drafting policy positions for use with political stakeholders.

· Experience of developing evidence-based policy positions

· Experience of utilising different research methods in order to support the case for systemic change of the criminal justice system

Skills and abilities

· Written communication skills which engage audiences, persuade, and encourages understanding and participation

· Strong critical thinking and analytical skills; confident summarising complex policy.

· Sound knowledge of parliamentary processes and policy levers.

· Skilled at balancing competing priorities and managing stakeholder relationships.

· Confident working both independently and in a team.

· Organisational, administrative and IT skills at a level that supports notetaking, producing timely and accurate minutes and managing email correspondence

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· Ability to balance and prioritise competing tasks in order to meet tight deadlines

· Adaptability and flexibility in being able to take on new roles and manage a range of internal and external relationships.

Knowledge

A good and critical understanding of issues related to:

· The role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion and inequalities

· The criminal justice system, in particular prisons and probation.

· A thorough understanding of the policy development process

Other requirements

· Able to travel nationally across England and Wales.

· Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary.

· Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.

· Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system.