Head of Policy, Voice and Influencing

Head of Policy, Voice and Influencing

Employer – Kids

Location – This is a remote position, but it is anticipated you will need to travel to London for meetings approximately once a fortnight.

Salary - £42,000

Hours – 36 hours per week, flexible hours can be discussed at interview.

Closing Date: Wednesday 17th July, 5pm.

The vacancy may close before the deadline, if we receive a high volume of applications for the role. Please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

Do you possess the vision and leadership to join an extraordinary organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled children, young people, and their families?

Are you an accomplished professional seeking a high-impact role? Do you aspire to collaborate with a team of passionate and dedicated experts committed to executing our strategic vision? As a senior leader, you will report directly to the Director of Fundraising and Engagement, guiding and inspiring a team of exceptional, highly motivated individuals who are deeply committed to their work.

Purpose

This role will lead Kids' social change program, delivering clear policy and influencing objectives grounded in evidence and research from both our sources and external ones. At a critical juncture following the 2024 General Election and the start of a new Parliament, you will establish strategies and tactics for achieving successful impact throughout the next parliamentary term. You will also ensure that disabled children, young people, and their families are at the heart of Kids' efforts to transform the system. By collaborating with these groups, their families, and various partners and stakeholders, they will champion reforms at all levels.

What You Will Be Doing as Head of Policy, Voice, and Influencing

As Head of Policy, Voice, and Influencing, your responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement an influencing strategy to drive changes in the SEND system.
• Create policy reports and solutions for engagement with government and stakeholders.
• Integrate insights from Kids' services into policy development.
• Demonstrate how service delivery and policy influence intersect across departments.
• Gather and present evidence, amplifying the voices of children, young people, and families.
• Establish a strategy for involving children, young people, and families in all aspects of Kids' work.
• Expand engagement efforts with parents, carers, and young people.
• Manage the Youth Voice team and oversee participation programs.
• Represent Kids in external alliances and coalitions.
• Lead campaigns for impactful transitions to adulthood.
• Develop the Young People’s Hub to enhance virtual participation.
• Collaborate on fundraising to sustain Kids' policy and influencing functions.

Leadership and Change:

• Lead existing and new teams using cross-functional methods.
• Collaborate on organisational change projects.
• Cultivate key external partnerships.

Person Specification:

• Experienced in policy development and evidence-based change.
• Knowledgeable about the UK Parliament and government affairs.
• Skilled in relationship building and communication.
• Understanding of SEND policy landscape.
• Ability to simplify complex ideas and engage diverse audiences.
• Proficient in research and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrated leadership and campaign experience.
• Competent in project management and evaluation.

The good stuff/benefits

• Join a company that truly cares about your wellbeing
• Enjoy an enviable annual leave package, starting at a generous 25 days and growing each year up to 30 days.
• Option to buy an additional 5 days holiday.
• Enjoy your entitlement to Bank Holidays.
• We've got your back with Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Rest easy knowing you're covered with our Death in Service plan.
• Invest in your pension plan with the option to top it up knowing that Kids is also contributing 3%.
• Achieve work-life harmony with flexible hours tailored to your needs.
• Unlock exclusive discounts at hundreds of online retailers through our employee benefits portal.
• Reap the rewards with our enticing "Recommend a Friend" scheme.
• Access confidential support and expert guidance 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, helping you navigate both personal and professional challenges.
• Take care of yourself with Company Sick Pay which you are entitled to from your first day.
• 5 days of paid family/carers leave.
• Salary sacrifice schemes available
• Develop your mentoring skills by either being a mentor or signing up for our mentoring programme.
• Expand your horizons with Kids’ online learning platforms, offering a wealth of professional courses for your personal and career development.
• Apprenticeship programmes available for employees
• Benefit from a colleague engagement programme enabling your voice to be heard.
• Lean on us during difficult times with Bereavement Leave.