Parliamentary Officer Jobs

From £50,189 + Benefits (possible to increase via incremental steps in the first 12 months).

What you will be achieving

People, workforce and culture are critical to the future of UK health research, which is why supporting UK biomedical and health research to strengthen its global competitiveness and reputation is one of the Academy’s five strategic priorities. The Policy Manager – Science Base will play an important role in delivering this priority and others as a key member of the Academy’s Science Base and Careers Policy team.

We are looking for somebody who is committed to improving health for all supported by the best research and evidence, has strong influencing skills, the ability to build effective networks across diverse stakeholders, and thrives on working with others to produce high quality outputs. Experience working on life sciences policy and / or knowledge of research policy issues is essential. We welcome applications from people from a variety of professional backgrounds.

The Academy’s Science Base and Careers Policy team focuses on ensuring the best environment for health research in the UK. There is consensus across the political spectrum that the UK’s future health and wealth will be underpinned by a strong research base which includes academia, NHS and industry. We work across both the Academy’s Policy team and Careers team to take a holistic approach to influencing how this can be achieved, by considering issues such as investment in research, research careers and training, and specific topic areas such as immigration. Our team seeks to engage with and influence Government and cross sector research policies and strategies, often working in partnership with other organisations within the sector. You will also be working with the Academy’s Communications and Engagement teams.

What you will be doing

You will be working with the Head of Science Base and Careers Policy to help deliver the Academy’s Strategic Priorities, which includes supporting UK biomedical and health research to strengthen its global competitiveness and reputation. Your role will involve delivering and coordinating the Academy’s policy work on the science base which will help to shape the UK’s future research strength. This includes:

• Ensuring that health research investment remains high on the political agenda through working with Government(s) and Parliament(s), including the role of health research as a key enabler of the Government’s growth priorities.
• Supporting implementation of recommendations from the Academy’s reports on “: a people-centred, coordinated approach” and taking forward the Academy’s work on “”.
• Delivering impactful policy events and written outputs which position the Academy as an influential thought-leader in the future of sustainable health research.
• Working with other teams across the Academy, including the Communications and Engagement teams, to increase the involvement of patients in the Academy’s science base work.
• Identifying key science base policy consultations and leading on Academy responses.
• Maintaining an excellent understanding of the health research career landscape by monitoring developments across funders, employers and regulators.
• Coordinating with wider Academy staff to support the Academy’s work to inform and influence parliament and the Government, including engagement at parliamentary events and multi-organisational partnerships.
• Sustaining and harnessing an effective personal network of contacts across health research in public, private and charitable sectors, including Academy Fellows, emerging research leaders, NHS and Government Officials, National Academies and other relevant experts.
• Identifying ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our policy work, including monitoring impact and co-developing policy briefings for the senior leadership team.
• Line management and development of a Policy Officer and occasional line management of Policy Interns.

The Policy Manager – Science Base may also be asked to support the Academy’s other activities across the wider Policy team, including careers, wider UK and international policy.

This role is offered as a permanent contract.

What you bring to the role

• Experience working in an organisation that seeks to influence policy.
• Strong analytic skills and experience of collating evidence from different sources.
• Able to build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external contacts. 
• Able to harness the benefits of working in teams, including across different departments and organisations. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects in parallel.
• Experience of working with senior individuals.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 
• Running impactful events, e.g. small roundtables. 
• Attention to detail. 
• Good IT, literacy and numeracy skills. 
• Knowledge of the UK research landscape (desirable).
• Line Management experience (desirable).
• Able to travel around the UK (desirable).

Benefits

• Salary progression framework.
• Hybrid and agile working.
• 29 days annual leave including Christmas closure dates, plus bank holidays.
• Regular individual, team and organisation-wide Wellbeing Days.
• Pension (the Academy offers a flexible contribution structure with a minimum employer contribution of 8% up to a maximum of 13% of gross salary, with an employee contribution ranging from 3% to 8%).
• Life assurance.
• Vitality Private Medical Insurance, on completion of probation.
• SimplyHealth Cash Plans, on completion of probation.
• Season ticket travel loan (interest free), on completion of probation.
• Cycle to work scheme, available on completion of probation.
• Family friendly benefits - enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying period), coaching for parents returning to work.
• Subscription to Headspace and Class pass.
• Staff training to support your development including EDI training.

For more information and to apply, please visit our careers page.

Closing date: 4.00pm on Monday, 24 March 2025.

Interview date: w/c 31 March 2025.

Title:Policy and Advocacy Manager

Salary:From £40,000 per annum

Contract:Permanent

Hours:37.5 per week (Monday to Friday)

Holiday:25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Location:Home based with travel within / to London and across the UK

Probationary Period:3 months

Reports to:Head of Legal and Policy

Benefits:An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year, Flexitime policy, 5% pension contribution

Start date:As soon as possible / flexible

We are River Action

We are a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue Britain's rivers from a toxic cocktail of agricultural, sewage and industrial pollution. We support community action, galvanise and mobilise public opinion, influence government policy, and call out destructive industrial practices to incentivise changes that end pollution. 

We are building a talented team of positive disrupters and community mobilisers to deliver our strategy to urgently protect and restore our rivers for the benefit of community and wildlife.

Britain’s rivers are our life support system and they are dying. We need urgent action to bring them back to life.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated individual who shares our passion for protecting rivers to join our team to drive forward our policy and advocacy work. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong policy insights capable of blending analytical problem-solving with intelligent advocacy to drive meaningful change. This role requires someone to have excellent writing skills and the ability to draft complex policy documents as well as top line arguments for wider communication. 

The ideal person will bring a combination of expertise, energy and ideas to amplify our impact, holding decision-makers and polluters accountable with a professional and diplomatic approach. 

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and want to be at the forefront of environmental policy and advocacy, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

As our Policy and Advocacy Manager, you will play a key role in shaping and advancing River Action’s political and policy influence, working closely with the Head of Legal and Policy, Chief Executive and wider team to develop and execute an impactful policy and advocacy strategy.

River Action is the Co-Secretariat for the APPG on Water Pollution, offering our Policy and Advocacy Manager a unique opportunity to shape the policy direction for River Action and also to influence policy development across Parliament. 

You will also work closely with our public affairs agency who manage our daily Westminster activities. 

You will:

• Lead River Action’s policy and advocacy work. 

• Collaborate with River Action’s team and external partners to ensure our collective work is underpinned by robust and forward-thinking policy analysis.

• Develop policy analysis to support campaign, communications and policy strategies, based on a strong evidence base and a sound understanding of the relevant legal and policy frameworks.

• Translate complex policy and evidence into clear messages and compelling campaigns to engage political and policy stakeholders.

• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments, interpreting their implications and opportunities for River Action and its supporters.

• Generate analysis to enable participation in public consultation processes, including drafting high-quality and persuasive consultation responses and briefings for Westminster and Whitehall audiences.

• Increase our political influence with exciting policy interventions, ensuring River Action’s voice is heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

• Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, civil servants, and partner organisations.

• Support grassroots community groups in engaging with their local representatives for effective advocacy.

• Organise and attend key political meetings and events, including the Water Pollution APPG.

• Manage strategic policy partnerships, including our relationship with Wildlife and Countryside Link and other third-sector organisations.

• Ensure River Action’s policy and advocacy efforts align with our creative campaigns, maximising reach and impact.

You will also:

• Actively engage in professional development and training.

• Adhere to health and safety policies while working in different locations.

• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of work at River Action.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across River Action to collectively deliver our mission while being true to our values. 

UK travel will be required. Training and operational activities may require overnight stays away from home, in which case costs will be covered and standard River Action procedures will apply.

What you’ll bring

The position will suit a self-motivated, strategic and determined person. You will be an excellent communicator, comfortable representing River Action and engaging with diverse stakeholders. You will have a passion to protect and restore our waterways and to hold decision-makers and polluters to account.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience in a similar policy and advocacy role, ideally within the environmental sector. 

• Policy and/or legislative experience, with a good understanding of the workings of the UK government and Parliamentary procedure.

• A good understanding of the UK water industry, the key UK water-related policies and the issues that are impacting our rivers, land and wildlife.

• Excellent communication and writing skills with close attention to detail and the ability to produce concise and persuasive political briefings and consultation responses.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, stakeholders and partners. 

• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to proactively plan and prioritise work.

• Ability to work flexible hours as necessary.

• A good and supportive team player with a willingness to muck in as and when required.

Why join us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation working to restore and protect the UK’s rivers.

• Work at the heart of political and environmental change, influencing decision-makers at the highest levels.

• Work in an agile, supportive and happy work environment where your ideas and expertise will have real impact.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organisation.

Diversity and inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this role.

How to apply

To apply, please submit to jobs at riveractionuk dot com with the subject ‘Policy and Advocacy Manager’:

• your CV (2 pages), 

• a cover letter (2 pages) explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, and 

• a written submission (2 pages) as described below. 

Only applications including all three documents will be accepted. Please provide your documents in pdf format. 

Written submission

Please prepare a 2 page policy briefing for MPs on a current issue affecting the health of UK rivers. Your briefing should be written in a clear, persuasive style suitable for a Parliamentary and government audience and:

• Identify a water-related issue (e.g. agricultural pollution, sewage discharges or water management).

• Provide a concise analysis of the impact on rivers and biodiversity.

• Summarise relevant UK Government policies and legislation.

• Propose two or three practical policy recommendations for decision-makers.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 23:59 on Sunday 16 March 2025.

Should your application be selected during sift, the next stage will involve a panel interview. You may also be invited to attend a second interview. 

Interviews will be held on 20, 24 and 26 March 2025 via video conference. Some questions will be provided in advance for equity and to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience most effectively. 

Please indicate in your covering letter or in a covering email your availability for an interview on those dates. 

If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact us on jobs at riveractionuk dot com.

About Us

The National Youth Jazz Collective is a vibrant National Youth Music Organisation established in 2006 to provide inspirational, high-quality training and performance opportunities for all young musicians interested in creative music making (through small group improvisation, composition, arranging and shared band leadership). NYJC offers a clear pathway of progression, beginning with an annual series of streamed regional ensembles (streamed into beginner, intermediate, advanced & young professional): delivered in collaboration with a growing network of regional and national partners; providing a bespoke programme of progression that leads towards NYJC’s pinnacle 12-day residential summer programme comprising a 3-day vocal jazz camp; 6-day composition summer school (where 15 composers write for NYJC’s five senior nonets); 7-day summer school for early career jazz improvisers (offering 45 places to the nation’s most gifted and talented young musicians after an Easter fortnight national audition tour) and 4-day feeder summer short course (for young musicians who showed great potential and skill in their auditions, but weren’t yet sufficiently familiar with the jazz vernacular and pedagogy to sustain an intense week on the main summer school course).

Job Summary

Ensure the Artistic Director's strategies & plans to deliver NYJC's artistic remit are in budget, resourced & meet NYJC's organizational goals & objectives. Line manage NYJC's Finance Manager, Programme Manager, Head Chaperone, website consultant & Marketing/Comms Officer. Steer fundraising strategy

Job Description

NYJC'S CEO KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure a long-term strategy, business plan & budgets are in place to guide NYJC in the successful achievement of its objectives including the 3-year strategic plan & fundraising strategy.

Work with the Artistic Director to ensure their strategies & plans to deliver NYJC's artistic remit are in budget, resourced and meet NYJC's organizational goals & objectives.

Oversee delivery & implementation of NYJC's strategy with the management team, board & partners.

Provide strategic and financial leadership to the organisation as a whole, included overall organisational budgetary responsibility in accordance with NYJC's financial delegation policy.

Ensure that sufficient & appropriate financial, staff and technology resources are in place to deliver the organisation's strategy, projects and services.

Devise fundraising strategies, produce funding applications & pursue other sources of income for NYJC.

Lead on NYJC's 2027-30 NPO application (July 2025)

Lead on all management functions at organisational level including finance, income development, policies & procedures, human resources & contracts, evaluation, quality & operations.

Support the Board by providing high quality, regular management and monitoring information so that it can carry out its governance role.

Ensure appropriate risk management, policies & systems are in place to enable NYJC to continue to operate efficiently and effectively & comply with all regulatory requirements.

Ensure the work NYJC does is communicated effectively both internally and externally.

Represent the organisation as required in relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government, other arts organisations and funders.

Work within NYJC's equal opportunities, safeguarding, health & safety & other policies at all times.

Line manage NYJC's Finance Manager, Programme Manager, Head Chaperone (In charge of residential pastoral care), website consultant & Marketing & Comms Officer..

You can find further information on NYJC and a full CEO description by opening the attached CEO information pack

Officers: External Relations, Communications, Grants and Policy

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is seeking skilled communicators, excellent writers and diligent researchers to harness the power of our external relationships in order to resource our work, support grassroots human rights activism, and protect the environment.

PBI provides life-saving protection and catalytic support for women’s rights activists, Indigenous leaders, LGBTIQ+ groups, environmentalists and other human rights defenders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. You’ll join our UK Team, which contributes to this work in a range of ways, including by raising funds from trusts and foundations, and through policy advocacy alongside grassroots leaders.

Whether remotely or in-person, full-time or part-time, you will work closely with our International Secretariat, liaising with colleagues and human rights defenders around the world. You will research, write for and interact with activists, philanthropists and policymakers. As a proactive person who thrives in a small team, you will be able to seize opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The successful candidates will be detail-oriented, well-organised people who are committed to our mission, and able to communicate it creatively to a broad community of stakeholders.

We don’t expect you to do everything on the lists below, but if you’re experienced in one area and can grow into others, then we encourage you to apply! We envisage at least two roles being created as a result of this recruitment process, providing candidates with an opportunity to excel in a role that is moulded to their strengths while allowing them space to upskill and gain diverse experiences. 

Roles: 

Officer level roles covering external relations, communications and writing, grants management, and policy research.

Location: 

Flexible. You can work remotely, though you will be expected to attend some meetings, activities and events in London. Preference may be given to candidates able to work regularly from PBI’s UK office in Islington, London.

Reports to: 

PBI UK Director or PBI UK Advocacy Manager.

Manages:    

Volunteers and consultants as required.

Contract: 

Permanent. Please state your preferred working arrangements including location. We encourage people who are interested in part-time, full-time and flexible working to apply.

Salary:

£24,744 - £30,415 (or pro rata equivalent) dependent upon experience. Opportunities for promotions.

Benefits:

Multiple benefits in line with PBI UK’s Compensation Principles, including:

• 28 days leave plus public holidays (or pro rata equivalent).

• 4-6 days of additional office shutdown or annual collective leave per year.

• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) Policy.

• Access to wellbeing support in line with PBI UK’s Wellbeing Support Policy.

• Access to the Government’s Cycle to Work scheme.

• Career development support through 1:1s, training and appraisal processes.

• Pension contributions with option of additional contributions.

• PBI UK is committed to ensuring work-life balance for our employees, and will give due consideration to all reasonable flexible working requests.

About us: 

Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an international NGO with over 40 years’ experience providing life-saving protection and support to hundreds of brave human rights defenders who face reprisals because of their activism for social justice. PBI’s trademark protective accompaniment teams in Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal and Nicaragua are supported by teams elsewhere in the world, such as our UK section (to which these roles are affiliated). We carry out high-level advocacy for laws, policies and practices which support human rights defenders and hold corporations to account, as well as fundraising with an emphasis on trusts and foundations.

About the Roles: 

• You will work closely with PBI UK’s Director, PBI UK’s Advocacy Manager and PBI International Co-Executive Directors to ensure that we have the systems, relationships, research and written outputs to effectively fundraise for PBI’s global work, as well as to advocate for laws, policies and actions to protect human rights defenders.

• We envisage creating two to three roles to cover all of the work listed below, and will work with successful candidates through the recruitment process and first months in the job to evolve job descriptions, to harness candidate skills and expertise while ensuring hands-on capacity building.

• There will be scope for overlap across work areas and opportunities to gain diverse professional experience. Our innovative recruitment process aims to ensure that you can grow into the role and the role can grow around you! Learn more in the FAQs below.

• Day-to-day tasks could include analysis, research, writing, external representation, communications and project management. You will be part of a small team that builds, maintains and harnesses external relations with politicians, donors, civil servants, NGOs, human rights activists and other stakeholders in order to support human rights and environmental change.

• Grant-writing and donor reporting at PBI is less about form-filling and more about concise, creative and persuasive writing. Our policy research is directly applied through our advocacy campaigns. Our communications range from supporter newsletters to political briefing papers. We carry out our advocacy together with global activists on the front line of the issues at stake.

• All staff are given ample opportunities to engage with human rights defenders, social movements and NGOs, as well as opportunities to attend events related to human rights and environmental activism. There will be some potential for work-related travel within and beyond the UK.

The following responsibilities will be covered across the two to three roles recruited - you are not expected to do all of them.

We are interested in the areas you are already experienced in and which you are keen to grow into. You will be expected to cover either two of the following areas, or a number of tasks from across all four areas, and you would work closely with colleagues who are implementing other tasks.

Note: We view this section as a guide, not a checklist. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t satisfy every single bullet on this list. Please see the FAQs below.

1. Outreach, relationships and partnerships

• Organise, prepare talking points, participate in, and take notes at meetings and conferences with allies, donors and advocacy targets.

• Draft both proactive and reactive communications such as emails, briefing notes, summaries and pitches to these and other stakeholders.

• Liaise with these stakeholders regarding actions and activities, including emergency responses to threats against human rights defenders.

• Conceptualise and co-organise events aimed at these stakeholders.

• Draft parliamentary interventions including parliamentary questions.

• Liaise with PBI’s frontline teams around the world regarding joint activities with human rights defenders, including advocacy tours to the UK, as well as other projects and proposals.

• Represent PBI UK in global PBI meetings and external coalition meetings.

• Logistical and administrative support for PBI’s activities in the UK and abroad.

2. Writing and communications

• Design and draft communications campaigns, including for biannual Big Give fundraisers.

• Manage production of and/or draft content for PBI’s UK Annual Report and Global Review.

• Draft grant applications and project proposals (grant writing) for private philanthropy.

• Draft grant and project reports for private philanthropy and other supporters.

• Draft pitches and concept notes for private philanthropy and other potential donors.

• Keep PBI UK’s website up-to-date and draft online content including articles and interviews.

• Produce PBI UK’s quarterly newsletter and other content for our supporters.

• Design campaigns and draft content for social media.

• Liaise with PBI’s frontline teams regarding written content for a range of stakeholders.

3. Research and policy

• Parliamentary research and stakeholder mapping.

• Donor research and stakeholder mapping.

• Co-design fundraising priorities together with the UK and International Executive Directors.

• Policy research, co-development of policy positions, and drafting of inputs to policy.

• Draft briefing papers on countries, cases and issues for influencing key stakeholders.

• Liaise with PBI’s frontline teams to generate analysis on countries, cases and issues.

4. Monitoring and systems

• Ensure that PBI UK’s contact management system is kept up-to-date.

• Keep PBI UK’s fundraising plan updated and ensure its implementation.

• Keep PBI UK’s fundraising prospect research updated.

• Help ensure that PBI UK’s advocacy tracker is kept up-to-date and work with the Advocacy Manager to ensure monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning of our advocacy.

• Work with the Operations Officer to ensure effective communication and reporting of project implementation to allies, intermediaries and donors.

About You

Successful candidates will have all of the following essential attributes:

• Proactivity and an ability to work autonomously to solve problems.

• Ability to work as a member of a small team and as part of a larger organisation.

• Understanding of how to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.

• Good diary and time management with ability to juggle multiple deadlines.

• Impeccable attention to detail and excellent research skills.

• Confidence using digital tools for project management and communication.

• Cultural understanding and experience of working with colleagues across multiple locations.

• Knowledge of human rights / environmental issues, and commitment to PBI’s principles.

Candidates will be expected to have a number of the following essential skills/experience:

• Excellent written communication in English.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain key relationships with a range of audiences and experience representing organisations at events or meetings.

• Online and digital communications experience and skills.

• Ability to craft simple, compelling messages related to complex issues.

• Experience working in coordination with other allies and stakeholders, for example through alliances, coalitions and campaigns.

• Experience working with diverse and decentralised teams.

• Experience in event organisation and management.

• Proven experience of working in campaigning, advocacy, fundraising or communications.

Preference may be given to candidates with the following additional skills/experience:

• Working knowledge of the Spanish language.

• Knowledge of UK parliamentary processes.

• Knowledge of the political / human rights context in at least one of the following geographies: Global, Latin America, Southeast Asia, East Africa, or UK.

• Experience working with human rights defenders and Indigenous Peoples.

• Experience applying feminist, intersectional and de-colonialist approaches to work/activism.

• Experience working on issues of corporate accountability and/or defender protection.

• At least one year of relevant experience working in an NGO or other institution.

• Ability to work from PBI's UK Office in London.

FAQs about the recruitment process:

Q. I don’t have experience in all of the areas listed above, should I still apply?

A. Yes! Please use your application to emphasise what of the above you feel you do best.

Q. What will my role be if I am successful in this process?

A. Final job descriptions and titles will be agreed together with the successful candidates. A role might be built around skills such as writing and communications, or it might be built around a work area such as advocacy or grants management. It is also possible that two holistic roles might be created but with a division of tasks. No one role will be expected to do everything, and every role will seek to balance existing experience with potential for growth.

Q. What is the process and timeline for this recruitment?

A. We will inform candidates if they’ve been selected for an interview by April 9, with interviews and tests taking place online April 7 - April 16. We hope to conclude recruitment by April 26 with start dates from June 1. We will assess applications on a rolling basis and retain the right to close the process early, in which case this advert will be removed from our website. All candidates will receive a response, with feedback restricted to interviewees on request.

Q. If I am successful, how often will I be expected to work from PBI’s office in London?

A. We are open to applications from candidates wishing to work entirely remotely. However, all candidates should expect to travel to London yearly and maybe more often. Priority may be given to those able to work in London. If your preference is to work in-person, we can guarantee desk space at our office three days per week. Working conditions are negotiable.

Q. What is the difference between PBI UK and PBI and where do these roles fit?

A. PBI is a global NGO made up of teams/sections which work together to enhance the security and impact of the human rights defenders we support. The roles in this advert will be employed by PBI’s UK section but will work closely with both PBI’s International Secretariat and other sections (including ‘frontline teams’ providing direct protection to threatened activists) to ensure our UK and global fundraising and advocacy are as effective as possible. 

What staff say about working at PBI UK:

“In PBI UK you work in a compelling environment alongside an empathetic and caring team, who are constantly adapting to the evolving challenges of the work to best advocate for the protection of human rights defenders. No matter what position you hold, your voice will be heard and your ideas valued - it is a place where you can choose to grow in any and all directions to cultivate deep knowledge and an expansive skillset.”                                          Yadira Sánchez-Esparza, former PBI UK volunteer & consultant

“Working with PBI UK is incredibly rewarding. I've had the opportunity to meet and support human rights defenders and community leaders, who shared their stories and hardships with me. I'm so grateful to be able to contribute to raising their voices, and for the trust they instil in me to do so. Their individual and collective defence of human rights is truly inspiring, even when they face the most difficult circumstances and reprisals.”                 Christina Challis, PBI UK Advocacy Manager

“With a defender-centered approach, and a team that genuinely cares for one another and for protecting and promoting human rights and environmental defenders, it is both a privilege and a joy to be part of PBI UK. Everyone is working towards the shared goal of providing holistic support to defenders at risk. We openly share ideas as a team, and I feel truly supported, both personally and professionally. Most of all, it is an honor to work alongside such brave activists, whose resilience and dedication are deeply inspiring.“

Lorna Ní Shúilleabháin, PBI UK Programme Support Consultant

What key stakeholders say about PBI:

“Without PBI, the work and defence of human rights in Colombia would not have been possible at the level it is today… I think PBI’s support was fundamental in saving the lives of many of my colleagues.”

Sebastián Escobar Uribe, human rights lawyer from CCAJAR, Colombia

“I think what I most admire about PBI is the fact that you’re very close to defenders in places that are very hostile ... When I started out, PBI was one of the organisations I looked to for ideas. I really like the accompaniment model.”

Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders

“PBI UK is a strong human rights organisation punching above its weight on a small budget … Staff overwhelmingly feel a sense of teamwork, trust, and commitment to PBI’s mission … Stakeholders identified the skills, network, and thematic expertise of PBI UK’s new Director as a significant strength …  Creativity, innovation, out-of-box thinking and a focus on impact were identified by both internal and external stakeholders as key characteristics of PBI UK.”

 External evaluation of PBI UK

How to apply:

Please send us a copy of your CV, as well as a cover letter of no more than one page, addressing how you meet the essential attributes and telling us about your skills and experiences.

Please include your preferred location and working days in the cover letter.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until 8pm GMT, Sunday March 23

Invitation to interview by April 9

W/C April 14 - first round interviews 

W/C April 21 - second round interviews, if necessary

There are likely to be tests after first round interviews

Recruitment concluded by April 26

Note: Applicants must be UK based within a reasonable commute of London.  Application without a cover letter will not be considered.

Location                      Home based (Home working with regular meetings in London)

Hours Full Time, permanent (flexibility may be offered for an excellent candidate.)

Reports to Director of Policy and Research

Main purpose and scope of the role:

Parentkind is a national charity working with more than 23,500 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils and Schools. We are the voice of parents in policy making. 

We are an ambitious organisation and we are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated individual to support our work in Westminster and Whitehall. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of public affairs, advocacy and/or working in a policy environment. 

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated individual able to take on responsibility and lead. 

The role will involve:

• Managing the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Parents to make this one of the most high profile APPGs in Parliament.
• Organising events to communicate our research, including roundtables, lunches/dinners and launch events in Westminster. 
• Leading our political and policy stakeholder engagement activity to ensure we have strong relationships where they matter. 
• Dissemination of our research to political and policy audiences to ensure our research is seen by the right people. 
• Support our parent research, including polling of parents and making policy recommendations based on this research. 

As a UK wide charity, you will be expected to support our work in other parts of the UK and the devolved administrations. 

We would particularly welcome candidates with media experience, including writing press releases and placing stories with national media outlets.

Duties and key responsibilities

Managing the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Parents. 

• Developing a plan for the APPG to achieve our ambition of making this one of the most high profile APPGs in Parliament.
• Raising the profile of the APPG for Parents and increasing the number of MPs and peers engaged with its work. 
• Organising well attended APPG meetings and events. 
• Providing the secretariat to the APPG and working with the Officers to deliver the work of the Group.

Organising events to communicate our research, including roundtables, lunches/dinners and launch events in Westminster. 

• Manage and organise research/policy led events with political/policy audiences, including roundtables, lunches/dinners and launch events.
• Increase attendance at these events to make sure we are successfully engaging with political/policy audiences.

Leading our political and policy stakeholder engagement activity to ensure we have strong relationships where they matter. 

• Developing our stakeholder database of priority contacts.
• Actively arranging high value meetings to promote Parentkind.
• Maintaining a consistent level of communication with political/policy audiences on behalf of Parentkind.

Dissemination of our research to political and policy audiences to ensure our research is seen by the right people. 

• Taking responsibility for high quality dissemination of our research and evidence to political/policy audiences. 

Support our parent research, including polling of parents and making policy recommendations based on this research.

• Working across the organisation to support our parent polling activity with engaging and topical questions.
• Support the development of policy recommendations based on our research.
• Writing concise and compelling briefing documents.

ATLEU is looking for a Communications and Public Affairs Officer. This is an exciting new role, working with colleagues across policy, communications and lived experience. We are looking for candidates who have a track record in speaking out and are not afraid to be bold in seeking change for survivors of trafficking. ATLEU’s work and our role as an expert voice in the sector is survivor informed, change focussed and ambitious and this role will make a significant contribution to developing our communications and influencing strategies. 

Press Officer internally know as Press and External Affairs Officer

We are looking to recruit an ambitious, proactive Press and External Affairs Officer to join our small, dynamic and friendly communications and external affairs team as maternity cover.

In this role, you will lead on our day-to-day press and media engagement and support our high-profile policy, campaigns and external affairs work. You will also manage our Twitter, LinkedIn and Bluesky social media accounts.

The role is a hybrid role, based in our Old Street office for two days a week.

The  Early Years Alliance is the largest early years membership organisation and voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England. An educational charity, the Alliance represents the interests of over 14,000 member settings who deliver care and learning to over 800,000 families every year. 

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, pro rata for part time employees
• Enhanced sickness pay, employer and employee contribution pension scheme
• Birthday leave so you can have a day off for your birthday dedicated to you and your well being
• Enhanced sickness pay and paid bereavement leave
• Regular access to internal and external learning and development opportunities
• A Recruitment Referral Payment Scheme, giving you an introductory payment of up to £300 if someone you have referred to the Alliance takes up a role in the charity.
• Access to our Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which includes 24/7 helpline access, dedicated managers helpline, confidential counselling sessions delivered by accredited specialists, legal, debt and life management advice, discounts, and wellbeing content plus resources.
• Savings of up to 25% on O2 Refresh Airtime Plan on any new phone or tablets
• A dedicated mental health First Aider to support your mental well being

Main duties:

• To act as the Alliance’s first point of contact for the local and regional media.
• To lead on the drafting and dissemination of both proactive and reactive press releases and comments. To gather evidence, case studies and other information as required to support the Alliance’s strategies for press, public affairs and campaigning.
• To draft briefings for MPs, journalists and other opinion formers, both directly and through support networks in order to influence and persuade.
• To implement the regional and local press and campaign strategies, as agreed by the Communications and External Affairs Director, liaising as appropriate with Alliance staff, members and volunteers.
• To identify opportunities for positive media coverage to ensure that the Alliance increases and maintains its profile across national, sector and consumer media.
• To develop and maintain an effective database of media and parliamentary contacts and their interests.
• To lead on the management of the Alliance’s Twitter, LinkedIn and BlueSky social media channels.
• To monitor relevant policy updates, and disseminate these through relevant communication channels including the Alliance website.

Essential criteria:

• Experience of working in a media / press role and sub-editing and writing articles, briefings and reports.
• Demonstrate effective and creative communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of press and public affairs issues.
• Experience of carrying out research to support media and/or campaigning activities.
• Able to give clear press and public affairs guidance to the Alliance’s members and employees.
• Able to draft briefings for MPs, journalists and other opinion formers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to influence and persuade MPs, journalists and other opinion formers.
• Knowledge of how to effectively use social and digital media.
• Experience of using IT to produce own correspondence and effectively maintain a database.
• Effective time management, planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

This post is a maternity cover until April 2026 with the possibility of an extension 

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional individual with proven experience to join our small and successful national charity as our Communications and Policy Officer.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support and that is testament to the talents of our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Through listening and engaging with people who face difficulties because of their convictions we have an impressive track record of identifying issues, finding solutions and putting them into practice. We also influence policy and create systemic change.

Whilst we are a small charity we punch above our weight; we’re resourceful, impactful and work efficiently with like-minded organisations so that, together, we can achieve our aims. We are widely recognised as the go-to organisation in this arena.

We’re looking for an organised, motivated individual with communication and policy experience whose creativity and strategic thinking will be at the heart of communicating our work and advocating for a fairer future for people with criminal records.

If you are motivated to help people move on positively with their lives and create a fairer and more inclusive society, and based in London or the South East, this is the place for you.

Salary: £27,405  - £32,480 plus £3,964 London Weighting if eligible
Hours: 35
Location: London with travel to the office two days a week.

Who we are

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer in England to join our highly effective UK wide policy and campaigns team. With fostering high on the political agenda and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill passing through Parliament, this is an exciting time to join the organisation. 

You will be passionate about improving children’s social care and foster care for children. You will have knowledge of the policy and legislative landscape in England and issues surrounding children’s social care.

You will have experience of delivering campaigns and influencing policy makers in central government and parliament, as well as developing policy solutions to bring about change. You will have significant experience of analysing and conducting research and producing high quality, evidence-based written materials.

You will be a great communicator and able to build relationships with stakeholders of all levels, including parliamentarians and senior figures in government.

The person specification details the essential and desirable criteria in full.

What you’ll be doing

You will have the opportunity to influence policy and practice to bring about lasting change for children and young people in foster care.

The role will involve influencing parliamentary and policy-making processes in England and contributing to UK wide projects. The role will deliver effective campaigns, key research projects and written content for our members.

At this point, we hope you're feeling excited about the job description you’re reading. Even if you don't feel that you meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

What we can offer you:

• 38 days leave (including bank holidays)
• A range of family friendly and fostering friendly leave options
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Helpline
• Pension and life assurance
• Contribution to eye tests and lenses
• Season ticket loans

Our commitments to you

The Fostering Network is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially those from under-represented and minoritised backgrounds. All applications and hiring decisions will be considered on merit.

• If you identify as care experienced and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under our commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant
• If you have a disability, please tell us what reasonable adjustments would support your participation in the recruitment process
• We are open to job-sharing arrangements for all roles, please indicate this in the application form if you are applying as part of a job share

Looking for more information?

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Natalie Williams.You can also find more information about us on our website.

Ready to apply?

To apply please email your completed application form to us. CVs will not be accepted.

Closing date: Sunday 9th March
Shortlisting date: W/C 10th March
Interview date: Wednesday 19th March
Interview location: Our London Office

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Fostering Network Registered office 87 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8HA 
Registered charity in England and Wales 280852 and in Scotland SC039338 Registered in England and Wales as a limited company no. 1507277 
VAT Registration 231 6335 90

Context and Background

We are recruiting a Senior Policy Research Officer to develop and deliver our early years and health policy work to deliver real change and reform in the best interests of children.

The post holder will work in the UK/England part of the Policy and Public Affairs Team, focussed on influencing the Westminster Government. The role involves a variety of responsibilities including policy research, policy development and public affairs. This is a great opportunity to drive policy work in an exciting policy area, by building a strong evidence base and contributing to effective influencing strategies.

Job purpose

The Senior Policy Research Officer will be responsible for undertaking policy research to achieve the NSPCC's strategic goals, using their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC's impact on public policy relating to early years and health. In doing so, they will make a significant contribution to protecting the youngest children from abuse and neglect.

Key relationships - Internal

• Reports to Policy and Public Affairs Manager
• Colleagues in the wider Policy and Public Affairs team across the UK
• Colleagues in the Research and Evidence team
• Colleagues in the Media and Campaigns teams
• Colleagues in the Services directorate (to ensure policy development takes into account experiences of frontline professionals)
• Colleagues in the Participation Unit (to ensure the involvement of young people in policy and influencing work)

Key relationships - External

• Key civil servants and policy advisers in the UK Government
• MPs and Peers in the UK Parliament
• Colleagues in relevant voluntary and statutory agencies
• Practitioner bodies
• Key academics, researchers and research networks

Main duties and responsibilities

Policy development:

• Develop and maintain a high level of expertise on policy priority areas, with lead responsibility for early years and health policy.
• Scope, develop and refine NSPCC policies on priority policy issues, putting forward the economic case for change where possible.

Policy research:

• Contribute to the delivery of our research activity, working with teams across the NSPCC to assess policy andevidence needs, then design and undertake impactful research projects to address these.
• Manage policy research projects from development and commissioning stage through to completion, providing direction and supervision to ensure the highest standards of delivery.
• Analyse a wide range of primary and secondary sources of evidence (such as official data sets and statistics, policy documents, academic literature, economic analyses, FOls and survey data) to develop innovative and evidence-based policy solutions to complex problems.

Public affairs:

• Prepare high-quality briefings, summaries and consultation responses for both external and internal audiences.
• Develop and maintain a network of key contacts across parliament, the civil service and civil society, using this network to amplify the NSPCC's voice and take advantage of opportunities to influence policy making.
• Represent the NSPCC at relevant internal and external advisory groups, meetings and stakeholder events.

Responsibilities within the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
• To maintain anoverview of child protection policy and practice
• To maintain an awareness of own and other's health and safety and comply with NSPCC's Health andSafety procedures
• An active commitment to promoting EDI, safeguarding and trauma informed practice
• An agile approach to work
• To maintain and develop competence in the use of IT systems

Person specification

1. Strong support for the NSPCC's mission and values, combined with a good understanding of public policy relating to child protection issues, and knowledge of the wider legal, government and media context.

2. Excellent policy development skills, with the ability to research, develop and refine innovative policy solutions to complex problems.

3. Proven ability to undertake research (qualitative and/or quantitative) and analyse the findings, with an ability to design methodologically robust and ethically sound research that is delivered to a high standard and agreed timescales.

4. Experience of successfully presenting research accurately to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.

5. Excellent communication skills including the ability to write concisely and persuasively in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences, and to deliver engaging oral presentations.

6. Good public affairs skills, with strong knowledge of parliamentary processes, sound political judgement, and experience of contributing to the delivery of influencing strategies to secure support from decision makers in parliament and beyond.

7. Ability to work on own initiative with strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstratabl eexperience of project managing small research projects, working at speed and under pressure when required, whilesuccessfully managing project progress, risks, and quality.

8. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build constructive working relationships with external stakeholders, aswell as to work effectively as part of an internal, cross-departmental team.

Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: Circa £30,000
Hours: 37.5
Department: Policy
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent

Our client is looking for a Policy and Advocacy Officer to join their Transport Team. This role offers a chance to shape policy, advocate for members, and drive change in electric vehicle infrastructure and low-carbon fuels.

Key responsibilities include:

Taking a leading role on EV charging policy and breaking down regulatory barriers.
Engaging with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and media to promote the company's position.
Representing them in working groups, events, and parliamentary engagements.
Supporting renewable transport fuels policy, including sustainable aviation fuel.
They seek candidates with experience in EV policy or the ability to quickly build expertise, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to thought leadership and advocacy.

If you're passionate about decarbonising transport, apply now!

Our client reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. They encourage early application to avoid disappointment.

About them

Our client is a not-for-profit trade association, established in 2001. While the world has changed dramatically since then, their mission remains the same: to champion their members and promote a future built on renewable energy and clean technology.

Their Vision: A future built on renewable energy and clean technology

Their Mission: To decarbonise the economy whilst helping our members build commercially and environmentally sustainable businesses

Their Approach: We do this by;

CHAMPIONING the role and benefits of renewable energy and clean technologies

INFLUENCING governments, industry and individuals

EMPOWERING renewable energy and clean technology businesses to achieve sustainable growth

REF-219923

About the role

At a time of growth and of new opportunities for the Motability Foundation, we are looking for a Public Affairs Manager to join our Communications Team and lead our Public Affairs activity for the organisation.

Our vision is to fund, support, research, and innovate, so all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. There are an estimated 16 million disabled people in the UK, and this role will play a crucial part in our work to raise awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation, amplify the voices of disabled people and to influence policy.

·This new role will work alongside our new Evidence and Policy Manager, based in our Innovation team, and other colleagues across the organization as well as key partners (Motability Operations), to manage our horizon scanning and monitoring of the political landscape, leading on advising our Governors, CEO and senior management team on actions we need to take, and preparing detailed briefings for engagements, and events with Parliamentarians and senior Ministers. The role holder will develop, implement and lead our Public Affairs and Government Engagement Plan, and proactively identify and develop opportunities to influence and shape policy where it may have a positive impact for disabled people.

With a General Election and potential welfare reform on the horizon, this role is especially important and experience in creating and implementing post-election public affairs strategies, leading activities across the team and devising and managing structured results reporting to the organisation, is highly desirable.

 

What you will be doing

• Develop, implement and manage our public affairs strategy, leading on public affairs activities aligned with the Motability Foundation’s vision and overall strategy.
• Amplify the Motability Foundation’s voice in Parliament, across the devolved nations, and in political spheres, building, developing and managing relationships with parliamentarians, decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Manage our horizon scanning and monitoring of the political, legislative and regulatory landscape in relation to the work of the Motability Foundation, leading on advising the business on actions we need to take.
• Provide sharp political intelligence, insight, advice and briefings for Governors, directors, senior management and a variety of audiences across the organization.
• Support the establishment of the Motability Foundation’s policy positions and delivering our influencing objectives.
• Manage a contact program for Parliamentarians, raising awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation, establishing regular meetings for senior leaders where relevant, and facilitating dialogue on issues relevant to our work.
• Working closely with the Evidence and Policy Manager to manage the dissemination of any policy output for presentation to the external world.

Your experience

Must haves:

• Strong grasp of parliamentary processes in Westminster, Scotland and the other devolved nations.
• Ability to initiate and manage projects independently while contributing effectively to team efforts.
• Experience in proactively identifying opportunities to influence.
• Strong communication skills, with an ability to grasp complex issues quickly and share information in an accessible way across a variety of audiences.
• Ability to facilitate sensitive internal and stakeholder conversations to reach a point of consensus.
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders in Government, industry, and other charities and foundations.
• Experience of operating effectively in a complex environment with multiple agendas and stakeholders.
• Highly IT literate with extensive experience of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice to haves:

• Understanding of key disability and transport issues, such as the social model of disability, inclusive micro mobility and the transition to electric vehicles.

The National Youth Agency is looking for an experienced Policy & Public Affairs Officer

Are you passionate about youth policy and influencing decision-makers to create meaningful change?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, conducting research, tracking political developments, and supporting advocacy efforts?

Contract: Permanent Contract
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week flexible working
Salary: £29,000 - £33,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Location: Remote working with some travel to meetings and events required.

What we do

Youth work is the best methodology to unlock young people’s potential by providing high quality support and opportunities. Skilled youth workers build relationships that support young people to explore their personal, social, and educational development. Youth work enables young people to develop their voice, influence, and place within society.

As the national body for youth work, NYA has a dual function. We are the professional, statutory, and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

About the Role

This is more than just a job.

As our new Policy & Public Affairs Officer, you will play a key role in tracking policy developments, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting NYA’s public affairs work. You will help ensure that youth work is recognised at all levels of decision-making by producing compelling briefings, monitoring political activities, and supporting strategic events.

This role works within our Policy, Insights, and External Affairs Directorate, reporting directly to the Policy & Public Affairs Manager. Your work in this role will directly contribute to NYA’s mission to champion high-quality youth work across England.

As the role will involve direct work with young people NYA will follow its safer recruitment policy and the successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Check prior to starting their employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and monitor policy developments, parliamentary activity, and government announcements to inform NYA’s advocacy efforts.
• Develop policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and stakeholder communications to support NYA’s policy and public affairs work.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, public affairs contacts, and key stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and engagement.
• Support youth participation initiatives, helping young people contribute to policy discussions and decision-making.
• Assist in organising and attending policy forums, roundtables, and public affairs events to represent NYA and strengthen its influence.
• Work collaboratively across NYA teams to align policy efforts and enhance advocacy strategies.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• At least 2 years’ experience in policy or public affairs within a charity, government, or think tank, with strong knowledge of UK policy processes and Westminster.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to conduct research, analyse data, and present findings clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong time-management skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with project management tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while building strong relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• A passion for policy and public affairs, highly motivated, and a commitment to NYA’s mission and values.

Please download a copy of our Candidate Pack to see full information about the role and requirements.

Why work for us?

Our team members rated NYA 9 out of 10 as an employer 90% would recommend working at NYA to their friends and family.

What our team say about working at NYA*:

‘A great environment to work, with colleagues who I care for & who care about me’
‘I feel INCREDIBLY supported & grateful to work for this fantastic organisation’
‘Always willing to listen, providing trust & freedom as an employer’

*Source: NYA staff survey October 2023

NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.

NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.

NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions including training and corporate mentorship opportunities.

NYA provides:

• 25 days leave plus 8 days
• Employee life assurance scheme
• Up to 5% employer pension contribution
• A comprehensive EAP with access to unlimited specialist support.

To apply now:

Please download our Candidate Pack to find out more about the role and requirements
Please use our online application process to submit the following by Thursday 20th March 2025:

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the 'About You' section.

A covering letter (maximum 800 words) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the covering letter is an important part of the selection process and we will not accept CV’s without one.

Diversity monitoring information (optional) This information is requested by our ATS for our EEDI monitoring purposes only. This data will be anonymised and processed in accordance with UK Data Protection Law.

We encourage you to apply without delay as we will close the recruitment process early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Interviews: to be scheduled within 2-weeks after the closing date

At the National Youth Agency, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are deeply committed to embedding equity, equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EEDI) across everything we do.

We believe that a diverse workforce brings invaluable perspectives and strengthens our ability to support young people and the youth work sector effectively.

We are actively seeking applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those from minoritised and underrepresented communities, as we work to increase our diversity and representation. Your lived experiences and unique perspectives are crucial in shaping our work and ensuring it reflects the communities we serve.

If you share our passion for making a difference and fostering an inclusive workplace, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating positive social change.

Youth Work changes lives

Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it. As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.

We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.

REF-220031

Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Reporting to: Director of Development & External Relations
Responsible for: 2 staff
Based: Our Head Office is based in London, but we have an agile working policy enabling people to work at another UK location up to 4 days/week. There will be regular travel for external meetings, where needed, particularly in London/Westminster 
Terms: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent
Salary: £45,448 to £55,744 per annum

About the role

The Head of Policy and Public Affairs plays a key strategic role in the BSA, with leadership of our policy and advocacy activities.

Working with senior colleagues, you will ensure insights and evidence from our programmes and partnerships are helping to shape public and national policy, and that the BSA is able to influence the systems-change we believe is needed to achieve our three-year goals and manifesto.

You will build strong relationships with policy-makers and other key stakeholders, and be an important ambassador for the BSA. And you will lead the delivery of key projects such as our public insights work, For Thought (our thought leadership programme), Future Forum (our youth insights programme) and the BSA’s role as secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Diversity and Inclusion in STEM.

This is an exciting role, working in a dynamic sector and landscape – and which makes a demonstrable impact on the BSA’s mission to put people at the heart of science.

Key responsibilities 

Advocacy

• Develop and deliver the BSA’s public affairs strategy, including engagement with Parliamentarians and policy-makers; responding to relevant consultations; and briefing relevant colleagues (e.g., the CEO, Chair) for stakeholder meetings.
• Provide leadership on BSA’s role as secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion, working closely with the Policy and External Relations Manager.
• Lead on the BSA’s engagement with Parliamentary and policy stakeholders for British Science Week, encouraging their involvement and support.
• Lead on the BSA’s delivery of key strategic advocacy projects, working with external partners.
• Represent the BSA at relevant meetings, which may require regular travel, particularly to London / Westminster.

Insights and policy development

• Develop the BSA’s policy positions, working closely with the Director of Development & External Relations and CEO, and with BSA programme teams (Community Engagement, Ideas Fund, Education, Festivals) to ensure insights and evidence from our programmes are helping to shape our policy recommendations, and the BSA is advancing its goals in our Business Plan (2024-2027) and manifesto.
• Lead on the delivery and oversight of the BSA’s public insights work (including programmes such as Future Forum (our youth insights work) and our involvement in Sciencewise.
• Lead on horizon-scanning, so that the BSA is kept informed of relevant policy announcements and political updates, and proactively working with colleagues to shape the BSA’s response.

Project delivery and partnerships

• Lead on the BSA’s ‘thought leadership’ work, including relevant opportunities such as our annual For Thought Summit.
• Develop and maintain relevant funding and other strategic partnerships, responding to new initiatives in the sector.
• Leadership
• Lead and inspire the Policy & Insights team, with line-management responsibility for two manager-level roles.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven working environment for the team across the organisation, including close working with Business Development, Communications, and Programme teams.
• Work closely with the Director of Development & External Relations and CEO on key strategic and emerging issues such as stakeholder-engagement and emerging policy and political issues.

In addition, the post-holder will be expected to:

• Support colleagues across the organisation especially at busy times or on specific areas of expertise.
• Other duties as reasonably required by your line manager.

About you

The Head of Policy and Public Affairs role would suit someone who has significant experience of leading and delivering influencing strategies, and of developing policy positions. 

You will have keen political instincts, able to spot opportunities and challenges. You will be a confident, diplomatic, and proactive networker, able to communicate complex information in an engaging and impact way. And you will manage and lead key strategic projects, requiring significant project management skills, the ability to manage multiple projects to deadlines, and excellent stakeholder management.

You will lead a small, high-performing team and support their development and contribution to the team’s plans.

You do not need to have worked in a science-based organisation previously, but it would be beneficial to have an understanding of, or interest, in the UK’s research and/or education and youth landscape.

Benefits 

• Agile working policy enabling you to work at home or in another UK location up to 4 days per week, if office-based, and to vary your working hours outside our 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm core hours, subject to the needs of the BSA;
• 27 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Up to two days paid leave per year for significant voluntary commitments in support of professional and personal development, such as being a trustee of a charity or a school governor
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme (4% paid by employer)
• Up to five days’ unpaid leave per year (this is down to the Manager’s decision and ensuring it does not affect work)
• Life assurance from your first day, subject to scheme rules
• Occupational sick pay: up to six weeks’ full pay per year (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Confidential telephone counselling service, offered by our legal insurance
• Interest-free loan for season ticket, bike to work, and assisted study
• Discounts may be offered on Science Museum tickets and in the shop.

The closing date for applications is midnight 20th March 2025.

First interviews are due to take place w/c 31st March 2025, and second interviews are likely to be 7th/8th April.You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether you have been selected for interview.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled* applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.

If you wish to apply under the guaranteed interview scheme, you will be asked to indicate this when you submit your application by selecting ‘yes’ in the relevant box when asked during the application process. Applicants do not need to state any further information or declare their disability at the application stage.

The BSA follows government advice in that it is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations (such as a high number of applications), we may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

In these circumstances, we could select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants.

Whether you are applying under the scheme or not, if you are successful in being shortlisted, we will ask candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions to let us know if they need any adjustments during the recruitment process.

No agencies please.