Policy communications manager jobs in gants hill, greater london

Help shape science policy that tackles the biggest challenges of our time.
From tackling the health impacts of climate change and supporting healthy ageing to advancing medical innovation, physiology – the science of how the body works – underpins some of the most urgent and exciting frontiers in research and policy today. At The Physiological Society, we bring together scientists from around the world to champion evidence-based policy and support a thriving research ecosystem. We’re looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our team and help ensure science plays a central role in shaping policy for healthier, longer lives. Whether your background is in health, biomedical research, the environment or science policy more broadly, this role offers a unique opportunity to make an impact across a wide range of issues. You will join us at an exciting time, as we host the Global Climate & Health Summit.

About the role
You’ll play a vital role in delivering an ambitious programme of policy and public affairs activity, influencing government, engaging key stakeholders and championing evidence-based policy informed by physiology. Working closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, internal teams, Society members and global experts, your work will span issues such as precision medicine, climate change and health, and research funding. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the broader R&D and policy landscape while supporting a dynamic scientific community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing policy positions and crafting impactful responses to government consultations
• Monitoring political developments and advising internal stakeholders
• Building strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and external partners
• Organising events such as policy briefings and parliamentary receptions
• Supporting funding proposals for policy-related initiatives
• Writing engaging briefings, statements and communications tailored to diverse audiences

About you
You’ll be passionate about policy and science, with a strong understanding of how public affairs can influence change. You’ll also bring:

• A degree in life sciences, public policy, political science, or a related field
• Proven experience developing and advocating for policy positions
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas clearly
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and representing the organisation externally

Desirable:

• Familiarity with the UK and Ireland’s research and science policy landscape
• Experience using digital tools for public engagement and stakeholder management
• Event planning experience
• Understanding of climate, health or biomedical research policy

Why join us?
At The Physiological Society, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team making a real difference in how science shapes society.

We offer excellent benefits, including private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme.

How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role.

Centre for Mental Health is an established independent mental health research charity which for forty years has taken the lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health.

You will lead a team developing mental health research, economic analysis and policy ideas, as we equip services and decision makers to meet people’s needs and reduce mental health disparities.

Join us in our work driving forward sustainable policy change, tackling inequalities and working tirelessly for social justice and good mental health for all.

We are looking for a talented Communications Assistant with organisational, people and coordination skills to join a busy and varied directorate in a professional membership organisation. 

The Communications Assistant will be an integral role in the communications directorate, supporting the Director and teams to deliver on ambitious objectives. We’re looking for an organised self-starter with good writing skills, who can turn their hand to event organisation, support with our publications and a variety of communications tasks, as well as offering support to the Communications Director and Heads of Teams. 

You’ll be calm, have good administrative skills, adept at plate spinning and able to manage a varied workload, whilst learning huge amounts about communications and customer engagement. You will have demonstratable knowledge, interest, or experience of working within a Communications team, and have strong communication skills, with an understanding of how to effectively plan and manage your own time. 

What you’ll do

• Provide admin and communications support to our flagship publications, 
• Work on our annual censuses, including data verification and stakeholder engagement
• Support with branding and corporate communications activity
• Help to coordinate and deliver events
• Draft and deliver a range of communications, from website content to briefings.
• Deliver administrative support across the directorate
• Provide excellent customer service to Fellows and members. 

What you’ll need

• Demonstrated knowledge, experience or interest of working within a Communications team
• Ability to manage databases, organise meetings effectively and support administratively
• Ability to multitask in a multi-faceted role
• An understanding of how to support senior executives effectively
• Good writing and communication skills
• Great attention to detail
• Flexible and self-motivated 
• Able to manage a varied workload 

Why join us:

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (up to 60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Policy and Communications Manager

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Policy and Communications Manager

Hours 28 hours per week (can be flexible on work pattern)

Salary £42,000 FTE Actual for this role £33,600 pro rata

Location Hybrid work between home and our Vauxhall office – please read more about our approach to hybrid working in the relevant section below. Please note that our offices are fully wheelchair accessible and that we are committed to making our workplace fully inclusive

Reports to Director of Policy and External Affairs

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision:

People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission:

We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

The purpose of the Policy and Communications Manager role is to:

• Deliver against our National Voices’ policy and project work through a programme’s life cycle, from inception to delivery and evaluation, and within budget
• Manage our communications work to our members and external stakeholders to successfully communicate all relevant organisational output including policy, improvement, lived experience and insight work.
• Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to develop National Voices’ deliver our policy and communications positions in line with our strategy and members priorities.

The role will be a mix of policy and communications, with 75% of the role likely focused on policy.

Responsibilities

Management oversight

· Manage projects or programmes which are significant in terms of income, profile or risk, and which are often delivered in partnership with others.

· Identify possible future partnerships, follow-on work and funding opportunities that arise from our policy and external affairs work, including from stakeholder relationships, and proactively work to secure income

· Line-manage staff, in the first instance our Communications and Events Officer, to include appraisals, setting objectives, monitoring performance and supporting development.

· Support the policy and external affairs team to deliver against our priorities and projects, including deputising for the Director of Policy and External Affairs, working in sync with other team managers and holistically supporting junior staff members

Deliver against our policy priorities and projects

· Identify, monitor and evaluate policy issues to formulate new policy positions, taking responsibility and action for our position on specific policy areas. This may include developing policy briefings, position papers, consultation responses, blogs, reports, letters and other policy and public affairs documents that capture our policy positions.

· Lead on policy projects from inception to delivery and evaluation including keeping to a set budget where appropriate.

· Develop and collate qualitative and quantitative policy evidence, from analysing previous reports and external stakeholder guidance to developing and delivering against workshops, focus groups, round tables, engagement events and in-depth interviews.

· Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to understand their experiences, perspectives and ambition using methods laid out above but with a willingness to adapt and flex where needed.

· Connect with policy and comms stakeholders both within our membership and in the wider policy landscape, to spot and make connections among members and to deliver against our five-year strategy objectives

· Work with the wider team to consider how our we evaluate and monitor the success of our project work and our wider influencing wins

· Represent National Voices at external events and conferences where required

Deliver on our communications work

· Work with the Communications and Events officer to help them develop engaging content that conveys National Voices messages to members, external stakeholders, and media to maximise the reach and impact of the organisation’s policy messages and funded project work

· With the support of Communications and Events Officer support media relations activity by drafting media statements, liaising with journalists and other media activity as required

· Manage the sign-off of relevant comms materials including social media, member newsletter, blogs, articles and media statements

· Liaise with senior external stakeholders such as from the Department of Health and Social Care, including attending relevant briefings, and supporting larger joint press activity with other stakeholders when required.

· Oversee management of comms and events calendar, which will be proactively compiled by the Policy and Communications officer, especially where there are conflicts or competing needs

· Along with other managers provide a second review of reports we produce including ensuring adherence to brand guidelines

General

• Take a pro-active approach to including our members and people with lived experience in all areas of our work.
• Support the senior team in identifying potential new members and funding opportunities where possible, as well as costing and drafting bids or supporting others to do so.
• Follow processes set out to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work.
• Support good project, financial and data management.
• Contribute to the team’s planning activities and undertake other relevant duties as appropriate.
• Deputise for other members of the team when needed.

• Be prepared to take part in full day events, including providing planning and support
• Be prepared to take part in events outside of core hours, when sufficient notice has been given

Person Specification

Values, attitudes and behaviours

• Passionate about National Voices’ mission and work.
• Proactive, flexible and responsive
• Comfortable working in a team, as well as under own initiative
• Calm under pressure and able to work to tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Committed to reducing inequality and embracing diversity.
• Comfortable with a range of views and perspectives and keen to make connections and build relationships.
• Willing and confident to assert views, constructively challenge others and receive constructive feedback.

Skills and abilities

• Excellent communication skills, including written and oral, including stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrable experience in delivering against a policy influencing agenda
• Able to synthesise complex information and present it in simple and impactful ways.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstrable ability to prioritise workload and maintain quality.
• Excellent people skills, able to work collaboratively and flexibly in a small, friendly team, and communicate and collaborate with a wide range of external stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in Identifying and developing funding opportunities, ideally including costing and drafting bids
• Ability to embed clear and reliable processes amongst a team of creative and busy people
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes, CRM systems, online conference/meeting software and other programmes where required.
• Able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Previous line management experience is preferred

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

Equality and Inclusion

As reflected in our Equality Action Plan, we are committed to being a truly diverse organisation. We want to ensure that our trustees, staff members, lived experience partners and volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone feels heard and is fully able to participate and thrive.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. So we strongly encourage people from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, and people who live with health conditions or disability to apply. Our offices are fully accessible and we are an LGBT+ friendly employer. Men are currently underrepresented in our team so we would welcome applications from men and non-binary people.

We welcome applications from people who have been in contact with the criminal justice system. For some roles, you may be asked to undergo a basic or enhanced DBS check, but you will only be deemed ineligible for roles which relate to any offences on your criminal record.

We have a range of benefits in place to ensure everyone can thrive, for example:

· We are a Disability Confident employer

· We offer enhanced parental and sickness leave

· We offer flexible working wherever possible

· We provide our employees with an annual wellbeing allowance

· And much more

Application guidance

Please submit a cover letter along with a CV to apply.

Applications should be addressed to our Director of Policy and External Affairs, Sharon Brennan, and submitted through CharityJob.

Please apply by Monday the 5th May 2025

We will let you know the outcome of your application by Friday 9th May 2025  

Interviews will be held on 22nd May 2025 on Teams

Please note, we will be blind shortlisting all applications, so we ask you not to include your name in your application.

If you are invited to interview, we will ask you about any reasonable adjustments you will need to be able to participate. We will share interview questions in advance of the interview. If you require any adjustments at any stage of your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Matthew Haslehurst Director of Finance and Operations

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

Senior Communications Manager

Salary: up to £45k 

Term: Permanent 

Line manager: Head of Policy and Advocacy 

Background:

Our vision is a world where data is at the heart of understanding and decision-making 

Founded in 1834, the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is one of the world’s leading organisations advocating for the importance of statistics and data. We’re a professional body for all statisticians and data scientists – wherever they may live. 

We have more than 12,000 individual members in the UK and across the world. As a charity, we advocate for the key role of statistics and data in society, and work to ensure that policy formulation and decision making are informed by evidence for the public good. 

The membership of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) constitutes a preeminent source of statistical expertise. Members work with RSS staff to support our work across areas such as policy development, education, training, statistical communication, and statistical literacy. Communicating what we do is important to ensure that our work has impact, and that our members are informed. 

Job Purpose:

The main purpose of this role is to lead and coordinate communications activities across the Society’s policy and external affairs activities, ensuring that our work is communicated strategically and visible to appropriate audiences.

Key responsibilities:

Understanding opportunities and the changing external environment  

• Develop our understanding of the preferences and needs of our key internal and external audiences to better align our policy and external affairs communications to those preferences and needs. 
• Monitor and respond to emerging trends to ensure our communications channels and content for policy and external affairs remain timely and relevant.
• Build a network of key contacts across critical and adjacent organisations to maximise potential routes into influencing decision-making and make the best use of resources through collaborative working. 

Development of strategies and plans

• Lead on strategic communication of the Society’s campaign priorities
• Contribute to the development of the Society’s communications strategy across media, social media and communications planning.
• Work closely with colleagues across the organisation to maximise the communications value of the Society’s key policy and external affairs outputs and activities.
• Contribute to costed plans for communications campaigns that meet key strategic goals and include monitoring for impact.

Media relations

• Lead on the Society’s media relations work – proactively identify and exploit appropriate media opportunities to promote campaign priorities, drafting media statements and managing launches and announcements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists across our key topic areas and respond to press queries. 
• Expertly advise, assist and brief the Society’s key spokespeople in respect of media relations issues and opportunities. 
• Manage, and develop the Society’s statistical ambassador scheme, supporting individuals and ensuring we have a pipeline of spokespeople that reflects the diversity of the data professions.

Content creation and editorial

• Develop communications content including blogs, press statements, posts and thought pieces to communicate our campaigns and policy work. 
• Contribute to the operation of the Society’s social media accounts, working with wider staff to ensure we are reflecting the breadth of the Society’s activities across the various platforms.
• Produce write-ups of events and roundtables.

External affairs

• Work with the CEO and Head of Policy and Advocacy to identify and develop relationships with external stakeholders, both UK-based and international and across government, civil society, academia and business, acting as a convenor, trusted advisor and critical friend. 
• Lead on the Society’s statistical excellence awards programme, including developing and maintaining relationships with awards sponsors to ensure the awards are both impactful and financially sustainable.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of policy focused events 
• Support the publication, launch and dissemination of relevant outputs across the policy team, and work with colleagues to ensure relevant and timely and communication of policy positions to support policy and advocacy objectives. 
• Maintain a database of relevant stakeholders.

Management

• Monitor and report on progress and performance against targets. 
• Project manage campaigns, external affairs and communications activities, ensuring that work is appropriate, of high quality, and sufficient volume to maintain presence and reputation. 
• Manage the budget for the communications function.

Interfaces with other teams and groups 

• Contribute to a cross-RSS communications group to share comms plans and outputs and identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration. 
• Provide support to key Society groups, for example the Campaigns Advisory Group. 
• Work with staff responsible for business development to pursue sponsorship opportunities where appropriate. 
• Engage with teams across the organisation to identify comms opportunities to advance our campaign priorities.

Person Specification

• Significant relevant experience in media relations and external affairs 
• Excellent written / oral communication skills, including writing, editing, sub-editing and proofreading 
• Excellent organisation, project and budget management skills
• Ability to work effectively, managing multiple projects and deadlines and reprioritising and achieving results in a changing environment.
• Ability to work on own initiative, escalating issues where appropriate. 
• Experience organising events in a policy context 
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to persuade, inspire, influence, achieve results through others. 
• Collaborative team worker: proven ability to work efficiently and effectively with colleagues, committees, volunteers, and people with a wide range of perspectives, and to foster consensus. 
• Ability to establish and develop an extensive network of external contacts in the industry.
• Work closely with members of the Society who provide expert support on a voluntary basis including the President and Vice-President for External Affairs.

Desirable

• Interest in or experience of statistics, research, or other aspects of the Society’s work 
• Familiarity with developments within data science, statistics, machine learning, AI and related subject areas. 
• Experience working with volunteers. 
• Scientific background or experience. 

Working for the RSS

Pension and benefits

Our defined contribution pension scheme can be joined after three months in post. Your contributions of up to 8% of salary will be double matched by the Society (making a maximum contribution by the Society of 16%). A training budget, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and employee assistance programme are also available. 

Location

The RSS office is in central London. We offer flexible working arrangements, and this is a hybrid role with a minimum two days a week working in the office. In person attendance for certain meeting is required, including all-staff / team meetings and governance / committee meetings that take place in person. Limited travel within the UK and internationally may be required.

Working hours

35 per week full-time. Applications for job shares, part-time and flexible working will also be considered. The post-holder will be the point of contact for any out-of-office hours press queries. 

Holidays

25 days per annum, plus bank holidays and an additional shut down between Christmas and New Year. 

Probation

This post is subject to a six-month probation period.

How to apply:

Applications should be sent to via email and be in the form of a supporting statement telling us:  

• Why you should be considered for the role and how it fits with your career
• How your skills and experience align with the person specification  

Please also send us your CV.

Note that applications by CV-only will not be considered. We may arrange interviews before the deadline has passed. Any questions about the role should also be sent via email. If you are interested in applying but cannot do so until nearer the deadline, please email us to register your interest. 

Kentown Support is a new charity, here to ensure that every child with a life-limiting condition and their family across the UK has access to a model of integrated community children’s palliative care. We will:

· REPLICATE and roll out the Kentown model to reach more children;

· CREATE sustainable teams around the child and family; and

· EQUIP professionals and parents/carers with the knowledge and expertise to deliver the best health and social care for children with life-limiting conditions through high-quality research, education and training.

Our Marketing and Communications Manager will play a key role in growing our reach and influence, building Kentown Support’s brand across the children’s palliative care sector.  

In this home based role, you will use your creative flair to develop and deliver strategic communications and marketing plans to our audiences using a range of channels. Working closely with colleagues, partners and service users, you will lead and implement all aspects of our communications’ strategy: Brand management & development, Web & social media, PR & Media and Storytelling & publishing.

We are building a compassionate and high performing organisation at Kentown Support.  We are looking for an ambitious, energetic and collaborative colleague who has both a passion for their work and the difference it can make to children and their families. This is a rare opportunity to join an incredible charity at the beginning of its journey.

With the privilege of starting a new organisation is the ability to define the way in which we work.  We are creating an environment based on trust and integrity with everyone’s wellbeing at the of core of its success.  More traditionally, Kentown Support also offers 25 days’ holiday (pro rata) with an additional day off in your birthday month, 2 paid volunteering days (pro rata), an employee assistance program (including death in service) and 6.5% employer’s contribution to our workplace pension.

Communications and Events Officer

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Communications and Events Officer

Hours 28 hours per week (can be flexible on work pattern)

Salary £27,000 FTE £21,600 actual pro rata

Location Hybrid work between home and our Vauxhall office – please read more about our approach to hybrid working in the relevant section below. Please note that our offices are fully wheelchair accessible and that we are committed to making our workplace fully inclusive

Reports to Policy and Communications manager

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision:

People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission:

We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

The purpose of the Communication and Events Officer role is to:

• Communicate National Voices’ all relevant organisational output to members, decision makers, external influencers and media, including policy, improvement, lived experience and insight work.
• Assist the organisation to plan, develop and deliver content and logistics for our operations teams’ internal event commitments, including supporting on the Annual General Meeting, board events and staff team days etc.
• Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to develop National Voices’ communications positions and deliver against funded project work

The role will be a mix of communications and internal events work, with 75% of the role focused on communications.

Responsibilities

Deliver on our communications work

· Develop engaging content that conveys National Voices messages to members, external stakeholders, and media (including managing the day to day running of social media platforms) to maximise the reach and impact of the organisation’s policy messages and funded project work

· Support the Policy and Communications Manager with media relations activity by drafting media statements, liaising with journalists and other media activity as required

· Create National Voices’ membership content, including member newsletters and member blogs

· Oversee and manage process of external design of National Voices reports with designer

· Manage the comms and events calendar and work with internal and external team to schedule project releases and other events

· Support the maintenance of National Voices’ website, keeping the site up to date and coordinating input and content from National Voices staff and members.

· Coordinate the production of key publications, from liaising with partner organisations to overseeing design and production

· Communications administrative tasks including developing and maintaining press list, tracking press coverage and social media analytics data

· Support operation team’s internal comms around job postings, organisational policy changes, and office announcement.

Support the operations team internal events programme

· Work across the organisation to support our internal events programme including leading on some events. This includes support on logistics like venue booking, arranging catering and providing technical support.  

· Support the creation and development of materials for events and presentations.

· Support in the organisation of our Annual General Meeting and board events where needed.

· Work with the team to lead on staff social events.

· Provide ad hoc support to the operations team as required.

General

· Take a pro-active approach to including our members and people with lived experience in all areas of our work.

· Support the senior team in identifying potential new members and funding opportunities where possible.

· Follow processes set out to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work.

· Support good project, financial and data management.

· Contribute to the team’s planning activities and undertake other relevant duties as appropriate.

· Deputise for other members of the team when needed.

· Check the post when in the office and flag important notices with relevant members of staff.

· Be prepared to take part in full day events, including providing planning and support

· Be prepared to take part in events outside of core hours, when sufficient notice has been given

Person Specification

Values, attitudes and behaviours

· Passionate about National Voices’ mission and work.

· Proactive, flexible and responsive

· Comfortable working in a team, as well as under own initiative

· Calm under pressure and able to work to tight deadlines.

· Committed to reducing inequality and embracing diversity.

· Comfortable with a range of views and perspectives and keen to make connections and build relationships.

· Willing and confident to assert views, constructively challenge others and receive constructive feedback.

Skills and abilities

· Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

· Able to synthesise complex information and present it in simple and impactful ways.

· Strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstrable ability to prioritise workload and maintain quality.

· Excellent people skills, able to work collaboratively and flexibly in a small, friendly team, and communicate and collaborate with a wide range of external stakeholders at all levels

· Ability to embed clear and reliable processes amongst a team of creative and busy people

· Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes, CRM systems, online conference/meeting software and other programmes where required.

· Able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to-face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time.

We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

Equality and Inclusion

As reflected in our Equality Action Plan, we are committed to being a truly diverse organisation. We want to ensure that our trustees, staff members, lived experience partners and volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone feels heard and is fully able to participate and thrive.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. So we strongly encourage people from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, and people who live with health conditions or disability to apply. Our offices are fully accessible and we are an LGBT+ friendly employer. Men are currently underrepresented in our team so we would welcome applications from men and non-binary people.

We welcome applications from people who have been in contact with the criminal justice system. For some roles, you may be asked to undergo a basic or enhanced DBS check, but you will only be deemed ineligible for roles which relate to any offences on your criminal record.

We have a range of benefits in place to ensure everyone can thrive, for example:

· We are a Disability Confident employer

· We offer enhanced parental and sickness leave

· We offer flexible working wherever possible

· We provide our employees with an annual wellbeing allowance

· And much more

Application guidance

Please submit a cover letter along with a CV to apply.

Applications should be addressed to our Director of Policy and External Affairs, Sharon Brennan, and submitted through CharityJob.

Please apply by Monday the 5th May 2025

We will let you know the outcome of your application by 9th May 2025

Interviews will be held on 20th May 2025 on Teams

Please note, we will be blind shortlisting all applications, so we ask you not to include your name in your application.

If you are invited to interview, we will ask you about any reasonable adjustments you will need to be able to participate. We will share interview questions in advance of the interview. If you require any adjustments at any stage of your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Matthew Haslehurst Director of Finance and Operations.

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Job Overview 

Doctors of the World UK is part of the global Médecins du Monde network, which delivers over 400 medical humanitarian projects in more than 70 countries through 6,000 volunteers. Our vision is of a world in which vulnerable people affected by war, natural disasters, disease, hunger, poverty, or exclusion get the healthcare they need. 

Through our health programmes and advocacy, we work to ensure excluded people overcome barriers to realising their right to healthcare. Since opening in the UK in 1998, we’ve raised £10m for overseas humanitarian and emergency programmes, helped 20,000 service users here and fought for healthcare as a human right for all. 

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you will manage a high-performing team of two staff: Individual Giving and Database Manager and the Communications Manager. Your key priority is to raise the income required as per the agreed annual income budgets for the organisation, managing all relevant income streams that include Trusts & Foundations, Events & Community, Corporate, Statutory, International and Individual Giving. You do not need to demsontrate an expertise in all of these streams. You are also responsible for ensuring that all communications messaging is strengthening our brand and engaging our supporters.

Finally, you are an active member participating in the Senior Management Team contributing insights and strategies that align with the charity’s development goals. By engaging in this leadership role, the Head of Fundraising and Communications role will help to drive the charity's mission forward, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

Those with lived experience of migration, the asylum system, homelessness, or exclusion from health services are encouraged to apply. 

For more information on the role, including a person specification, please refer to the role profile. To speak to someone about the position please contact Simon Tyler, Executive Director.

Benefits

- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

- Additional leave days, on top of the 28 days per calendar year:

o Birthday leave

o Religious leave

o 2 days for volunteering

o 1 day for moving house/relocating

- Pension

- Cycle to work scheme

- Flexible working: operating on a 35hr working week

- Registered as a London living wage employer

- Eye tests and subsidised glasses/contact lens

- Blue light card

- Breastfeeding arrangements

Salary & Contract

Full time 35 hrs per week

£51,300 per annum

Closing Date:

Tuesday 27th May at 5pm.

Interviews:

W/C: 9th June. However we endeavour to review the applications on a rolling basis and may look to interview sooner than the deadline if the candidates are suitable for the role.

How to Apply 

To apply, please submit your CV & Covering Letter with the following details:

Your CV and cover letter should be clearly tailored to the position and should reference points from the person specification section of the role profile. 

Due to the volume of applications we will only notify those applicants who are shortlisted for interview.

About Respect  

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 23 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.     

Respect supports frontline organisations across the UK, so that together we can end domestic abuse.  Our work is wide ranging: we offer accreditation of specialist services; we provide training for individuals and organisations working in the sector; we work in partnership with others to innovate and develop practice;  we provide two helplines to enable service users to get the help and advice they need; we lobby influencers to improve policy and practice; we support up-to-date research undertaken by specialists in the field; and we fundraise to ensure important work continues to happen. 

Respect has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and we now have 60+ staff running a range of projects and core activities and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence. 

Our vision   

We want a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse. Where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear. Where those who perpetrate domestic abuse are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change.    

Our mission   

We work with our members, partners and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse.  With innovative practice, robust research and quality data, we build evidence of what works, promote safe, effective practice and drive high standards.  We use our voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem.  We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops.    

Our Focus   

Respect was founded to focus on perpetrators of domestic abuse and this, including our vital work with young people who cause harm, will remain our key priority.  Our work with male victims will continue as an important, distinct, project.    

Our Values   

• Pioneering - We explore innovative ideas and develop new approaches with curiosity and rigour.   
   

• Collaborative - We work in partnership with our members, partners and allies to bring about individual, societal and systems change.   
   

• Accountable- We listen to survivors and centre their needs in our work.  We hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour and hold ourselves and our members accountable for ours.   
   

• Respectful - We live up to our name.  We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.  We are honest, compassionate and boldly challenge injustice.    

Make a Change 

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people using abusive behaviours (or who are concerned that they might be) towards a current or ex-partner. The model has been developed by Respect in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation England, drawing inspiration from their Change that Lasts approach. It includes three strands: expert support programme for perpetrators with parallel support for survivors, workforce development and community outreach.

Improving the safety, freedom and wellbeing of adult and child survivors of domestic abuse is a key outcome for our work with perpetrators.  The Make a Change model is a multi-partner project offering local areas a framework for delivering perpetrator work. Where feasible, we aim to establish partnerships with local survivor domestic abuse service to deliver parallel support for survivors (referred to as Integrated Support Service) as part the expert support strand.

Purpose of the role: 

The Senior Communications and Policy Officer will work with the Make a Change team at Respect to advance the development of communication and policy activities for the Make a Change model in project sites and nationally to encourage uptake in new areas. They will also work with Respect’s Communications and Influence leads to ensure alignment with the organisation's broader messaging and advocacy efforts, maximising the impact of Make a Change initiatives. The postholder will lead on developing and implementing communication strategies and plans in partnership with our delivery partners across the sites.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics1, particularly from people from the following under-represented groups: 

• Black and minoritised people 

• Disabled people 

We always welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Please follow the link to find out more. 

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Brief role description:

The Communications Manager will play a key role in sharing the inspiring and powerful stories of our clients and the wider military community we support across the UK. They will be responsible for securing high-profile, meaningful media coverage that raises awareness of our mission to provide life-long, life-changing support, employment and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. As we mark our 140th anniversary, this is a pivotal time for the Communications Manager to develop and deliver an integrated communications strategy across PR, traditional and new media, social media, and public affairs. Reporting to the Head of Brand and Communications, you will work closely with the Marketing Manager and the Community Engagement Manager and their teams to ensure consistent and aligned messaging across all marketing and
communication activity.​​

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Please visit the Charity Website

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description attached.                                                                           

What’s in it for you? Check out the Benefits sheet attached.

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday 14 May 2025.

​Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. ​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.​

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.​

​We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

We're looking for a talented Individual Giving Manager to join our small team. The role will be responsibile for the delivery of our excellent supporter stewardship, care and retention programmes, whilst driving fundraising growth. 

The Individual Giving Manager will be responsible for the development and delivery of Women for Refugee Women’s (WRW) individual giving fundraising strategy, including through a variety of income streams such as regular gifts, High Net Worth giving, corporate support, events, and legacies; to develop and deliver WRW’s support engagement journey in order to generate income from individual donors and to develop strong and long-lasting supporter relationships; to oversee and develop our stewardship retention programme; and to contribute to WRW’s overall fundraising strategy and income generation.

Job Title: Marketing Manager

Location: Remote

Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £45,000

Contract: Permanent

Interviews will be held on 27th May via Teams

What we are looking for:

A skilled marketing professional to join our team and help us improve our brand awareness and reach our target audiences. We’re a charity that delivers services locally but has a national impact and this role will help us grow our reach nationally while supporting the wider team in connecting with our audiences at a more local level.

We’re looking for someone who can put strategy into action and, importantly, track performance. You’ll have experience in line management or have led a similar-sized marketing team, so you’re comfortable providing support and guidance to develop people and help them achieve their KPIs. As a small team, you’ll be comfortable being hands-on and able to deliver impact with limited resources.

You’ll take the lead on developing concepts for campaigns to achieve our goals and support your team to deliver projects that optimise and improve our channels. As a creative thinker, you’ll know what makes compelling content. As you keep up with marketing trends and use data insights, you’ll know when to shift strategy to drive channel performance. You’ll be responsible for our estate of digital assets and you’ll manage the day-to-day relationship with our digital agency. You’ll work with them to ensure we’re making the most of our Google Ad grant and that our website is optimised.

Passionate about accessibility you’ll use your marketing skills to co-produce campaigns and content with our lived experienced experts that help encourage people to join our services, work in our teams and advocate for the rights of the people we support.

Key Purpose of the Role:

To develop and lead marketing strategies and plans to support our organisational aims

Essential Criteria

To thrive in this role, you must have:

• Previous experience in a marketing role
• Line management experience where you’ve supported someone to meet objectives and KPIs
• Adept at using data and insights to devise effective strategies
• Experience of delivering marketing, digital and communications campaigns
• Experience of delivering against and reporting on KPIs
• Demonstrable experience of SEO, PPC, social media and email marketing
• Strong knowledge of GA4
• Proven track record in utilising paid channels, including Google and Meta Ads
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage the needs of both internal and external stakeholders
• Experience of managing multiple projects whilst still meeting deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative solutions with limited resources
• A flexible approach to working and a willingness to support colleagues across the organisation
• Alignment with United Response’s values and a commitment to delivering our vision and mission

Desirable

• Experience of working in a marketing or communications role in social care
• Experience of the management and development of brand strategy
• Experience leading and coaching a similar sized team

Benefits

At United Response, we recognise and reward your contribution with:

• Annual Leave: 25 days of paid leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time roles).
• Career Development: Fully funded training and recognised qualifications.
• Financial Security: Pension and life assurance benefits, alongside enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Wellbeing Support: Free access to occupational health, physiotherapy, and counselling services.
• Recognition Programs: Celebrate achievements through our UR Stars Recognition Scheme.
• Discounts: Savings at over 3,500 retailers via our online shopping platform.
• Travel Support: Season ticket loans for commuting.
• Referral Incentives: Rewards for introducing friends to our team.

About Us

United Response is a leading national charity, passionate about empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to promoting independence, inclusivity, and equality for all, breaking barriers to ensure everyone can live, work, and socialise in their communities.
Our core values Creativity, Strength, Honesty, Responsiveness, and Unity drive everything we do.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a Disability Confident Leader, United Response is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. 

Join our team as a Communications Manager where you will be the voice of MSI UK!

Our Digital, Marketing and Communications team is expanding! We are looking for a passionate and pro-choice communications manager to join our team and support people accessing reproductive healthcare services in the UK.

�� Location: Hybrid (expectation to travel for team days/as business requires)

⌚ Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

�� Salary:

• Starting from £42,213.23 - £46,434.55 for base locations outside of London, dependant on experience and location
• Starting from £46,434.55 - £51,078.01 for base locations inside of London, dependent on experience and location

Role Overview:
As our Communications Manager, you will take the lead on internal and external communication activities, leading brand awareness strategic projects. You will work with departments across the organisation to share our work to improve access to reproductive healthcare and rights.

If you have a good understanding of issues affecting access to reproductive healthcare in the UK and are passionate about supporting people to access essential abortion, vasectomy and contraception care, we want to hear from you!

What can we offer you?

• ��‍��‍��‍�� Competitive family friendly benefits to support your family and working life
• �� Market leading Aviva pension provider up to 5% employer contribution
• �� Birthday Bonus with an additional day of annual leave dedicated to celebrating your birthday and long service recognition rewards programme
• �� Perks and discounts at over 4000 retail and hospitality outlets through the Blue Light Card

In addition to the perks outlined above, there are many more benefits alongside what is written above for you to enjoy. Find out more during your interview!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage internal and external communications activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to foster collaboration and ensure consistent messaging.
• Plan and execute successful communications strategies and plans.
• Act as a brand guardian, working closely with departments and external agencies on key publications (e.g., Safeguarding Report, Quality Accounts).
• Use initiative to drive communication projects forward and define communication strategies.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven track record in communications management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience in developing and executing communication strategies.