5 Policy officer jobs

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support the development and delivery of our policy and public affairs programme, based in our London office.

Deadline: 5pm on Monday 5th October 2026
Location: London
Salary: Starting salary £32,604 rising to £36,796, plus London weighting of £4,000
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week)
Contract type: Permanent

This exciting role will support the Mental Health Foundation’s policy objectives through policy and public affairs work, while contributing to the development and delivery of the policy and influencing team’s strategy. The postholder will lead on specific policy priorities and maintain a strong understanding of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health. By building relationships with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, they will help strengthen the Foundation’s influence and drive meaningful improvements in mental health policy.

What does the role involve?

• Work closely with the Head of Policy & Public Affairs and other team members as appropriate to develop and deliver the Foundation’s policy objectives through policy and public affairs work.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
• Act as the main contact between the policy and influencing team and the campaigns team.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• In-depth knowledge of policy development systems and processes in the UK.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write precisely and quickly for a range of audiences.
• Ability to critically analyse complex legislative, policy, and research developments.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check, renewed on a 3-yearly basis and two most recent references). We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 5th October and we are unable to accept late applications. First round interviews are planned for 20th to 22nd October. Second round interviews are planned for 28th October.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We operate a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

POLICY and CAMPAIGNS OFFICER 

Do you want to drive vital change for victims of stalking and harassment across policy and legislation? As a Policy and Campaigns Officer at Suzy Lamplugh Trust,you’ll work on multiple, diverse and fast-paced projects in a committed and expert team. Come and step into a role where your work truly makes an impact. 

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST 

This post represents an opportunity for the right candidate to join the UK’s founding personal safety charity and leading authority on stalking. 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was born out of the tragic story of Suzy Lamplugh, a 25-year-old estate agent who went missing whilst at work in 1986, was never found, and was eventually declared deceased in 1993. The Trust was set up in Suzy’s name and continues to be a pioneer in reducing the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence - with a specific focus on stalking and harassment – through education, campaigning and support.

We are an organisation that has: 

• been responsible for training over one million lone and frontline workers across all sectors in personal safety; 

• advocated for stalking and harassment to be recognised within the spectrum of crimes that disproportionately affect women (Violence Against Women and Girls or VAWG)

• campaigned heavily and played a pivotal role in driving changes in the law to better protect people across the UK; and 

• supported over 75,000 victims and survivors of stalking since the inception of our National Stalking Helpline and stalking advocacy service. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support the delivery and evaluation of national campaigns on workplace safety as well as stalking, harassment and other priority areas.

• Maintain effective relationships with civil servants, policy makers, national and local decision makers, and other campaigning bodies and build relevant networks of stakeholders.

• Proactively keep abreast of issues within the post-holder’s own portfolio, general criminal justice, personal safety and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) policy developments and up to date campaigning techniques.

• To undertake or commission research on specific policy areas as required.

• Develop policy recommendations, write policy and campaigns reports, lobby government and other decision makers and stakeholders, and respond on behalf of Suzy Lamplugh Trust to government enquiries, consultations or other relevant initiatives. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Policy and Campaigns Officer is responsible for supporting on Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s policy and campaigning work relating to reducing harassment, violence and aggression in society by addressing these issues at their root cause, working with employers to improve personal safety culture within organisations and seeking to influence policy and legislative change where necessary. This role will also support campaigns that ensure that victims of stalking receive better support and protection.

Contract Type: Permanent 

Salary: £31,500 

Hours: Full-time 

Please read the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details. 

As an Equal Opportunities employer, the Trust strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive culture representative of the communities we seek to support. 

WHAT WE OFFER IN RETURN 

In return for our staff’s commitment and dedication, we offer a range of benefits, including: 

• Hybrid working (minimum 40% in the office) 

• Flexitime Policy 

• 28 days annual leave (which increases after 3 and 5 years to a maximum of 33 days pro rata for part-time) + public holiday 

• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 

• Health & Wellbeing App with access to advice, counselling, support and a wide range of discounts 

• Occupational Sick Pay (which increases after 3 years) 

• Cycle to Work scheme (cycle racks on site) 

• Interest-free travel loan for annual season ticket 

• Regular all-staff off-site meetings and events 

Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home). While London-based candidates are ideal, we'll consider applicants from nearby areas too.

HOW TO APPLY 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Please apply by submitting a CV and a covering letter detailing how your skills and experience align with each point in the person specification. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. 

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Please note that if you do not receive a response within three weeks of the closing date, your application was not successful. 

Closing Date: 14th October 
Interviews: week of 19th October

About the British Society for Heart Failure

The British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) is the UK's leading charity and membership organisation dedicated to improving care for people living with heart failure. We bring together healthcare professionals, researchers and decision-makers to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes through education, awareness, research and policy influence.

This is an exciting time to join BSH as we deliver our ambitious new strategy and continue to drive forward our national 25in25 campaign to reduce mortality from heart failure and improve outcomes for patients across the UK.

About the Role

This is a high-profile opportunity to shape and deliver BSH's policy agenda and strengthen its influence across the healthcare sector.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will work with clinical leaders, parliamentarians, NHS stakeholders and partner organisations to ensure BSH remains a credible and influential voice on heart failure policy. You will help develop evidence-based policy positions, influence decision-makers and support improvements in heart failure prevention, diagnosis and care across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and development of BSH's policy framework and priorities.
• Develop policy papers, briefings, consultation responses and stakeholder communications.
• Build relationships with parliamentarians, NHS leaders, policymakers and healthcare organisations.
• Represent BSH at meetings, consultations, forums and policy discussions.
• Identify opportunities to influence policy and improve outcomes for people living with heart failure.
• Work collaboratively with partner organisations on advocacy, campaigns and policy development.
• Monitor the healthcare and policy landscape, identifying emerging issues and opportunities.
• Support wider organisational activity including communications, events and strategic initiatives.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you're excited by this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we'd still encourage you to apply. As this role is primarily remote we also encourage applicants from any location in the UK that enables occassional travel into London and elsewhere in the UK.

Policy has the power to change lives – do you have the engine to drive meaningful change forward?

Bring your policy expertise, political insight and energy to help MCR Pathways transform opportunities for young people across the UK.

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior UK Policy & Public Affairs Officer to help advance our mission to bridge the education, skills and opportunity gap through the transformative power of mentoring. You’ll monitor the political landscape, turn evidence and impact into compelling policy arguments, build influential relationships and identify opportunities to put mentoring at the heart of national and regional agendas.

From Westminster and Holyrood to local and combined authorities, you’ll help build the case for change, champion the Trusted Adult Guarantee and support MCR Pathways’ continued expansion across the UK.

The Role Experience

This is a hands-on policy and public affairs role that goes well beyond monitoring what’s happening in government. You’ll be immersed in the UK political and policy landscape, identifying opportunities to influence, developing policy briefings and submissions, mapping stakeholders and cultivating relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants and strategic partners.

You’ll also be the operational engine behind senior leadership engagement. You’ll identify and progress opportunities, coordinate preparation, develop briefings, arrange meetings and drive follow-up – enabling our CEO, Development Director and other senior leaders to lead high-level engagement and representation with key policymakers and stakeholders.

Turn insight and lived experience into influence. Help make the power of mentoring a national priority.

What You’ll Bring:

• Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy-making.

• Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision-makers.

• Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.

• Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high-quality preparation and follow-through for senior engagement.

• Collaboration & Purpose: A highly collaborative approach and genuine commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for young people facing barriers to reaching their potential.

Safeguarding

MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect you to share this commitment. This post is subject to appropriate vetting, including a criminal record check and PVG / DBS Scheme membership.

About MCR Pathways

MCR Pathways is an award-winning mentoring programme delivered in schools, further education settings and communities. We connect young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors, providing consistent guidance to help build confidence, self-belief and ambition. Through this support, young people can overcome barriers and progress towards positive destinations such as further education, apprenticeships and employment.