Public Affairs Jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Age UK is currently looking for a Senior Public Affairs Officer to take forward our Public Affairs work, influencing and changing public policy, to improve the lives of older people.
You will design and deliver public affairs strategies which grow Age UK's profile in Westminster and Whitehall and build support for our policy and campaigning priorities. Highly attuned to the political environment, you will identify key political targets, building new and deepening existing relationships.
You will line manage the Public Affairs Officer and oversee public affairs work done by the team's Support Officer.
For more information about the role, please review the job description below and apply to join our collaborative and passionate External Affairs team.
This role is offered on a Hybrid / London contract and there is a requirement to attend team meetings once a week in the office. There will also be occasional travel to support at events across the country.
Age UK Internal Job Grade - 6L
Must haves:
* Excellent knowledge and understanding of local and national government structures, the UK Parliament and our political, policy and campaigning context, and experience of influencing them.
* Substantial experience of working in a political campaigning/public affairs environment, developing influential relationships with Parliamentarians and other national organisations.
* Strong track record of influencing on social policy issues.
* Experience of project-managing complex influencing activities, leading project teams and managing workloads.
* Excellent all round communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences.
* Experience of writing high quality briefings, articles and other materials to communicate complex policy and political issues to stakeholder audiences.
* Experience of running effective events for political audiences.
* Experience of representing an organisation to political audiences and other national stakeholders.
* Experience of working in coalition and partnership with other organisations.
* Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders including Parliamentarians.
* An understanding of how to work in a politically balanced way.
* Knowledge and understanding of what equal opportunities means in relation to this post and the ability to incorporate equality practices into all aspects of the work.
* Experience of working collaboratively with others to achieve results.
* Strong interest in UK politics and passion for social justice.
Great to haves:
* Understanding of policy issues affecting older people.
* Experience of influencing change from a voluntary sector perspective.
* Experience of working in a political environment.
What we offer in return
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
- Blue Light Card Scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
Must be able to travel easily into central London to attend meetings, sometimes at short notice. Required to be in the London office at least one day a week.
There is an occasional requirement to travel and stay overnight (e.g. party conferences); some out of hours working (e.g. occasional evening Parliamentary events).
All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of 10% of women and those assigned female at birth, from puberty to menopause - although the impact can be felt for life. Yet it’s a disease most people have never heard of, do not understand and that has no cure. It costs the UK economy around £8.2 billion every year in healthcare costs, loss of work and treatments and yet it isn’t recognised by most employers. As the UK’s leading charity for all those affected by endometriosis, we’re determined to change this and ensure that everyone gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support.
We’ve big ambitions in our strategy, focused on better supporting those with endometriosis, driving down diagnosis times, campaigning for improved treatments and access to services, raising awareness, and leveraging more money into research. We place people with endometriosis at the heart of all we do. If we get our work right, we really can make a difference to the 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK – and all those diagnosed in the future.
This will be a busy, varied and important role working closely with the Head of Campaigns and Communications to identify opportunities to influence external policy to better support and represent the needs of those with endometriosis. You will be working as part of a passionate team with a strong commitment to achieving change to help those with living with endometriosis. You’ll have a sound knowledge of the UK political landscape and how to influence it and will play an important role in developing our campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity to help drive forward Endometriosis UK’s strategy and boost our impact for the benefit of everyone affected by endometriosis. I hope you’ll consider joining us so we can, together, do even more.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 20th May and interviews will take place at our Office in London Bridge on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th June.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have experience of working in the UK Parliament, in an in-house public affairs team or within a public affairs consultancy? Are you looking to drive change to help tackle one of the UK’s biggest killers?
If so, you may be the Public Affairs Officer we’re looking for!
About the role
Our Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst key decision makers so that we can fund lifesaving research into heart disease. We develop the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) position, engaging and influencing stakeholders to help ensure the UK remains a global leader in heart and circulatory research while advocating for the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases across the UK.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Public Affairs Officer to join our award winning and high impact team during a very exciting time in politics. You’ll be engaging with Parliamentarians to promote our work at Westminster and in their individual constituencies, while proactively spotting opportunities to build relationships and advance the interests of BHF. You’ll deliver a programme of activity and engagement that contributes to our wider Hearts Need More campaign, which aims to make heart and circulatory diseases a key priority for political parties ahead of the next general election.
Working arrangements
This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our London office.
At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average. The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
About you
With an interest in, and understanding of the external political environment, you'll have a good understanding of the workings of the UK Government and parliamentary procedure. You'll have an understanding of the role of BHF and other health and medical research charities in general, and particularly in the political arena.
You'll have experience of working in the UK Parliament or within a public affairs in-house team or consultancy, and have excellent communication skills. Having previously engaged with political stakeholders, you'll be able to build strong relationships with key internal and external colleagues.
With a proven ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively for political audiences in a variety of formats, you’ll be able to summarise complex information swiftly and accurately for a variety of audiences. You'll also have strong organisational skills, including experience of coordinating events.
This is an opportunity to make a profound impact for our patients, their families, and our supporters at an exciting time in the electoral cycle.
About us
We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
Interview process
Interviews will be held virtually via MS Teams during week commencing 20th May 2024
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Simon Community NI is looking for a dynamic and experienced public affairs professional to lead our policy and public affairs activity. You will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of influencing for change and an ambition to make a difference.
This role is part of our Growth & Engagement directorate and will work very closely with our CEO and Research & Development function. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of the political landscape in Northern Ireland, ideally with direct experience of working in homelessness/housing. This is a new position, and there is a huge amount of opportunity to build a movement of change for people experiencing homelessness across NI.
Job Purpose: Simon Community’s Public Affairs & Policy Manager will lead our efforts in advocating for policies and initiatives that end homelessness across NI. As part of our wider Growth & Engagement team, you will work collaboratively across the public, political and voluntary sectors to amplify the voices of the people we help and advocate for policy change.
The postholder will develop research-based policy positions, identify and deliver clear opportunities for public and political engagement, and mobilise support from a range of stakeholders. You will build a network of constructive relationships with decision makers, influencers and political parties, and engage with the media on a regular basis, acting as a spokesperson for Simon Community when required.
Essential Criteria:
- At least 3 years’ experience managing a public affairs, policy or media function.
- Experience of communicating complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.
- Experience of budget and project management.
Desirable Criteria:
- Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, an alternative means of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of Northern Irish politics and the policy making process in our devolved context.
- Proven track record of successfully influencing different audiences.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Ability to represent Simon Community in meetings, on the media and on public platforms
- Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate facts and statistics.
- Proven ability to innovate and grab new opportunities.
- Ability to work independently and proactively.
- A working understanding of the issues affecting homelessness and/or the voluntary sector in NI.
- Excellent workload management skills and ability to prioritise to meet targets and deadlines.
Why work for the Simon Community?
We offer an extensive benefit package, including:
- Pension Plan
- Employer funded Healthcare - Benenden Health and Health Shield (includes savings on gym memberships and retail outlets)
- Death in Service Benefit
- Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Compassionate Culture
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
- Management Development Programmes
- Long Service Awards
- Blue Light Card Scheme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The National Lottery Promotions Unit (NLPU) raises positive public awareness of National Lottery brand and the funding which changes the lives of ordinary people through the £30 million it raises every week for good causes all across the UK. National Lottery players help build local communities, power sports teams, protect the environment, unleash creative talent, look after the elderly and unlock youthful potential. In addition, support from the National Lottery wins Olympic medals and Oscars.
The role, 30th Birthday Public Affairs lead will play a key role in managing external relationships with key parliamentarians, and representative bodies. You will bring a network of key contacts to promote and support the importance of the National Lottery to people and communities throughout the UK. You will also play a key role in presenting the National Lottery in an effective and impactful way and manage the delivery of the National Lottery 30th Birthday government relations strategy.
This role is a six month fixed term contract, working full time, 37 hours a week, based in London alongside the wider NLPU Team. It is critical that the person is committed to delivering change and has the dedication to the project, ensuring challenges and tasks are taken through to completion.
You will have the support of your Director, NLPU team and colleagues from across the whole National Lottery family. With a UK-wide remit you will need to be proactive in engaging with multiple teams/senior stakeholders across the twelve National Lottery distributors, the operator, the DCMS and the Gambling Commission.
Contract Type: Fixed term, six months
Interview Date: Week commencing 10th June, in person, Central Manchester
Location: London, office is Kings Cross – hybrid flexible working
Essential Criteria
- Excellent understanding and knowledge of public affairs, influencing and advocacy
- Experienced in a policy environment, developing issues and themes
- Evidence of Policy analysis skills
- Ability to coordinate systems and processes and develop effective working relationships to enable collaboration across the fund, for example in relation to managing stakeholders
- Parliamentary and legislative knowledge and understanding
- Excellent understanding of the role that digital skills play in policy and relationship management
- Excellent skills in commissioning research and analysis
- Strong project management skills
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
England’s National Parks represent our finest landscapes, famed for their spectacular beauty, varied wildlife and rich cultural heritage. National Parks are critical to supporting local communities, providing access to green spaces for the nation, and helping to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity.
National Parks England’s purpose is to be the collective voice for English National Park Authorities, helping us to achieve our purposes through influencing policy.
The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will be an experienced public affairs professional with a passion for nature and understanding of National Parks.
The successful applicant will join our senior management team, managing the Policy and Public Affairs team and work with the Executive Director to help develop and drive the NPE policy and public affairs strategy, working closely with stakeholders in our member National Parks and the wider Protected Landscapes family.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us.
It drives our award-winning Policy and Public Affairs team to shape law, policy and practice to ensure children can grow up free from abuse and neglect.
To help us achieve even more for children, we are recruiting six Policy and Public Affairs Officers across the UK. We are looking for:
- 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Northern Ireland
- 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Scotland
- 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Wales
- 3 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers based in England, with one focused on online safety
These will be key roles in a high-performing team with an inclusive, supportive and empowering team dynamic. Post-holders will support the delivery of a range of policy-focused projects both within their respective nation policy team, and across our UK-wide team.
The successful candidates will be:
- committed to our mission to prevent child abuse;
- able to demonstrate good policy development and policy research skills;
- a strong communicator and effective network builder; and
- have experience of influencing policy change in England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales, as the specific role requires.
Join us and you'll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with. You'll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that'll bring the best out in you. And you'll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives.
Role Summary
As the Director of Research and Public Affairs you lead a team working across the full range of research work (including commissioning, grant-making and in-house research) and public affairs work (including policy analysis, advocacy work and mobilising our activists). You also contribute to the charity’s strategies, leadership and governance as a member of the Executive Team. Ultimately, your role is to generate new knowledge; and communicate knowledge, ideas and emotions to change hearts and minds, creating tangible reductions in alcohol harm across the UK.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Leadership, strategy & planning
1. Lead the research and public affairs functions at Alcohol Change UK.
2. Produce and deliver plans across our research and public affairs work programmes that are ambitious for change (impact), realistic given our resources, and consistent with our strategy, our other work programmes, and our values.
3. Set budgets, tightly control costs and identify opportunities for making savings, growing income and making the case for investment.
4. Appropriately monitor and evaluate our research and public affairs work with a view to knowing, growing and showing the impact we make.
Research
5. Work closely with the CEO, Policy and Research Manager, R&P sub-committee and Wales Office to determine and oversee the charity’s programme of commissioned research, research grants, and in-house research.
6. Ensure that all research is designed with impact-in-mind and, once complete, that it delivers on that impact through active and ongoing communication of the findings to the right audiences with the right messages through the right channels.
7. Lead the research function to be the central hub for the charity on the topic of alcohol harm and its solutions, staying on top of new research.
8. Influence the research spending of other agencies (e.g. NIHR) with a view to maximising funding into alcohol research in general.
Public Affairs
9. Lead and manage the charity’s public affairs activity, deploying the CEO, Research & Policy Officer and other staff as a team.
10. Lead our work with external alliances, such as the Alcohol Health Alliance and the Alcohol and Families Alliance, and on the APPG on Alcohol Harm.
11. Develop excellent relationships with Parliamentarians, civil servants, charities and other important institutional actors in our field.
12. Build Campaigner journeys for our engagement audience to best mobilise them to help us with our influencing work.
13. Lead on the commissioning and management of any external public affairs agencies, parliamentary monitoring services and similar suppliers.
14. Ensure our policy positions are kept up-to-date, based on emerging evidence and contemporary thinking, and consistent with our principles.
15. Work closely with the Director of Engagement and Fundraising to effectively mobilise and deploy our activists, Community Champions and other supporters so they (i) make a difference, (ii) become better informed over time, and (iii) remain motivated to campaign for our cause.
16. Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to influence all forms of media to better support our desired outcomes.
Team Leadership and Management
17. Lead and manage the research and public affairs team(s), ensuring excellent line management.
18. Lead the process of recruiting and inducting new team members, as appropriate.
19. Proactively develop your own skills and experience as well as those of staff within your team.
Cross-organisational Role
20. Act as a spokesperson for the charity at high profile events and across media, including radio and TV.
21. Be an active and positive member of the charity’s Executive Team.
22. Work with colleagues across the charity to support their work and to act as ‘one team’.
23. Work particularly closely with colleagues in the Wales office, optimising opportunities for joint working.
24. Contribute actively and positively to the development of charity-wide strategies and activity.
Other Duties
25. Continually develop your knowledge of alcohol harm and solutions to it.
26. Act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK at all times.
27. Know, embrace and actively uphold the values of Alcohol Change UK at all times.
Other reasonable duties at the request of the CEO.
We are Alcohol Change UK. We work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Harris Hill are delighted to be working with a small but highly influential environmental charity to recruit a Public Affairs Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a leading UK charity working to decarbonise homes, heat, and energy.
If you are you motivated by practical action on the climate emergency, are an experienced Public Affairs Manager with good political connections and want to help influence the agenda in building a Net Zero future then I want to hear from you.
The Public Affairs Manager will play a key role in delivering the organisation’s external affairs strategy, helping to communicate their research and shape government policy, with a primary focus on Westminster. As a leading organisation in the green homes sector this charity has ambitious goals to influence public policy to accelerate the drive to decarbonise homes, heat and energy and this position will play an integral role in supporting this work.
You will help deliver the public affairs function developing political briefings, meeting politicians, forwarding the charities positions, and attending parliamentary events. When needed you will also engage with devolved administrations and cross-party groups, as well as support in party conference engagement and work with partners and coalition groups to help deliver aims and objectives.
To be successful in this role you will be an experienced Public Affairs professional who understands the political environment in Westminster and across the UK and is passionate about tackling the climate crisis.
You should be knowledgeable on how legislation and policy is developed across government and how to influence it and inform the debate. You will also have a passion for driving practical solutions to the climate emergency.
This is a home-based position that would suit a candidate living within close proximity to London for regular attendance at meetings and events.
The closing date for applications is Thursday May 23rd.
For more information about this position and next steps please apply here now.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
About the role:
We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.
Our work helps thousands of people who are deafblind or who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential.
To see a world where this happens, our campaigning and influencing needs to change hearts and minds. The Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Research will be part of an engagement team that will think big and deliver life-changing work.
You’ll join our London-based colleagues working on a hybrid basis, and lead a high-performing Policy, Public Affairs and Research team.
The role is responsible for:
- Playing a senior leadership role in Sense’s Leadership Team and Engagement directorate, planning ahead to our 70th anniversary year in 2025 and beyond
- Ensuring Sense is seen by national decision makers and stakeholders as the foremost and most authoritative voice on the issues facing people with complex disabilities and their families.
- Ensuring that public policy in England meets the needs of people with complex disabilities and their families, whilst supporting similar work in Wales and Northern Ireland
- Providing the expertise and evidence base on the lives of people with complex disabilities and the changes they need to see.
- Ensuring that the organisation is seen as credible, influential and accurate by external partners.
To succeed in this role you will meet the following requirements:
- Relevant graduate level qualification, or equivalent experience
- Evidence of effective influencing of public policy
- Evidence of continuing development of relevant knowledge and skills in the field of public policy development and research
- Able to demonstrate a significant history of achievement at a senior management level
- Able to demonstrate significant achievement in influencing the development of public policy
- Able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the way that public policy and new legislation is formulated and developed
- Track record of successfully influencing MPs, policy makers and opinion formers to achieve improvements on behalf of disadvantaged groups within society through the use of evidence, information and data gathered from a diverse range of stakeholders
- A passionate commitment to people with complex disabilities and Sense’s vision and values; a willingness to learn communication skills and how to make activities, opportunities and work accessible for people with complex disabilities.
- A demonstrable commitment to delivering positive change in the lives of people with complex disabilities and their families.
- Evidence of effective consultation with stakeholders using a range of methodologies to gather evidence to inform the development of policies.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at a senior level.
To Apply
Please use the link below to complete your application.
Managers will use your supporting statement to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification (found at the base of this advert) before applying.
Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.
No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Job Title: Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Reports to: Policy Manager
Line reports: None
Contract terms: Full time
Salary: £36,065-£37,013
Location: London-based, with hybrid working
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,000 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.
Job purpose
Part of the Communications and Engagement department, the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategic policy initiatives and engaging with key stakeholders to advance our policy priorities across the four UK nations. Working with colleagues, members and external stakeholders, you will deliver high quality analysis and research, produce evidence-based policy positions and outputs, and employ effective public affairs approaches to influence change on behalf of our members.
Main responsibilities
Strategic planning and reporting
- Contribute to developing, implementing and evaluating policy and public affairs (PPA) strategies, campaigns and plans aligned to member priorities and our wider strategic aims.
- Lead and manage the delivery of specific PPA workstreams, working in partnership with other organisations as needed.
- Monitor and report on performance against organisational and departmental objectives.
Policy development
- Monitor and analyse the external policy, political and parliamentary landscape across the four UK nations to identify influencing opportunities and relevant developments – summarising these for internal audiences.
- Contribute to the design and analysis of member surveys, drafting reports and presenting findings to inform the College’s policy agenda.
- Work with colleagues to research and draft evidence-based policy positions, consultation responses and briefings for politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
- Maintain an accurate evidence library of data and information to support the development of policy.
- Provide policy-related support to relevant committees to enable their effective contribution to the College’s work, including ensuring agreed actions are implemented.
Public affairs
- Build new and strengthen existing relationships with policymakers, government officials, clinicians and other relevant stakeholders across the four UK nations to advance the College’s policy objectives and maintain a thought leadership position within the eye health sector.
- Draft briefings and presentations to support events and senior-level meetings with politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
- Arrange and represent (as appropriate) the College at events, conferences and external stakeholder meetings.
- Build and maintain the College’s stakeholder database, tracking progress and advising on how to engage with different stakeholders.
Communications
- Work closely with the communications team to support the delivery of communications strategies and plans, ensuring the accuracy of policy information contained in College outputs and contributing to our press activities, member magazine, newsletters and website as required.
- Draft, implement and evaluate the impact of strategic engagement plans for policy publications.
- Support the communication of College policy positions internally, including by proposing lines to take for inclusion in our messaging house and assisting in briefing colleagues and volunteers – including the Chief Executive and President – on these.
To undertake other duties as required
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the College.
- Working outside normal hours and/or overnight stays may be necessary to support the delivery of key organisational events.
Inclusion and diversity statement
The College is committed to encouraging inclusion, equity and diversity among our staff, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation by complying with the Equality Act 2010. We want a working environment where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued. To do this, we will proactively tackle discrimination and disadvantage and ensure that no individual or group is directly or indirectly discriminated against for any reason. We expect all employees to champion and live our values through their work at every opportunity.
Our values
Inclusion
- actively welcoming a diversity of experiences and perspectives
- everyone being respected and encouraged to participate regardless of their background or role
Integrity
- being open and honest, demonstrating accountability in all its work
- evidenced-based and transparent decision-making, utilising a range of data, information, expertise and experience
Innovation
- creating novel opportunities to advance and deliver on its aims, anticipating changing circumstances
- actively welcoming fresh ideas and approaches
- fostering a climate of ambition and excellence drawing on expertise from across the College’s communities
Improvement
- being a learning organisation, reflecting on both successes and mistakes
- continuous and sustainable development across all its activities
Person specification
Knowledge, qualifications and experience
- University degree or professional qualification in a relevant field such as public policy, political science, public health or similar
- At least three years’ experience of working in a policy, public affairs or advocacy role, preferably within the healthcare sector or a membership organisation
- Experience of devising developing, implementing and evaluating policy/public affairs strategies and/or campaigns
- Experience managing projects and initiatives from conception to implementation
- Experience of conducting policy-relevant research and developing evidence-based policy positions and consultation responses
- Experience of drafting high-quality, accessible briefings, reports, and other written materials for diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public
- Experience of engaging with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to influence policy outcomes
- Working knowledge of IT systems – including Microsoft Office and CRMs
Skills and abilities
- Strong strategic planning, prioritisation and organisational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas and nuanced points clearly and persuasively
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to research, analyse, and interpret complex qualitative and quantitative data to inform policy positions and advocacy efforts
- Proven ability to critically evaluate policy proposals, legislation and other publications and assess their potential implications for the College and our members
- Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials
- Ability to generate new ideas, take initiative and problem solve
- Adaptability and an ability to work well under pressure and manage often conflicting demands within tight timeframes
Personal qualities (attributes)
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
- Commitment to own continuing professional development
- Demonstrates a positive ‘can do’ attitude
Staff benefits
We offer a friendly and supportive working environment and make sure our employees are well looked after with a great benefits package, which includes:
Work life balance and family friendly benefits
- Hybrid working
- 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with length of service (plus bank holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year)
- One day of paid leave to move house
- Enhanced parental leave
Planning for your future
- Employer pension contributions up to a maximum of 12%
- Life assurance of 4x of base salary
Career development
- All staff are offered opportunities for learning and development, in addition to a comprehensive e-learning package
- Study loans
Travel
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme
Wellbeing
- Summer Fridays (staff can finish 90 minutes early from 17th July – 31st August)
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (with access to free counselling sessions)
- Health Cash Plan
How to apply
Please submit your CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum one page). The cover letter must explain what makes you suitable for the role. Please use the job description for reference.
Interviews will be held at our office in Euston, the week commencing 3 June 2024. Please indicate if you are likely to need any reasonable adjustments to successfully complete this interview.
Applicants must already have the right to work within the UK without restriction. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The closing date for applications is 27 May 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Position
The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support our Policy Team in the London office.
Deadline: Monday 13 May, 9.00 am.
Location: London
Salary: Starting salary £31,350 rising to £35,381 plus £3,285 London Weighting.
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). We are currently trialling a 32-hour week until April 2025 on the same pay & conditions.
Contract type: Permanent
This exciting Policy & Public Affairs Officer role will lead on developing and influencing specific policy priorities identified by the Foundation as areas where change is most needed to improve the population’s mental health. Initially, the policy area of focus for this role will be the mental health of asylum seekers and refugees.
What does the role involve?
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
- Carry out background research, developing influencing plans, responding to government consultations and providing briefings for politicians and other external stakeholders.
- Ensure the Foundation’s stakeholders, including people with lived experience of mental ill health, are involved in development of policy work and strategy.
Requirements
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 documents.
- Ability to work within and across teams to deliver results. This includes our policy, research, communications, fundraising and programmes teams.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s business: the 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 and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post; you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
Other information
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 below. Please ensure you attach an up to date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 9.00 am on Monday 13 May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for the 23 and 24 May. There will be a short written test on the day of the interview.
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 have moved to 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!
Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs (maternity cover)
· Maternity cover
· Salary £58,807 per annum
· Full time (37.5 hours)
· Flexible working options will be supported.
· Central London Office and Hybrid working
We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.
About the role
We are looking for a confident, senior Public Affairs and Campaigns professional to lead a programme of relationship building and to develop and deliver parliamentary and campaign strategies to bring about changes in policy, practice, and attitudes across our wide range of target audiences.
The Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns will be crucial in helping us to strategically build relationships with advocates and champions for our work in Westminster and Whitehall, across key industry bodies, sectors and networks and at a local and national level. This includes overseeing our programme of events and working with colleagues across the organisation to develop and deliver high-quality campaigns that effectively build support for the changes we want to see.
This is a hands-on role that will work seamlessly with the Head of Communications and colleagues across the wider organisation to plan and deliver a powerful, coherent, and integrated communications and influencing function. The successful candidate will be proactive and tenacious in horizon-scanning and seeking out opportunities where we can most effectively influence the work of others. You will also be responsible for developing and co-ordinating policy positions and approaches that are attractive and actionable and achieve buy-in and support from others.
You will line manage three individuals and have dotted line oversight of the work of Communications & Campaigns Officers in our Action Areas, as well as general responsibility and oversight – along with the Head of Communications – for the work of the wider Communications Team and influencing activity across the organisation more broadly.
You will be a proven collaborator who is able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Ageing Better’s vision, mission and values.
About you
- You’re a senior public affairs and campaigns practitioner with a strong track record of influencing change in previous roles
- You will have excellent knowledge of UK Government and Parliament, how policy change happens and how to develop effective advocacy strategies to achieve change.
- You’re highly motivated and a team player, able to take the lead in managing issues and external relationships, while providing briefings and support to senior colleagues on others.
About us
The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network
Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.
The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.
We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.
We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on 15th May, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 27 May.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs will work alongside the Director of Patient Projects and Influencing to spearhead our advocacy and influencing strategy, driving forward our agenda to transform prostate cancer advocacy and improve outcomes for people affected by prostate cancer. This strategic role involves building essential relationships with politicians and key stakeholders, increasing our organisational profile, and leveraging findings to advocate for policy changes.
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Advocacy and Campaign Leadership: Develop and lead PCR’s campaign and public affairs activities, ensuring strategies are focussed on achieving meaningful policy and practice change on the highest priority issues, including screening and access to innovative and evolving treatment options.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Forge strategic relationships and build our profile among politicians, policymakers, regulators and KoLs to enhance our impact and position Prostate Cancer Research as a source of trusted information for prostate cancer policy.
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Shaping Policy: Coordinate responses to relevant consultations, such as government, MHRA, trade bodies, and NICE/SMC appraisals, where appropriate.
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Evidence-Based Advocacy: Utilise findings from funded reports, such as our Overtreatment/Overdiagnosis report and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), to advocate for change in screening and other relevant policies, and support/commission the development of further evidence as needed.
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Relationship Building and Event Coordination: Identify and cultivate potential parliamentary champions and supporters and host impactful events.
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Patient Centricity: Ensure our patients remain at the centre of this work, putting structures in place for them to be involved in setting priorities, informing our policy positions with their lived experience, and advocating for change.
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Policy Monitoring and Analysis: Monitor and analyse relevant healthcare policy in the UK to inform the organisation’s strategic development and seize on political opportunities.
Candidate Profile:
Experience
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Strong knowledge/experience of the health and social care sector, its public bodies, and key relevant policies
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An excellent understanding of the UK political environmental, structures of government at national, local and devolved nation levels, with established relationships with key stakeholders or a proven ability to develop these efficiently and effectively.
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Demonstrable experience in advocacy, public affairs, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful and integrated campaigns to change public policy.
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Strong experience working cross-functionally within a fast-paced organisation.
Skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills.
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Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders spanning the private, public and third sector.
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Excellent written and oral skills.
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Ability to synthesise and present complex evidence and policy analysis and use these to generate compelling messages and policy asks.
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Decision-making ability, with the ability to prioritise and manage simultaneous workstreams whilst delivering outputs in a responsive and timely manner.
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Ability to work with patient representatives to bring the voice of people affected by prostate cancer to the heart of the debate.
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Ability to manage resources and funding strategically to maximise impact.
Why Join Us?
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Impactful Work: Make a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer, contributing to initiatives that save lives and improve patient outcomes.
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Career Growth: This role offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of new, exciting unit in an organisation that is already making its presence felt.
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Collaborative Environment: Join a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to making a difference, in an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.
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Benefits: Enjoy a range of staff benefits, including Bike 2 Work scheme, Mental Health Services, Perkbox, BUPA Health Insurance offer, pension scheme, birthday gift, ongoing L&D opportunities, generous annual leave, hybrid working options and a positive and supportive culture.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV and a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, your experience in project development and management, and how you align with PCR’s mission.
PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Other Details
Working type: Hybrid with occasional travel to meetings required.
Hours: The position is full time at 35 hours per week.
Salary: £51,579-61,322 commensurate with experience.
Reports to: Director of Patient Projects and Influencing
Participants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.