Public Affairs Jobs

We are recruiting a new Public Affairs Manager to develop and lead our public affairs work at ARUK. The Public Affairs Manager will report to the Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager.

In this role you will be joining a friendly and fast-moving Policy and Public Affairs team, with the scope to grow both the function and your role within ARUK. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to drive influence and impact with policy-makers in government, parliament and the wider political arena to make a difference for people affected by dementia and their families.

You will play a key role in a creative and dynamic team and will take initiative to work on projects and initiatives that maximise our impact with key decision makers. The role may include work in London and elsewhere in the UK.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Public Affairs

· Supervise a programme of parliamentary engagement for the organisation.

· Ensure ARUK has a meaningful role in shaping future legislation on dementia, healthcare and scientific research.

· Lead responses and briefings on key legislation and guidance, including proposed drafting of amendments where appropriate.

· Take a leading role in our government relations work including building and maintain relationships with key government stakeholders including Ministers, SPADs and civil servants.

· Co-ordinate parliamentary briefs, develop submissions for parliamentary questions, Select Committees and other opportunities presented through the parliamentary system.

· Work with campaigns, communications and brand colleagues to build our reach and engagement with key audiences ensuring we are using a range of channels to influence our key audiences.

· Ensure our public affairs work reflects the needs and aspirations of people living with dementia and identify opportunities to involve our supporters in our political influencing work.

· Work with team to develop and implement Public Affairs products, processes and ways of working to maximise impact and efficiency.

· Ensure the Public Affairs team is delivering timely monitoring and successfully identifying, creating and leveraging parliamentary opportunities and securing influencing opportunities to achieve policy change.

· Ensure appropriate system of tracking engagement is in place and ensure the Public affairs Team are updating it regularly.

· Provide regular updates and advice to the team, senior staff and wider organisation so they are up to date on our advocacy, engagement with key stakeholders and wider changes in the environment.

· Ensure regular evaluation of our engagement and a constructive approach is taken to how we learn and improve.

Influencing

· Work with the Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to implement and further develop ARUK’s external affairs strategy, working with policy colleagues to ensure an aligned public affairs function that delivers on our influencing goals.

· Work with wider department to devise and deliver influencing plans for priority areas, ensuring PA involvement in strategy development from the outset.

Stakeholder management

· Work across the organisation to develop stakeholder management processes and mechanisms that help us to manage and derive insights from key organisational relationships.

· Play a key role in developing ARUK's influencing stakeholder contact programme and identifying opportunities and strategies to improve engagement.

· Build effective personal relationships with other organisations, political parties, parliamentarians and their offices across both Houses and relevant Government departments.

· Ensure the team are effectively managing relationships and tracking stakeholder information, and key stakeholders are informed of relevant media stories, reports and consultation responses etc.

· Identify opportunities to partner with other organisations in order to maximise our impact as an organisation.

· Deliver expert political insight and sense making to help the team and wider organisation navigate the external environment.

· Represent ARUK at parliamentary and other events and conferences, potentially including national party conferences.

· Co-ordinate and attend meetings with parliamentarians and stakeholders alongside senior staff and to provide briefings for staff.

Management Responsibilities

· Oversee the work of two public affairs officers and contribute to their learning and development.

· Provide guidance, coaching and support to wider team development as required.

· Ensure effective prioritisation and allocation of our resources in order to maximise the impact of our political influencing work

What we are looking for:

· Expert understanding of Public Affairs best practice

· Expert understanding of government, parliament and the wider political environment

· Sound political instincts

· Good knowledge of parliamentary procedure

· Good knowledge of Word, Excel and outlook

· Experience of building relationships with influencers or supporters

· Experience of delivering consultation responses and working with government teams to embed ideas

· Ability to manage a large programme of work

· Ability to manage people

· Ability to write professionally, with an ability to adapt communications for different audiences

· Ability to prioritise and manage the work of a team in accordance with key priorities.

· Excellent personal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with people at all levels face to face and digitally

· Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

· Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload

· Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills

· Professional and hard-working team player

· Outgoing, enthusiastic and able to remain calm under pressure

· Strategic thinker with a focus on impact

· Outward looking, taking an interest in people

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 13th April 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

About CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.

We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.

Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.

The Role

CoppaFeel! is looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead the organisation’s influencing activity, including the development and delivery of an overarching influencing strategy. This is an exciting time to join the team as we refresh and relaunch our policy and public affairs focus. This new role will shape our approach and have autonomy to lead this function for the organisation.

The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager will play a pivotal role in positioning CoppaFeel! as a key voice in influencing policies to improve breast cancer education, awareness, diagnosis, and treatment for young people. We are looking for a self-starter who is able to analyse our current position and set our future direction. We are looking for a proactive networker, who is confident in navigating the world of public affairs and the charity sector.

The post holder will ensure that CoppaFeel!'s policy and public affairs activities are data- and insight-driven, centring the voices and experiences of young people, those who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, and healthcare professionals. A key focus of this work will be to highlight the health inequities and unique challenges faced by young people—particularly those from underserved groups—and ensure these are reflected in policy development.

The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager will be based within the Education team but will lead and collaborate across the organisation to achieve our influencing objectives.

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that you will attend the London office 2 days per week. You will be required to attend the office for quarterly team meetings, department meetings and in person training, we will provide plenty of notice for when you are required to be in for these purposes.

This role is full-time, but part-time will be considered if requested.

Duties & Responsibilities

Policy

• Lead on the development, implementation and evaluation of CoppaFeel!’s influencing strategy aligning it with our EDI commitments
• Research, develop and update evidence-based policy positions on key breast cancer issues which impact people between 18-35, and seek to influence policy development on these positions.
• Produce high quality, evidence- based policy outputs, including briefings, responses to consultations and policy publications
• Liaise with key influencers, including civil servants, policymakers, other charities and healthcare professionals, in order to influence policy
• Ensure key internal and external stakeholders are updated on policy developments and provide support for senior staff as required
• Support policy input into media responses and act as a media spokesperson on policy related issues
• Represent CoppaFeel! on relevant working groups
• Draft articles and updates about key policy activities for CoppaFeel!’s audiences

Public Affairs

• Develop and deliver impactful public affairs elements of CoppaFeel’s influencing strategy working with the Head of Policy and Engagement
• Research and identify opportunities to engage Parliamentarians in health and education related issues and develop and maintain relationships with key politicians
• Organise and lead CoppaFeel!’s public affairs events, including parliamentary receptions and roundtables and party conference activities
• Lead on the monitoring of legislation and parliamentary activity relevant to CoppaFeel!
• Suggest PQs and prepare briefings for Parliamentarians
• Represent CoppaFeel! at parliamentary events and relevant public affairs working groups

Campaigns

• Lead on the development of campaigning activities that relate to the influencing strategy and resulting policy and public affairs work
• Utilise campaign tools to deliver influencing objectives
• Work closely with relevant departments and key stakeholders, such as young people and/or the breast cancer community to deliver co-created campaigns that meet goals successfully
• Future Line Management: as the organisation evolves, opportunity to add resource and take on line management responsibilities, overseeing team members and fostering their professional growth

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the role.

Skills, experience and qualifications

Essential

• A minimum of six years’ experience in a policy or public affairs related environment, delivering impact and notable change
• At least two years experience working in health policy
• Experience of undertaking research and analysing complex data to support policy development
• Experience of leading projects, including producing plans and working across teams to lead their implementation
• Experience of producing evidence-based policy and public affairs related materials, including briefings and reports
• Knowledge of UK political processes and the policy environment
• Strong working knowledge of parliamentary procedure
• Ability to think strategically, with strong analytical judgement and decision-making skills
• Ability to analyse and summarise policy information and assess relevance
• Ability to use own initiative and work independently
• Excellent organisational skills
• A team player, able to work well with a wider variety of people
• Strong networking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines

Desirable

• An undergraduate degree, preferably with a political, public policy or another relevant component
• Experience of cancer policy
• Experience of working in Parliament or with MPs
• Experience of working in, or with, the charity sector and/or campaigning to influence public policy

Application information

Applications will close at 9am on 22nd April with the aim to commence interviews on 28th and 29th April.

CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.

Main benefits, Terms & Conditions

Annual Leave: 22 days pro rata (plus public holidays).

Additional Leave: 1 day of leave on our Founder’s Cancerversary, birthday leave, plus office closure over Christmas.

Flexible working: A hybrid working arrangement, working from home up to 3 days per week (pro rata) and Core hours between 10am and 4pm.

Training: We have a budget each year for employees training and development plans.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

At CoppaFeel!, we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.

While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive press officer to help raise the profile of World Horse Welfare and promote our charity to external audiences.  This role would suit a person with experience as a reporter on a news desk or in media relations who is looking for a PR role within the charity sector.

You will support the Head of Communications in managing the charity’s news flow and media relations, achieving accurate and favourable mentions across specialist, regional, national and international media.

 You will be required to proactively seek opportunities to raise the Charity’s profile and publicise the work and messages of World Horse Welfare.

Working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, this is a truly fantastic opportunity to make a mark in your career and a real difference to horses worldwide. 

Benefits include a generous pension scheme and cash health plan, paid employee sickness absence scheme and a minimum of 31 days’ holiday (including bank and public holidays and mandatory shutdown between Christmas and New Year).  Death in service, free parking.

World Horse Welfare is committed to championing equality and diversity in all aspects of employment and in the services that it provides. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ and disabled people.

World Horse Welfare takes great pride in being realistic, compassionate and forward-thinking and the successful applicant will be expected to share these values.

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for an Interim Deputy Director of External Affairs to join our team on a 9 month FTC.

While this role covers all our External Affairs functions, you'll be particularly expected to have knowledge and expertise in providing leadership in policy-influencing and campaigns. You'll provide leadership of AaA's External Affairs strategy to ensure the needs of autistic children and their families are high on the political and media agenda.

You'll have an externally-facing role in policy influencing, representing AaA in coalitions with relevant government departments among parliamentarians, as well as increasing AaA's profile through an effective communications strategy.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Substantial experience, knowledge and understanding of the policy landscape, including political and legislative processes, and local government structures and processes
• Extensive experience of developing and delivering strategic, integrated communications programmes
• Demonstrable leadership of successful policy-influencing activity, including stakeholder engagement and above/below the line influencing strategies
• Proven experience in strategy development

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Can you help us promote public and national awareness of kidney disease in the UK to benefit all kidney patients?

The National Kidney Federation (NKF) is a unique, independent UK charitable organisation run by kidney patients for kidney patients. They are seeking an exceptional Policy and Public Affairs Manager to help shape and deliver an exciting programme of work that tackles the challenges of renal disease head-on. As a senior appointment, this role will raise the scale, effectiveness, and profile of their policy and public affairs work.

Job Title: Policy and Public Affair Manager
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: NKF HQ (North Nottinghamshire) Hybrid working
Salary: Up to £43,000 (dependent on experience)
Hours: 36 hours per week

Perks and Benefits:

At NKF, they value their team members and offer some incredible benefits:

• Up to six weeks of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Early finish on Friday's
• Christmas shutdown
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contribution
• Death in service insurance worth three times your salary
• Free car parking at their HQ

About the Role:
You'll build on current policy initiatives, leveraging the knowledge of our team, trustees, and professional networks, while collaborating with 50 Kidney Patient Association members. You'll have the freedom to shape and implement their programme of work, working strategically and independently to enhance NKF's impact on patient support, campaigning, and public life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead NKF's policy and public affairs activities, reporting to the Chief Executive.
• Develop and implement strategies to tackle the challenges of kidney disease.
• Collaborate with internal teams, trustees, and external stakeholders to drive impactful campaigns.
• Represent NKF in public policy discussions, including parliamentary groups, ensuring our voice is heard at the highest levels.
• Contribute to strategic planning and hands-on delivery within a small, collaborative team.

About You:

We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with a willingness to get stuck into the work. You'll have:

• Proven experience in policy and public affairs with a strong network in public policy and parliamentary groups.
• A solid understanding of health policies.
• Knowledge of marketing and communications, with the ability to amplify NKF's work and messaging.
• Entrepreneurial skills and the ability to shape and deliver impactful strategies.
• The ability to work collaboratively with teams and independently when needed.
• A passion for making a lasting difference for kidney patients and the NKF's mission.

This is a chance to join NKF at an exciting time. With a refreshed five-year strategy, growing reputation, and committed team, you'll have the support and opportunity to make a long-lasting impact.

How to Apply:
Due to the sensitive nature of the role, we are accepting applications on a rolling basis so please do reach out if this impacts you in any way. The provisional closing date for this role will be April the 22nd at 12pm. Please send a copy of your CV to Priya at Charity People in the first instance.

Interviews: TBC

Charity People actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.

About Reprieve

Reprieve works with the most disenfranchised people in society. Our aim is simple: to consign the death penalty and abuses carried out in the name of “counter-terrorism” or “national security” to history, drawing public and political attention to these past harms with a view to preventing them from occurring again. 

In our view, you can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. Founded in 1999, we provide free legal and investigative support to people facing the death penalty and those victimised by states’ abusive counter-terror policies – rendition, torture, arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killing. 

We fight our clients’ cases in courts around the world; investigate their mistreatment; and advocate on their behalf, encouraging public and political debate of human rights issues. 

Reprieve’s main office is in Aldgate, London, UK. Reprieve also supports full-time Fellows, who work as lawyers, investigators and campaigners in the countries in which we work. We work closely with a number of partner organisations in jurisdictions all over the world, who provide access to clients, expertise, knowledge and guidance on specific issues or regions. We work in cooperation with relevant government officials, individual lawyers and human rights defenders, as well as individual, corporate and foundation funders to further the cause of our shared goals.

Reprieve works in close partnership with its independent sibling organisation Reprieve US.  This collaboration is mutually beneficial to both Reprieve and Reprieve US as it enables each organisation to work more effectively and take advantage of the strategic locations to increase the impact of our work.

Reprieve is an equal opportunity employer and we particularly welcome applicants from Black and minority ethnic communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities. Reprieve is committed to fighting racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve. For more information, please see our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement. You can also read more about our recruitment process.

About the Role

The Head of Public Affairs and Policy is responsible for overseeing Reprieve’s political engagement and policy work; managing public affairs and policy focused staff; and steering forward advocacy and policy that advances Reprieve’s strategic objectives on behalf of our clients in all the jurisdictions where we operate. 

Reprieve’s current policy goals in the UK include prohibiting intelligence sharing where there is a risk of torture or the death penalty, ensuring UK security assistance doesn’t contribute to human rights violations, and ending the practice of citizenship stripping. The role involves close collaboration with Reprieve’s regional and thematic casework teams to encourage states to restrict or end the use of the death penalty or involvement in other human rights abuses such as torture and arbitrary detention. 

Reprieve’s work encompasses a number of regions across the world, including the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, and the United States. The policy team provides cross-cutting support to those teams and local experts to advocate for our clients, secure political representation for them, and advance strategic goals.
You will share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing
racial justice, and understand our responsibility to do our work in a way that does not compound racist structures.

Location, contract and salary

This is a full-time role, on a one-year fixed term contract, with the possibility to extend, subject to funding. The annual salary is £61,003 per annum, less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance. 
This role is based in Reprieve’s London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid working model and we require staff to work 40% of their working hours from the London office and the rest of the week from home. Applicants must have the current right to work in the UK, which will be checked prior to interview.

Full details and how to apply

Please review the job description and person specification for full details.To apply, please submit the application form at the web address provided. Please note that CVs and cover letters cannot be accepted for this role. 

The deadline for applications is 23:58 BST on 27 April 2025. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK currently and for the duration of the contract. 

Background

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) is a trade body which represents the independent schools’ sector in the UK. It comprises seven stakeholder associations who represent over 1,400 independent schools, educating more than half a million children. ISC schools are diverse, spanning day and boarding, single sex, SEND and faith provision. The great majority of children in UK independent schools are in ISC schools. ISC is strictly independent of all political parties and acts to support member schools in the interests of all children. 

Debates over the taxation of independent schools has meant the sector having a high political profile. With a new government, it is important the sector continues to build relationships with Ministers, civil servants and politicians of all parties to highlight the positive work of our schools in supporting pupils across the independent and state sectors and addressing the challenges facing education.

The role will be a permanent, full-time contract operating out of our London offices near St James’s Park underground station. Staff are able to work from home for part of the week.

Main purpose of job

Reporting to the Head of Policy, the successful candidate will deliver our public affairs workplan and support the development of policy positions. In particular, they will be responsible for building political relationships at national level while supporting schools to build local relationships with their MPs.

Person specification

· At least three years relevant political or public affairs experience.

· Ability to deliver public affairs work independently, working under the strategic supervision of the Head of Policy.

· Compelling, credible and confident communicator, able to:

o Write persuasively and with clarity

o Represent ISC in meetings with MPs, peers, civils servants and externals stakeholders at senior level

· Excellent working knowledge of Parliamentary and Whitehall processes.

· Ability to provide political counsel to senior ISC staff and member associations.

· Ability to build and develop a portfolio of external contacts and advocates.

· Can analyse policy documents and highlight issues of concern for member schools.

· Experience of responding to government consultations and select committee calls for evidence.

· Used to dealing with complex and changing issues in a challenging environment and able to respond flexibly and quickly as priorities change.

· Excellent planning and project management skills, with ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

· Knowledge of education policy would be an advantage.

Personal attributes

· Highly literate and well versed in current affairs with excellent attention to detail.

· Motivated and proactive. Able to build productive internal and external relationships through professionalism, earning trust through the quality of work.

· Able to work well under pressure and prioritise effectively.

· Track record of seeing projects through to completion

· Able to communicate with confidence and clarity.

Specific responsibilities

To deliver ISC’s public affairs and policy activity including, but not restricted to, the tasks below:

· A priority is to develop good working relationships and links with association staff in the interests of maximising impact by working together.

· Develop and implement the public affairs and Parliamentary strategy for ISC.

· Implement political contact programme with Parliamentarians and external stakeholders; including attendance at party conferences.

· Advise and support school heads when engaging with local MPs and councillors; produce engagement toolkits.

· Advise the Chief Executive, senior staff and member associations and schools on effective public affairs approaches.

· Become a trusted source of political advice to member associations and schools, present at member meetings and conferences.

· Monitor Parliamentary activity – identifying issues, people to contact and writing weekly political update.

· Write briefings ahead of Parliamentary debates and engage with those taking part.

· Draft submissions to government consultations and select committee inquiries, working with members associations and schools to develop relevant policy positions.

· Work with the ISC media and communications team to ensure messaging is aligned, supporting the public affairs strategy and campaigns.

Other Benefits: 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays) rising to 30 days after one year’s service (and at the commencement of the next holiday year); in addition to the annual allowance the office is closed between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; 10% employer pension contribution; hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

ISC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people.

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is a Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and is the representative body for Directors of Public Health (DPH) in the UK.

It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice.

The Association has a rich heritage, its origins dating back more than 160 years. It is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now looking to appoint to the role of Public Affairs Manager who, supporting the Head of External Affairs, will help to deliver the Associations External Affairs strategy, influencing through strong relationships with key external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have existing Public Affairs experience of developing successful strategies to influence legislation or government policy, be politically astute and have a proven ability to tailor their briefings to influence different audiences.

They will have a knowledge of the UK political system and the mechanisms and tactics that can be used to secure change, have excellent organisational and prioritisation skills and be an enthusiastic and pro-active self-starter, with a flexible in approach that can adapt to changing circumstances.

The Association has offices in central London, but is currently operating a hybrid working model so welcomes candidates from across the UK, though attendance at ‘in person’ ADPH team meetings will be expected. Further details can be requested ahead of your application by contacting Mark Hamblett.

Your application must be accompanied by a covering letter that outlining why you would be suitable for the role, and the successful candidate will be required to provide evidence that they are entitled to work on a permanent basis in the UK.

Please note we will be interviewing throughout the term of the recruitment process and so reserve the right to close this opportunity ahead of its stated closing date shouod a suitable candidate be selected. 

The Association does not sponsor UK visa applications.

Do you have previous public affairs experience delivering change for a cause? Would you like to make a difference at one of the country’s largest charities taking on one of the UK’s biggest killers? 
 
If so, you may be the Senior Public Affairs Officer we’re looking for! 
 

About the role 
 
Our Policy and Public Affairs team exists to engage, inform and influence key decision makers in the UK Government and health system in England to help ensure the UK remains a global leader in heart and circulatory research, and improve treatment and care for the 7.6 million people living with cardiovascular disease across the UK.
 
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our award winning and high impact team during a very exciting time in politics. As our Senior Public Affairs Officer, you’ll take a leading role in specific areas providing public affairs expertise to influence UK Government policy and legislation and forge relationships with the new Parliament.

You’ll deliver a programme of activity and engagement that contributes to our wider Hearts Need More campaign, which aims to make cardiovascular disease a key priority in the upcoming 10-year health plan. 
 
You’ll support the Public Affairs Manager by promoting the BHF to Parliamentarians and civil servants in Westminster, ensuring key decision-makers consider the BHF the expert on medical research and heart health. You’ll also lead on developing influencing plans which engage parliamentarians at national and constituency level. 
 
About you 
 
With a detailed knowledge of the workings of government and parliamentary procedure as well as a working knowledge of the devolved administrations, you’ll have an understanding of the external political environment. You'll also have a good 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 consultancy and will possess excellent communication skills. Having previously successfully influenced 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, able to summarise complex information swiftly and accurately for a variety of audiences, you'll be able to plan your own workload, ensure effective time management and meet deadlines. 
 
With a commitment to high standards of relationship management in order to achieve the best outcome, you'll be able to work on own initiative, proactively seizing opportunities to benefit the BHF. 

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 us 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.

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.

What we offer you 
 
To find out more about benefits available at the BHF please download our benefits document at the bottom of this page. 
 
Interview process  
 
Interviews will be held in person at our London office during w/c 21st April. 
 

Would like to join an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity, with a passion for finding a cure for brain tumours, and wanting to drive change for brain tumour patients?

Here at Brain Tumour Research, we are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join a dynamic and influential campaigning team. You will play a pivotal role as a Policy and Publics Affairs Officer, working closely with the Head of Stakeholder Relations and the Policy and Public Affairs Manager. This will include supporting the development and implementation of effective public affairs and campaigning activities, at Westminster and across the devolved nations.

About You​

If you would like to join an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity, with a passion for finding a cure for brain tumours, and wanting to drive change for brain tumour patients, then we would love to hear from you.​

Do you have:

• ​A graduate qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable
• ​Knowledge of how the UK Parliament, Government and, ideally the Devolved administrations, operate 
• ​Excellent written communication skills with the ability to communicate to both expert and non-expert audiences

About the Role​

This is a great opportunity to further develop policy and public affairs skills as part of a high-performing and impactful team.  As the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, you will be working with others in the team help to develop and deliver public affairs and campaigning plans that support Brain Tumour Research’s organisational objectives. This includes highlighting the specific needs of brain tumour patients, and to promote a compelling and persuasive narrative to support our policy calls.

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.  

To support these efforts in our 30th year, the National Lottery Promotions Unit 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. With a good understanding of the work of the DCMS and of ministers and MPs, you will also play a key role in presenting the National Lottery in an effective and impactful way and manage the delivery of the revised National Lottery government relations strategy. A skilled communicator, you will be across the evolving the lottery landscape and effectively promote the best interests and positive impact of The National Lottery.

This role is a 12 month fixed term contract, working full time, 37 hours a week, based in London alongside the wider NLPU Team. 

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.

Interview Date: 23rd April

Location: London, office is Kings Cross – hybrid flexible working

Essential Criteria

• Excellent understanding of public affairs, influencing and advocacy. 
• A sound understanding of how national, regional and local politicians think, what motivates them and how to engage in influencing them.
• A strong grasp of the policy environment, developing issues and themes 
• Insightful policy analysis skills and the ability to respond to political requests
• Ability to coordinate systems and processes and develop effective working relationships to enable collaboration across the National Lottery family, for example in relation to managing stakeholders 
• Parliamentary and legislative knowledge 
• 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.) 

Do you have a strong understanding of how the UK Government and Parliament operate, and want to use that knowledge to make a meaningful impact?

Are you a confident communicator who can deliver key messages effectively and foster strong, influential relationships with senior political stakeholders?

Are you eager to take initiative and contribute to a cause that makes a tangible difference for those in need?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

At StepChange Debt Charity, we're dedicated to building a society free from problem debt. We’re looking for a proactive Senior Parliamentary and Public Affairs Adviser to turn our vision into reality. In this role, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our advocacy efforts, engaging with key stakeholders, and driving our key messages forward.

What you’ll do

In this role, you will build relationships with influential individuals and organisations, and design effective lobbying campaigns alongside our Campaigns & Public Affairs Manager. You will monitor political developments, provide insights to inform strategy, and support senior leaders with compelling speeches and briefings. Representing the charity externally, you will ensure our voice is heard in the fight against problem debt.

We’re looking for someone with a strong background in public affairs and familiarity with the UK political system, excellent communication skills, and a creative approach to advocacy. If you thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about creating meaningful change, we want to hear from you.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion:

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We’re always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It’s not just about the professional experience you bring – we’re interested in who you are and your potential. If there’s an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.

Public Affairs Manager

These are exciting times for the Donkey Sanctuary and we have an excellent opportunity for a creative Public Affairs Manager, with outstanding collaborative and relationship-building skills, to join our collaborative global department focused on influencing change, using campaigning and public affairs tactics. 

Position: Public Affairs Manager

Location: Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty/hybrid working (applications for fully remote/home working and flexible working patterns welcomed)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday

Salary: £46,402 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: Sunday 13 April 2025. Initial interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 7 May 2025. Applicants successful at this stage will progress to final interviews, held via Microsoft Teams, on Thursday 15 May 2025.

About the Role

As Public Affairs Manager, you will to bring to life our global influencing strategy and plans, with expectation of substantial external representation from local to United Nations level, to tackle the greatest threats working donkeys face locally and around the world, from the donkey skin trade to challenges working animals face in disasters.

Principal duties include: 

• Working with departmental leadership to develop, design and implement plans to support the charities strategic aims to influence decision-makers and build powerful partnerships for change.

• Representing externally at conferences and events, ensuring coordination among partners, and that communications advance public affairs diplomatically.

• Collaborating with coalition partners and other animal welfare networks ensuring positive partnerships and successful outcomes.

• Managing a small team, developing its vision and objectives, maintaining and empowering an inclusive work environment, setting clear objectives to meet departmental goals.

• Engaging with the positions and work of inter-governmental agencies, and how they could link with and/or support the work of the charity, such as UK Government, United Nations agencies, WOAH, European Union, AU-IBAR. 

• Identifying new alliances and partnerships for the charity.

Due to the seniority and nature of the role, flexibility will be required for working outside of core hours, and for occasional UK and international travel.

About You

You will need to bring with you the following skills and experience:

• Experience of working in a global strategic influencing role.

• Experience of influencing results at institutional level, ideally with the UN and its various agencies, governments and other influential stakeholders.

• A strong understanding of animal welfare and linked agendas, including international development, including One Health and conservation. 

• Proven senior coordination and collaborative skills, with the ability to multi-task and work with a number of conflicting demands to meet multiple deadlines.

• A good understanding of the challenges and opportunities when ensuring integration between organisational programming, influencing and campaigns work.

• Experience of leading teams to develop and implement effective strategies and supporting with budgets and work planning.

• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into easy-to-understand messages.

What you get in return…

• Competitive pension.

• Life assurance.

• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.

• Wellbeing team.

• Recorded Pilates classes.

• Long service awards.

• Healthshield plan

• Free parking.

• Subsidised restaurant and shop.

About the Organisation

The Donkey Sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

You may also have experience in areas such as Public Affairs Manager, Public Affairs Lead, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Policy and Public Affairs, Communications and Public Affairs, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Animal, Animal Welfare.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation

Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) is a research and information provision charity that is dedicated to improving and saving the lives of people with prostate cancer. Patients are central to everything we do and drive our work. Our work covers four key areas:   

• Academic and social research – We fund novel and innovative research projects at world-leading institutions that are working towards breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer, and better quality of life outcomes for patients. We ensure that our research is targeted to address patient need and research gaps to maximise our impact and reach better treatments for patients sooner.   

• Translational research – We set up Proven Connect, the translational research arm of PCR, to focus on ensuring more promising treatments get from lab to patient through bridging the gap between industry, investors, health providers and patients.   

• Patient information and empowerment – We acknowledge that research alone is not enough to achieve our vision. We involve, educate, and empower people affected by prostate cancer to enable them to play a more active role in driving forward changes in research, treatment and care.   

• Influencing – We seek to ensure greater equity of treatment and parity of care, and are working towards a world where no man is left behind, where prostate cancer is caught early and can be cured.  

Our vision for the future is clear: to be an integral part of creating one of the healthiest ecosystems for any disease type. An ecosystem that is connected, collaborative, equitable, and effective. Over the next 3 years we are setting ambitious targets to double our research funding, accelerate twelve biotech ventures, engage at least 100,000 people in influencing change, initiate three novel projects to enhance equity, and grow our income to more than £7 million.

Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) is seeking an experienced and insightful Senior Policy Adviser to lead the development of our policy work and help drive meaningful change for people affected by prostate cancer.

Reporting to the Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs, you will be responsible for shaping evidence-based policy positions, producing high-impact consultation responses, and identifying strategic opportunities to influence health and research policy. This is an exciting opportunity for a policy professional with strong analytical and writing skills, a solid understanding of the health policy landscape, and a desire to make a difference. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Policy Leadership: Lead the development of PCR’s policy positions across a range of health and research issues through in-depth research, evidence analysis and horizon scanning, identifying key issues affecting prostate cancer patients and developing robust solutions for systemic change. 

• Consultation and Inquiry Responses: Draft high-quality, persuasive responses to government consultations, select committee inquiries, and regulatory reviews, ensuring PCR’s positions are well-evidenced, compelling and grounded in insight from those with lived experience. 

• Health Technology Appraisals: Lead or contribute to PCR’s submissions to NICE and SMC technology appraisals, ensuring that our input is evidence-based, reflects the lived experience of patients, and aligns with our policy positions. 

• Stakeholder Insight and Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, healthcare professionals, government bodies, think tanks, sector bodies such as the AMRC, and other key stakeholders to inform PCR’s positions and stay at the front of policy thinking. 

• Political and Policy Monitoring: Track key policy developments and legislative changes relevant to prostate cancer, assessing their implications and identifying opportunities for PCR to engage.

• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across PCR, including research, communications, patient engagement and fundraising teams, to ensure a unified approach across policy and organisational priorities. 

• Briefings and Written Outputs: Deliver succinct, compelling, and well-evidenced policy briefings on key issues to a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and partners.

• Public Representation: Represent PCR at external meetings, external policy networks, working groups, events, and conferences, ensuring our position is effectively communicated and influencing policy discussions in line with our strategic objectives. 

• Support for Public Affairs and Campaigns: Provide policy advice and support the development of policy-facing materials to support the delivery of public affairs and campaign activity led by the wider Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs team. 

Person Specification: 

• Education and Experience: 

• Significant experience (typically 3–5 years) in a policy role, ideally within the health, research, or voluntary sector. 

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, health sciences, social sciences, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience). 

• Demonstrable experience of developing evidence-based policy positions and delivering consultation or inquiry responses in a relevant context. 

• Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex policy issues and data to inform clear and strategic positions. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting consultation responses, policy briefings, and position statements. 

• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with high-level stakeholders, including policymakers, public officials, and healthcare leaders. 

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute to cross-organisational goals in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong collaborative skills, with experience working across teams and functions. 

• Essential Attributes: 

• Good understanding of the UK healthcare system, NHS structures, and health policy environment. 

• Desirable Attributes: 

• Working knowledge of NICE and SMC health technology appraisal processes, including understanding of evidence submission, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making pathways. 

Why Join Us? 

• Impactful Work: Make a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer, contributing to initiatives that save lives and improve patient outcomes.  

• 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.  

• Collaborative Environment: Join a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to making a difference, in an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.  

• Benefits: Enjoy a range of staff benefits, including Bike 2 Work scheme, Mental Health Support 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: £37,500-£40,600, commensurate with experience.  

• Reports to: Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs 

Applications close on 20th April 2025.   

Participants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.  

For enquiries about the role, please contact our Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs, Joe Clift (Contact details available in the attached job description).