Senior Public Affair Officer Jobs in Edinburgh
The vacancy
We are seeking to appoint seven Advisory panel members for the following committees:
Companies Committee (one dispensing optician, one optometrist and one business registrant)
Education Committee (one dispensing optician and one registered medical practitioner)
Registration Committee (one dispensing optician and one lay member)
Please note that applicants cannot be appointed to more than one committee.
About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.
About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:
· matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
· matters relating to optical training, education and assessment;
· matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
· matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.
The committees and the Advisory Panel meet about twice a year. You can read the current terms of reference for the Advisory Panel, Education Committee, Registration Committee and Standards Committee.
Remuneration and time commitment
A daily fee of £319 will be paid. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule. This is taxable and subject to Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions. It is not pensionable.
Members can claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.
This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings. Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.
We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.
For more information about these roles please see the attached candidate information pack.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 06 April 2025.
Online interviews will be held on either week commencing 02 June 2025 and 09 June 2025.
We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
A brilliant opportunity to lead a small charity delivering impact where it matters for people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) exists to improve MSK services in the UK. We are a membership organisation which brings together patient, research and healthcare professional organisations working in MSK health. Working together as an alliance we have a powerful voice to influence policy and improve standards of care across the UK.
After an incredibly successful 8 years at the helm, our CEO Sue Brown will be stepping down at the end of May.
We are looking for someone with a strong background in healthcare policy and campaigning who is confident engaging senior stakeholders in the NHS, Government, arms-length bodies and industry. You should be a natural relationship builder who is comfortable working with member organisations.
If this sounds like you, then please get in touch. We would love to hear from you. Click the Quick Apply button below. You will need to submit your CV together with a two-page cover letter explaining your interest in the role - don’t forget to address the person specification in your letter. Deadline for applications 10am on 27th March 2025.
Interviews will be held as follows:
Stage 1 (In person, Central London location): Monday 7th April 2025
Stage 2 (Virtual): Monday 14th April 2025
The Benefits
· Salary up to £55,000 p.a. for 28 hours work per week
· Employer pension contribution of 5%
· 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 3 additional days leave between Christmas and New Year
Thank you for your interest in ARMA!
Influencing policy and care together for best lifelong musculoskeletal health
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Wales)
£33,824 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based
35 hours per week, full-time
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer is an exciting and influential role as you will work with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Wales), Head of Devolved Nations and colleagues across the College to develop and deliver policy and communications activity for Wales.
As Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Wales) you will work with key stakeholders to coordinate and develop policy position statements unique to Wales, coordinating and producing draft responses to consultations in Wales, whilst supporting colleagues across the College with expertise on the political, governmental and health service landscape in Wales.
Communicating policy and public affairs priorities to stakeholders to maximise influence and impact, you will attend meetings with senior figures in Wales, produce content for blogs, social media, bulk email, web and other digital communications specific to our audiences in Wales, whilst also providing administrative support for the Wales Executive Committee.
With a good standard of education, you should have demonstrable experience in policy and public affairs and a solid knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative processes in Wales.
You will have proven experience of producing high quality policy and communications outputs such as consultation responses, reports, policy briefings and press copy, as well as demonstrable experience of producing high quality content for digital and social media.
With outstanding oral communication skills you will be able to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Your excellent communication, organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills will ensure you are capable of supporting committees and other governance structures, particularly supporting the delivery of new processes and identifying opportunities for improvement.
The Membership, Policy and External Affairs Division actively promotes the membership, stakeholders and the public awareness of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and core child health priorities.
The RCPCH sets and maintains standards for the education and training of all doctors working in paediatrics and child health in the UK. We advocate on child health issues at home and internationally. Additionally, through a variety of activities, the College influences the quality of medical practice for children in hospital and in the community.
The RCPCH has more than 23,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Lead, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work.
The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.
The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records.
Closing date: 16 March 2025
interview date: 27 March 2025 (remote)
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advocates on child health issues at home and internationally.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about public libraries? Do you want to see them move up the political and public agenda? Can you help the library sector get the right message to the right people at the right time?
Libraries Connected is a small organisation with big ambitions for public libraries. As part of our ongoing growth, we are establishing a new team to turbocharge our work advocating for the library sector, influencing policy, delivering research and shaping the national conversation around libraries. This is a unique opportunity to establish and recruit a new team, set our priorities for this area of work and make a lasting impact on public libraries.
Our vision is an inclusive, modern, sustainable and high-quality public library service at the heart of every community in the UK.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Join Us in Driving Real Change! Lead Hope for the Future's Policy and Engagement Team
Location: Sheffield HQ or Remote (UK-wide)
Salary: £43,235.28 per annum (+ £3,000 London Weighting, where applicable)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Are you passionate about inspiring change in the fight against climate change?
At Hope for the Future (HFTF), our mission is to empower individuals and communities to engage in meaningful conversations with politicians and drive bold climate action. We believe that through collaboration across political divides, we can create a future where climate action is central to decision-making in government and beyond.
We are seeking an experienced, passionate leader to take on the role of Director of Policy and Engagement and help shape the future of climate action.
Are you an inspiring, strategic leader ready to make a tangible impact? If so, this is your opportunity to lead our Policy and Engagement team, drive meaningful change, and be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking organisation.
What you’ll be doing
As a key member of the senior leadership team, you’ll have the responsibility of overseeing the delivery of our impactful projects and ensuring that our ambitious three-year strategy is achieved. You’ll provide expert leadership, empowering your team to drive engagement with diverse communities and policymakers across the UK.
Your role will involve:
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Leading and growing HFTF’s impact by overseeing delivery programmes, achieving targets, and ensuring financial sustainability
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Managing and mentoring a talented, motivated team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
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Strengthening partnerships with organisations, policymakers, and stakeholders
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Representing the charity in external communications, events, and public speaking opportunities
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Actively contributing to the overall strategy and direction of HFTF
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a leader who is not only strategic and results-driven but also passionate about climate action and empowering communities. You’ll need:
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At least 3 years’ experience in a management or leadership role within a charity, NGO, or social enterprise
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A strong understanding of UK politics, advocacy, and public engagement
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Proven success in building and maintaining partnerships, particularly those that generate income or support paid services
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Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and working with diverse stakeholders
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Ability to lead and motivate a team, with a commitment to personal development and performance management
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Familiarity with project management, CRM systems, and monitoring & evaluation
Why join us?
At HFTF, we offer a unique, supportive environment where you can make a real difference. By joining our passionate staff team who are dedicated to real change you will :
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Lead a dynamic, passionate team dedicated to tackling the climate and nature crises
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Be part of a charity with a strong mission to influence national and local decision-makers
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Have access to generous benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), a pension contribution, and wellbeing support
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Work with a flexible approach, including remote or hybrid options
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Receive a competitive salary with London Weighting where applicable
This is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference, lead our policy and engagement team, and contribute to the continued success of a leading climate charity.
Salary and Benefits
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Salary: £43,235.28 per annum + £3k London Weighting for qualifying areas
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30 days annual leave + statutory holidays
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Employer Pension Contribution
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Flexible working options, with the ability to work remotely or from our Sheffield office
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Well-being support, Bike to Work Scheme, and Season Ticket Loan Scheme
Location
This role is flexible—either based in our Sheffield office or working remotely anywhere in the UK. Some national travel will be required.
Ready to lead for change?
If you are passionate about driving action on the climate and nature crises and have the leadership skills to take HFTF to the next level, we want to hear from you! Apply now and help us create lasting change in the fight for a better future.
Hope for the Future is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Apply now
Ready to take the lead in shaping the future of climate advocacy? If you’re ready to inspire action and help us make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications close at 9am on Wednesday 2nd April 2025, click here to apply.
Online interviews during week commencing 10th April 2025.
Our mission is to equip people across the UK with the tools they need to have effective conversations with their local politicians on climate change
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
You’ll use your quality improvement expertise to support health & care professionals with projects and programmes, equipping them with the latest tools, resources, evidence and data to develop and improve services for people with Parkinson’s.
You’ll support the development of a vibrant national network, working in collaboration with the Professional Engagement team and the regional clinical leads. You’ll also work with health and care professionals and Parkinson’s UK colleagues to respond to any threats to Parkinson's services and effect positive change.
What you’ll do
- Facilitate health and care service redesign and improvement projects in collaboration with clinicians, Parkinson’s UK staff and people living with Parkinson’s and drawing on the principles of co-production
- Build relationships to influence service improvement across London and support the development of a vibrant national network
- Maximise participation in the UK Parkinson's Audit and relevant surveys
- Support health & care services to develop and implement service improvement plans, using the results of the UK Parkinson's Audit as a lever
- Promote the Excellence network funding opportunities, providing support where appropriate with the development of business cases and grant applications
What you’ll bring
- Experience and expertise in service redesign and effecting change within health and/or social care in London
- Knowledge of health and care structures and commissioning across London
- Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to build and manage successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinicians
- Ability to negotiate and influence, with strong report writing and presentation skills
- Experience in the use of quality improvement and project management tools
This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!
Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.
Please note; The contract for this role is expected to start in late May 2025.
This role is home based with the requirement to live within and travel around your assigned geography. The assigned geography for the region covers the NHS England region. You will also be required to attend team and individual meetings that usually take place in our London office. There may also be the requirement for occasional overnight stays.
We are committed to working with the principles of fairness and equality. All of our applications are anonymous until the interview stage, and we welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We actively encourage people with Parkinson's to apply.
Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
We exist to make every day better, for everybody living with Parkinson’s. Right now.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Strategy will be responsible for the day to day strategic operational scrutiny and reporting in order to meet the Bikeability Trust’s mission, contractual and legal obligations. This role is critical in the leadership of the Bikeability Trust as deputising for the CEO.
The Bikeability Trust’s purpose is to ensure that all cycle training is delivered to a gold standard, inspiring everyone to cycle with competence and confidence.
We are:
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Expert: The Trust has successfully administered the Bikeability programme on behalf of government since 2018, delivering high-quality delivery guides and instructor training, and our workforce has thousands of years combined experience teaching people to cycle.
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Inspiring: Every rider completes our training feeling able, confident and motivated to cycle safely on the roads for short journeys. Transforming the traditional image of cycling to an everyday, everyone activity.
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Quality focussed: Our instructors deliver high-quality, consistent and standardised cycle training. We aim to ensure that every rider achieves the same outcomes to the same standard, taking into account their individual capabilities, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
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Inclusive: We take action to reduce barriers to participation, support underrepresented groups and ensure that anyone who wishes to access Bikeability cycle training is able to do so, and cycling is seen as an activity for all.
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Efficient: Our delivery programme offers value for money and is delivered in an economic, proportional and efficient way.
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Influential: We share our evidence of the impact of cycle training across a variety of sectors (transport, education, environment, health, leisure, etc) and work collaboratively with stakeholders, partners and commercial organisations to achieve our vision and influence behaviour change.
Key accountabilities:
Leadership
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Maintain a strong relationship and engaging with the CEO to lead the day to day operations of the Bikeability Trust ensuring the CEO can hold more external focus
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Provide leadership and management to the Operations Team including:
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Research
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Communications
Impact and Reporting
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Develop and lead reporting on progress towards the Bikeability Trust strategy with the Board of Trustees through annual business plans and corporate dashboard, gathering evidence and analysis from across the Bikeability Trust
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Refine and implement monthly and quarterly impact and KPI reporting to fulfil the ATE, TfL and other funders reporting requirements
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Deliver high quality information, governance, and business insights to the CEO and Board to inform decision-making
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Work with the Finance and grants team to ensure compliance with financial policies and reporting requirement
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Develop annual research plans to generate impactful information to generate support for Bikeability strategy with decision makers, public and media
Active Travel England engagement
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Lead monthly reporting and scrutiny meetings for Active Travel to reduce reliance on the CEO for input
Walking and Cycling Alliance (WACA)
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Lead Bikeability input in the External Affairs group meetings and events to foster closer working relationships and promotion of the Bikeability Trust strategic and impact data to influence policy and campaigning activities
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Prepare briefings for the CEO to attend roundtables, CEO meetings and WACA events
Communications & Research
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Manage the communications function increasing awareness, understanding and support for Bikeability strategy through an impactful communication strategy, marketing, PR, social media, media and campaigns
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Develop and maintain internal communications channels and engaging activities for employees, including Mental Health awareness, and regular staff surveys
HR and Governance
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Maintain internal policies recommending changes to Trustees for approval and annual audit of policies
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Maintain HR function jointly with the CEO across Bikeability with a focus on developing talent, succession planning, performance and appraisals systems. Seek input from external suppliers as required on HR
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Develop leadership and management capability across the Trust
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Develop organisational competence in strategic planning, business development and regulatory issues
General Duties
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Provide support and leadership insight across the organisation
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To undertake other related tasks as directed by the CEO or Board of Trustees
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Ensure all systems and procedures are in line with best practice and relevant legislation including GDPR.
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Recognise the need to be flexible when working for a small organisation and carry out other duties that may be required
Person specification
The successful applicants will have:
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A first or higher degree
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Excellent organisational and customer care skills
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Strong written and oral communication skills
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Have a growth and continuous improvement mindset
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Ability to use Microsoft 365 packages including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
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Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently
It is also essential that the post holder has experience or skills in some of the following:
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Strategy development
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Sound strategic planning and a track record of achieving targets
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Policy and public affairs experience
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Charity governance
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Diplomatic Skills to manage complex relationships with a range of stakeholders
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GDPR
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Analysis of complex information
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HR
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Business / operational data analysis
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Commununications, Marketing or PR
Skills
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Exceptional strategic thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills, especially under pressure; ability to set detailed vision and direction across large, complex sets of work
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Leadership style, which encourages, motivates, inspires and develops staff and volunteers
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Excellent communicator (both orally and in writing) with effective listening, influencing and negotiation skills
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Highly effective decision-making skills with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
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Excellent administrative, organisational and IT skills
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Intellectual rigour, financial acumen and the ability to accurately analyse and explain complex issues
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Politically astute, with high levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to flex leadership and communication styles to inspire and motivate different audiences
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Ability to operate in complex governance structures whilst ensuring high standards of probity and transparency are maintained
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Robust programme and project management skills and a track record of delivering complex projects to deadline and budget
The package
The Bikeability Trust offers the successful candidates a competitive salary and:
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Bikeability cycle training
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Generous contributory pension scheme
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38 days annual leave for full time members of staff (including public holidays)
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Employee Assistance Programme
We value staff and a range of experience at the Bikeability Trust, so the person specification is a guide to the skills. We encourage diverse applicants and transferable skills.
Equipping more than five million children with the skills and confidence to cycle on today’s roads

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.