Campaigns and public affairs manager jobs

Salary: £43,680 

Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.

Our office is a short walk from King’s Cross station in London. For this role, we are looking for someone who is London based and can travel to central London at short notice to maximise media and PR opportunities that arise. You will also be expected to come into the office at least one day a week - currently the External Affairs anchor day is on a Wednesday.

Contractually this role is London-based.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave pro rata based on the term of the contract
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Support for staff with caring responsibilities
• Family-friendly culture

How to Apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – see below

Closing date for applications: Sunday 6 September at 23:59

Interview dates: 15th and 16th of September. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams. 

We’ll send assessments and some questions to you in advance so that you can prepare. Let us know if you have any specific needs to be able to fully engage with the process.

Job Information 

The Role

Our media function at Hospice UK is critical to our mission to promote and protect hospice care for all.The Media and PR Manager leads our media strategy, helping to tell our story with ambition and impact – shaping conversations, building national influence and raising the profile of hospice care across the UK.

This post holder will have a sharp eye for a story, be a bold and instinctive media strategist and amplify the voices of people who need to be heard to change minds influence political decision makers and put Hospice UK at the forefront of the debate.

The Team

You will work within the Communications team that sits within the wider External Affairs Directorate. We are around 20 in total, including 4 colleagues based in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Communications team includes colleagues working across content, social and digital, as well as partnership marketing and member communications. 

You will work closely with a smaller team of 3 colleagues, our Senior Social Media Officer, Content and Brand Manager and your line manager – our Senior Communications and Communications Manager. Together you will be involved in the big issues in hospice care, making sure Hospice UK is vocal, visible and leading the debate. 

There is a strong collaborative and supportive culture across the External Affairs Department with lots of opportunity to exchange ideas, plan together and benefit from each other’s skills and expertise.

Working closely with our 200+ hospice members, we have a strong track record of securing strong media coverage and winning campaigns on their behalf, most notably over the two years by securing increased investment in hospices by governments in Westminster, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

But our work is not done. Hospices are under significant pressure and need both better government investment and continued public support. Our focus now is ensuring that hospices can meet ever increasing demand for their services, with well-funded and well-staffed hospices across the UK.

About You

You're a talented and ambitious media professional with a strong instinct for a story and a passion for creating impact. Whether spotting opportunities in a fast-moving news cycle, building trusted relationships with journalists, or developing proactive media campaigns, you know how to secure attention for the issues that matter.

You'll bring significant experience in media, PR or communications, ideally within the charity, health, care or public sector, and have a proven track record of delivering media strategies that drive measurable results. You'll be equally comfortable pitching a compelling human-interest story, translating complex policy issues into engaging content, or providing calm, confident counsel to senior leaders during high-profile or sensitive situations.

We're looking for someone who is proactive, strategic and highly collaborative. You'll have excellent writing skills, strong media contacts (or the ability to build them quickly), and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to elevate the profile of hospice care, ensuring Hospice UK's voice is heard in key national conversations and debates.

If you're excited by the prospect of shaping a new media function, working at the heart of an organisation that champions compassionate end-of-life care, and making a real difference through the power of storytelling and advocacy, we'd love to hear from you.

More information is available in the candidate information pack, which is available on our website to download.

About Us:

Since 1854, Embrace has been serving some of the most marginalised and excluded communities (of all faiths and none) in the Middle East. We support, enable and partner with Christians in the Middle East as they work to transform lives and restore dignity through education, healthcare and community development programmes. Without our staff, this important work simply would not be possible.

We are looking for an Advocacy & Campaigns Officer and Just Peace Coalition Coordinator to help deliver effective advocacy and campaigning, amplify the voices of Christian partners in the Middle East, and mobilise churches, supporters and decision-makers to create positive change.

Role Overview:

Working within the Programmes, Partnerships & Advocacy team and reporting to the Advocacy & Campaigns Manager, you will support research, campaign delivery, communications, church engagement and stakeholder relationships. Around three days per week will support Embrace advocacy and church engagement, with two days coordinating the Just Peace Coalition and it’s Time to Act campaign. You will be organised, collaborative and able to communicate complex issues clearly and sensitively.

For a fuller understanding of the role, including the key responsibilities and the skills and experience required, please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification.

Location: High Wycombe/Hybrid (minimum one day a month in the office, plus extra as required).

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years.

Staff benefits at Embrace the Middle East:

• To support every member of staff to work as effectively as possible, Embrace offers remote and flexible working arrangements. This includes flexitime and home-working arrangements.
• Flexitime - start work between 7:30am - 10:00am and finish between 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Our core collaborative working hours are between 10:00am to 3:00pm.
• Pension - option to join from day 1. Maximum employer contribution of 10%.
• Holiday - 32 days, including 8 bank holidays and a day off work for your birthday, rising to 33 days after 5 years' service and 34 days after 10 years' service, plus 3 days leave between Christmas and the New Year.
• Life Assurance - 3x salary.
• Access to retail discount portal.
• Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling, legal and financial advice) - available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Training and development programme for all employees.
• Commitment to staff health & wellbeing.

For more information and to apply, please visit our jobs page.

Closing date: midday on Friday, 18th September 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy and conduct interviews in advance of the closing date should suitable applications be received.

We're looking for an ambitious and influential Manager, Physics Workforce on a full-time, permanent basis, to lead research, insight and engagement that helps our stakeholders better appreciate and understand the value of physics skills, the workforce challenges facing physics-powered sectors, and identify solutions that make a lasting difference.

Physics for our future. From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, defence, digital technologies and emerging industries, physics skills are critical to economic growth, innovation and solving global challenges. Yet, at the same time, the contribution of physics skills remains poorly understood and often invisible in national workforce conversations. The Institute of Physics is determined to change that.

Why this role matters. Our vision is a world where physics transforms lives, creates opportunity and helps tackle society's biggest challenges. The Manager, Physics Workforce will play a central role in building evidence and supporting the translation of insight into action.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape national conversations. You'll uncover evidence that informs decision-making, develop thought leadership that challenges assumptions, and support the building of partnerships that drive positive change across industry, education and government.

What will I be doing? As Manager, Physics Workforce, you'll help position the IOP as a trusted authority on workforce and physics skills issues. You will:

• Lead high-profile workforce and skills research programmes across the UK and Ireland.
• Develop compelling evidence and insight that supports change and informs decision-making.
• Translate complex evidence into clear, persuasive narratives that inspire action.
• Produce influential reports, briefings and thought leadership.
• Identify emerging workforce trends and opportunities.
• Contribute to skills and workforce activity across our strategic priorities of Skills, Science and Society.

In doing the above you'll help:

• Raise awareness of the economic value of physics skills.
• Influence workforce and skills policy and investment at national and regional levels.
• Support physics-powered sectors to thrive.
• Raise the visibility of pathways into physics-powered careers.
• Ensure evidence drives action across the physics skills ecosystem.
• Help create a stronger, more diverse and more future-ready workforce.

Who will I work with? You'll engage with a diverse network of influential stakeholders, including industry leaders and employers; sector bodies and workforce experts; policymakers and strategic influencers; members of our physics community, and colleagues across the IOP.

This is a role for a strategic thinker, someone who enjoys collaboration and working across organisational and sector boundaries.

About you. You're naturally curious, motivated by impact and comfortable navigating complex challenges. You know how to turn evidence into influence and insight into action.

You may already be working in:

• Workforce development, skills/STEM policy or public affairs, or labour market research and analysis.

Most importantly, you'll bring:

• Exceptional research and analytical capability, with the ability to create compelling narratives from data and evidence.
• Domain knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the skills ecosystem.
• Strong project and programme leadership experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A track record of delivering work that informs decisions and drives change.

Why join the Institute of Physics, the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland? The IOP is a friendly, inclusive and ambitious organisation, where diversity and inclusion are central to how we work. We focus on supporting our people to thrive, offering competitive pay, great development opportunities and a generous benefits package.

Some of our benefits include:

• An excellent pension scheme
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, dental insurance and a healthcare cash plan
• Eye care vouchers, annual flu vaccinations, long service awards and access to an employee assistance programme
• 25 days’ annual leave as a standard, rising to a maximum of 30 days with continued service, in addition to floating bank holidays (that can be taken flexibly)
• Exceptionally flexible working opportunities (see below for more details)

Our current strategy, Physics for our future, is built around three priorities: Skills. Science. Society. Everything we do is focused on creating positive impact through those priorities. As a core part of our Workforce and HE team, you will have an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to all three.

If you're excited by the idea of combining research, influence, stakeholder insight and thought leadership to tackle some of the most important workforce challenges facing physics-powered sectors, we'd love to hear from you!

How to apply. Alongside your CV, please include a cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification. Where possible, please give examples of thought leadership you have developed and the impact it had.

We’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive culture for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know as we’re always happy to help.

Please note whilst we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role, we warmly encourage applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK and Ireland.

How will I be working? We operate a flexible, trust based working model that gives colleagues autonomy over how, when and where they work, while recognising the value of in person collaboration. You will be assigned a base office, with hybrid working offered as standard.

You will engage in regular in person collaboration with your team (as operationally appropriate), as well as with colleagues across the wider organisation, to ensure effective operational alignment and to support our inclusive approach to working.

As an organisation we also meet in person once a quarter at our Head Office in the Kings Cross area of London. 

Role: Habitats and Fisheries Campaign Officer

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Location: Hybrid working. Cornwall or London office three days per week, home working two days per week.

Job Purpose

Oceana is looking for a talented and motivated campaign officer to join our team at a critical and exciting moment for our campaigns.

The role will support our Campaign Manager to deliver measurable progress to ensure the UK’s marine protected areas are fully protected from heavy industry such as industrial bottom trawling and dredging.  You will also be focused on delivering campaign actions aimed at ending overfishing, once and for all. You will help Oceana embed its role as a leading organisation in the marine NGO space in the UK, and drive forward bold campaign actions that inspire meaningful and long-lasting change. 

Eligible candidates should have some experience in campaigning, but we’re equally looking for passion, motivation and a drive to protect the ocean. You should be a self-starter, with a strong ability to work independently and as part of a small team.

The position will be hybrid, based three days per week (Tues-Thurs) in Oceana’s UK offices in Newquay, Cornwall or Paddington, London. Regular national, and occasional international, travel will be required to meet team members and stakeholders in geographically diverse locations, including Washington, Dc

Responsibilities 

• Support the delivery of Oceana’s campaigns on protecting marine habitats and ending overfishing, working with the campaign manager and other colleagues.
• Co-ordinate specific campaign actions within our Habitats and Overfishing campaigns, and draft campaign letters, assets and briefings as directed by the Campaign Manager.
• Commission and coordinate consultants to produce creative campaigning outputs, working closely with the rest of the team. 
• Support the development and delivery of engaging digital campaign actions, contributing to concept development and creating campaign actions through Engaging Networks and other digital platforms.
• Support the effective convening of diverse stakeholders, coordinating logistics, undertaking administrative tasks, and organising online and in-person meetings and events.
• Support public affairs engagement activities, including liaising with parliamentary offices, drafting correspondence and parliamentary questions, and attending stakeholder meetings.
• Monitor parliamentary activity across campaign areas and maintain accurate, up-to-date records within the parliamentary engagement database.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the political climate, and latest science and policy developments, around fisheries and marine habitat protection.
• Gather and catalogue evidence and insights to support lobbying and campaign actions, and public mobilisation.
• Work closely with the UK Communications team at Oceana to ensure that all campaign communications are in line with Oceana’s brand, campaign goals, science, and evidence.
• Actively participate in key policy and campaign events to defend and advance Oceana campaign goals.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders, helping to advance Oceana's campaign objectives with audiences ranging from supporters and community groups to policymakers.
• Represent Oceana externally in relevant networks, with partners and in the media as needed.
• Regularly monitor campaign progress in line with agreed KPIs and contribute to wider organisational monitoring and evaluation processes as required.
• Contribute to annual internal campaign planning cycle.
• Other campaign and administrative tasks as required to support the campaigns team.
• Other responsibilities as appropriate and necessary to achieve campaign and organisational objectives.

Candidate Requirements

   Education and work experience:

• At least two years of professional experience in campaigning or a related field.
• Experience supporting successful public campaigns that directly challenge policy makers. 
• Familiarity with marine and climate issues, regulations and policies in the UK, as well as with key institutions and decision-making processes. 
• Experience working with or coordinating NGO networks/coalitions on a campaign issue. 
• Degree-level qualification in any subject, or equivalent experience, with a demonstrated interest in campaigning, public affairs, communications, advocacy, or environmental issues (desirable but not essential).

   Skills and knowledge

• Strong written communication skills, including drafting briefings, correspondence and campaign materials.
• Research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information and identify key insights.
• Understanding of UK parliamentary and political processes.
• Ability to confidently communicate campaign messages to a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, and ability to work collaboratively with staff and other organisations.
• Strong co-ordination skills, with demonstrable experience effectively supporting multiple workstreams and prioritising multiple tasks, projects and timelines.
• Good understanding of the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and a proven commitment to improving these in the environmental space. 
• Integrity and the ability to work with confidential information with discretion.
• A passion for UK seas and delivering a healthy ocean in general. 

Application Deadline: 13 September 2026 

Interviews: From 24 September 2026

Senior External Affairs Adviser
Contract type: Permanent
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours
Location: Hybrid to our London, Shipley or Glasgow offices (typically once a month in office)
Salary range: £43,000 - £48,000

About us

At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.

Our organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good.

About the role

Join Macmillan Cancer Support as a Senior External Affairs Adviser, where you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering impactful change and external affairs strategies across the UK. Your work will focus on delivering at-scale change for people with cancer, particularly the most marginalised groups.

The External Affairs team is central to Macmillan’s work shaping change and influencing decision makers across the UK, and a key part of your role will be building and stewarding relationships with our external stakeholders.

As a Senior External Affairs Adviser you’ll work flexibly across a whole range of influencing projects to shape the political agenda, which might be in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, at a regional level in England and in Westminster, reflecting our ambitious plans to deliver change for people with cancer across the whole of the UK.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level advice to develop external affairs strategies aligned with Macmillan’s mission.
• Lead cross-functional external affairs projects that are evidence-based and impactful.
• Develop and manage relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, civil servants and healthcare providers.
• Provide high-quality insight and briefings to senior colleagues on the political landscape, and what the external opportunities and risks are.
• Anticipate shifts within the external environment and adapt approaches to maintain our relevance and influence.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure policy positions are strategic and evidence-based.
• Represent Macmillan at external events, advocating for improvements in cancer care.
• Coordinate campaigns to influence public policy and funding decisions.

About you

The successful candidate will have...

• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive external contexts, making sound judgements on tone and messaging.
• Strong understanding of operating within a four-nations context and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior politicians and civil servants.
• Expertise in analysing complex policy issues and developing impactful, evidence-based policy positions.
• Strong organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging issues.
• Excellent communication skills which are adaptable for external and internal audiences.
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams or on multi-disciplinary projects.

Recruitment process

Application deadline: 23:59 on Monday 31st August
1st stage interview dates: Virtual interviews will be held on the week commencing 7th September
2nd stage interview dates: Virtual interviews will be held on the weeks commencing 14th or 21st September

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.

Job Title: Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager

Reporting to: Director of Campaigns

Line reports: None

Salary: £44,350 per annum pro-rata (£ 35,480 per annum for 4 days per week)

Hours: 4 days (30 hours) or 5 days (37.5 hours) per week, with flexibility over working hours (core hours are 10.00-16.00).

Duration: 1-year contract renewable subject to funding

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: London/Hybrid – minimum 2 days in the office (core days in the office are Tues & Weds) further office attendance is encouraged

Anti-oppressive statement

Foodrise is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Read our full Equity, Justice and Anti-oppression statement.

Inclusive Recruitment

We have an opt-in Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme for candidates who declare a disability and/or are a person of colour and meet the essential criteria of the role profile. The scheme aims to provide a first-stage interview for candidates who meet the essential criteria of the role and opt in to the scheme.

If you would like to be considered under this scheme you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. You should take time to provide examples that you meet each of the essential criteria in your cover letter. Please ensure you select the relevant tick box on the application page ‘Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme’.

We are always happy to speak to candidates informally about the role before applying and encourage you to do so by contacting us.

About Us

Foodrise is a charity transforming the food system for climate, nature and justice. 

We take bold action to uncover the root causes of injustice in our food system and expose how corporate power exploits people and the planet, while building truly just and resilient alternatives from the ground-up.

We speak truth to power. We take risks. We act where and when others won’t.

From launching legal action and producing hard-hitting research to working directly with local communities, we drive systemic change across food and farming, powered by grassroots energy and backed by the facts.

We exist to say what others won’t, do what others don’t, and never settle for “it can’t be done”. Change is possible, and we are rising to make it happen.

We are based in the UK and the Netherlands. See more about us on our website.

About the Role

The Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager is a brand-new role for Foodrise. The successful candidate will lead on developing our first public and parliamentary affairs strategy to engage with political representatives and policymakers to advance our campaigning objectives and ensure progress towards our new strategic goals:

• Dismantling the animal industrial complex and supporting the transition to plant-rich food
• Eroding the social licence of large supermarkets and building alternative food economies

Ultimately, this role is about securing wins to meet our vision of a greener, fairer food system, where food is a commons, not a commodity.

This role is key to shaping public policy and legislative outcomes by building relationships, influencing decision-makers, and positioning Foodrise as an ambitious yet trusted voice in Westminster, Holyrood and amongst civil society across the UK. This role will work collaboratively with colleagues across campaigns, so would suit an adaptive candidate with strong communication skills, keen to advocate for Foodrise.

Job Description

Parliamentary and Public Affairs Strategy

• Develop and deliver a public affairs strategy aligned with organisational priorities and campaigns
• Identify and maximise opportunities to influence legislation, policy development, and public debate
• Monitor the UK political landscape, including Parliament, Government departments, and devolved administrations

Political Engagement & Influencing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants, special advisers, and political stakeholders
• Lead engagement with All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), select committees, and public consultations
• Draft and coordinate parliamentary briefings, speeches, amendments, parliamentary questions and responses
• Work with lawyers to draft proposed legislation and legislative changes in support of our objectives
• Register for the UK lobbying register and keep our account up to date
• Lead high-impact advocacy moments such as parliamentary events, receptions, and policy launches

 Integration of Parliamentary/Advocacy Asks into Foodrise’s Wider Work

• Work closely with campaigns and communications teams to integrate parliamentary and public affairs into campaigns
• Work closely with fundraisers and senior leadership to integrate parliamentary and policy asks in our fundraising and business development
• Ensure consistent and compelling advocacy messaging across all channels
• Provide regular updates and analysis on political developments relevant to the organisation’s work
• Track and evaluate the impact of public affairs activities
• Maintain accurate stakeholder records and engagement logs
• Work closely with our colleagues at Foodrise in the EU to support EU level advocacy where relevant to our campaigns
• Any other relevant tasks as requested by senior colleagues to support the organisation and further our objectives

Ways of Working

• Collaborative by default; independent work is balanced with regular coordination.
• Contribute to the development and embedding of anti-oppressive work across the organisation
• Flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities.
• Present and available for colleagues, including regular in‑office presence.
• Proactive in communication, planning, and follow‑through.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Network

• Extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, or political advocacy (at least 7 years’ working experience)
• Strong understanding of the UK political system, legislative processes, and policy-making
• Networks within the UK political and policy systems
• Knowledge of the key issues in food systems, environment and/or climate in the UK

Essential Skills

• Demonstrable experience of influencing political representatives, policymakers and delivering policy or campaign wins
• Excellent writing, analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively; build, maintain and develop flexible working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring to Foodrise

• A can-do attitude, flexibility and adaptability, alongside a willingness to pitch in on delivery and help colleagues across the team, recognising that Foodrise is a small, nimble organisation with fast-changing priorities.
• An understanding of anti-oppressive practice and how it applies to Foodrise’s work and the role, and the ability to represent diverse perspectives through the work of the organisation.
• Sharing Foodrise’s values: audacity, collaboration, impact, celebration, solidarity.
• Willingness to undertake some limited travel domestically and abroad.

What We Offer

• Personal training and wellbeing funds
• Regular team socials
• Workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech scheme
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-4pm)

How to Apply

Please apply via Charity Jobs with:

• Your CV (no longer than 2 A4 pages total) 
• A cover letter (no longer than 1 A4 page) explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification with examples, and why you would like to work at Foodrise. 

Deadline to apply: 10am, Tuesday 22nd September

Successful candidates for interview will be notified by Thursday 24th September.

Shortlisted candidates will be sent our new strategy ahead of the interview, along with details of an hour-long written task to be completed at home – this will be sent prior to the interview at a time convenient for you.

First round interviews will be held on Thursday 1st October.

Second round interviews will be held on Thursday 8th October.

Sign up to join our Recruitment Q&A Zoom session on Wednesday 2nd September, 12-1pm. Our HR & Operations Manager will talk through the recruitment process and answer any questions you may have. Please note that this session is focussed on the recruitment process. If you have any questions specific to the role, please contact us.

For any questions, access requirements, or if you require the job description in a different format, please contact us.

AI policy – We understand that you may use AI to help with your application, however we want to hear your authentic voice throughout your application.

We are entering a period of unprecedented opportunity. Advances in treatment, increasing recognition of the condition, and growing awareness of healthcare inequalities provide a unique chance to strengthen our impact and expand our reach across the UK. Our ambition is bold: to engage and support at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community as members within the next five years, creating a movement that is representative, influential and impossible to ignore.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a thriving national community of people affected by myasthenia, ensuring that individuals and families feel connected, represented and empowered. They will transform community insight into meaningful campaigns, influence policy and healthcare decision-making, and position myaware as the authoritative voice for everyone affected by the condition.

Success in this role will be measured not only by influence and campaigning outcomes, but by the growth, engagement and mobilisation of our community. The Director will play a central role in delivering our ambition to reach, engage and retain 50% of the UK's myasthenia population as members and active supporters within five years, creating a change-maker movement that is representative of our goals.

Key Responsibilities

Community Growth and Engagement

• Contribute towards the development and delivery of a comprehensive membership growth strategy aimed at engaging at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community within five years.
• Build a deep understanding of the patient journey and identify opportunities to connect with people from diagnosis onwards.
• Lead the development of services, programmes and engagement approaches that increase membership recruitment, retention and participation.
• Ensure that people affected by myasthenia are at the heart of all organisational decisions, campaigns and strategic priorities.
• Create pathways for members, volunteers, supporters and ambassadors to actively contribute to myaware's work.
• Use data, insight and market intelligence to measure community reach, identify underserved groups and drive continuous improvement.

Campaigning, Policy and Influence

• Develop and implement a national campaigning and influencing strategy focused on awareness, equity of care, access to treatment and service improvement.
• Position myaware as a leading voice within healthcare, policy and rare disease discussions across the UK.
• Build strategic relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards, NICE, clinicians, researchers, industry partners and allied charities.
• Lead public affairs activity, including consultation responses, parliamentary engagement, policy briefings and stakeholder events.
• Ensure lived experience evidence informs policy development, healthcare decision-making and treatment access discussions.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organisational strategy and performance.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and measurable impact.
• Work closely with fundraising, communications, partnerships, and service delivery colleagues to maximise organisational reach and effectiveness.

Awareness and Public Engagement

• Increase awareness and understanding of myasthenia among healthcare professionals, policymakers, media and the public.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen myaware's visibility, reputation and influence.
• Support the development of compelling campaigns, media activity and storytelling that inspire engagement and drive action.
• To be the spokesperson for myaware.

What Success Looks Like

Within five years, the postholder will have:

• Led significant growth in membership, progressing towards engaging at least 50% of the UK's myasthenia community.
• Increased participation in surveys, campaigns, events, volunteering and lived-experience activities.
• Established myaware as the recognised national voice for people affected by myasthenia.
• Secured meaningful influence in policy, healthcare and treatment access discussions.
• Generated evidence of improvements in awareness, service delivery, treatment access and patient representation.
• Built a highly engaged and empowered community capable of driving change at local, national and system levels.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, healthcare, membership, public affairs or advocacy sectors.
• Proven success in growing and engaging communities, memberships, movements or supporter bases at scale.
• Experience developing and delivering campaigning, influencing or public affairs strategies that have achieved measurable outcomes.
• Strong track record of building relationships with senior external stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience using data, insight and lived experience to shape organisational priorities and influence strategy.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Outstanding strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of community mobilisation, supporter engagement and membership growth.
• Ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into compelling public narratives and calls to action.
• Strong analytical and performance management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production and patient-centred approaches.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Ambitious about building one of the UK's most engaged rare disease communities.
• Passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.
• Collaborative and inspiring.
• Politically astute and credible with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, innovative and outcomes focused.
• Motivated by creating lasting change for people living with long-term health conditions.

Why Join Us?

myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

This is a rare opportunity to build a community movement capable of transforming lives. You will lead the growth of a national membership community, shape policy and healthcare conversations, and help ensure that every person affected by myasthenia feels informed, supported, represented and connected.

Together, we aim to ensure that within five years, at least half of everyone living with myasthenia in the UK knows, trusts and actively engages with myaware as their community, their advocate and their voice.

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Friday.4th September

Provisional interview dates will be week commencing: 28.9.26

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

ABOUT CHEFS IN SCHOOLS

Chefs in Schools exists to improve children’s health and futures through better school food and meaningful food education.

We work alongside schools and catering teams to transform what children eat every day, particularly in communities facing the greatest barriers to good health. We combine practical support, training, operational expertise and sector influence to help schools serve fresh, nutritious food that children want to eat.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and are ambitious about both impact and scale. We want every child to have access to excellent school food and a real food education, regardless of background.

We are a values-led organisation - bold, honest, collaborative, innovative and focused on solutions.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

You will lead the delivery of Chefs in Schools External Affairs function, ultimately ensuring there is widespread recognition that poor quality school food is unacceptable. Through integrated media, digital and advocacy work, you’ll ensure quality school food is viewed as a vital tool for healthy development and food literacy. 

You will turn strategic direction into coordinated delivery, leading a multidisciplinary team that increases our influence, strengthens our reputation and helps achieve meaningful improvements in school food.

Working closely with External Affairs colleagues and Chief Executive, you will ensure our public profile, policy influence and media work reinforce one another, while creating the management capacity required for a growing organisation. This builds on the new functional structure where media and content, policy and campaigns, and the School Food Review programme all sit within External Affairs.

We want Chefs in Schools to become the most trusted and recognisable voice in the conversation around school food and food literacy. This role will play a central part in building that influence and recognition.

We are looking for somebody who understands that influence is built through consistency, credibility, creativity and cultural relevance as much as through formal communications activity alone. 

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the External Affairs team.

• Translate organisational strategy into clear plans and objectives.

• Ensure media, content creation, campaigns, policy and coalition activity reinforce one another.

• Set priorities and allocate resources across competing work.

• Develop team capability through coaching, support and performance management.

• Contribute to organisational strategy and annual planning.

• Advise on reputational opportunities and risks.

• Ensure innovation is embedded at the heart of our work and approach.

• Deputise at SLT level where appropriate.

• Represent the organisation externally.

• Build a collaborative, ambitious, solutions-focused culture.

Operational planning

• Develop and oversee the annual External Affairs plan in line with strategy.

• Coordinate campaign calendars, policy priorities, publications and media moments.

• Ensure external activity supports fundraising, programmes and partnerships.

• Monitor delivery against KPIs and adjust plans where required.

Campaigns and public engagement

• Provide strategic oversight of policy development and campaigning.

• Challenge and refine policy recommendations before publication.

• Ensure campaigns are evidence-led and aligned with organisational strategy.

• Support relationships with government, sector leaders and coalition partners.

• Build strong relationships with media, MPs, councillors and key stakeholders.

Media & communications

• Oversee media strategy and organisational messaging.

• Ensure consistency across press, social media, website, publications and events.

• Identify media moments and hard hitting stories that will hit the headlines. 

• Sign off major messaging and communications.

• Lead communications planning around major announcements or crises.

School Food Review 

• Provide strategic oversight of the School Food Review programme.

• Ensure coalition work complements Chefs in Schools wider influencing strategy.

• Support senior relationships with coalition partners and funders.

• Remove barriers to delivery for the Programme Manager.

Budget & governance

• Manage the External Affairs budget.

• Ensure safeguarding, risk management and governance requirements are met.

• Oversee procurement of agencies and consultants.

ABOUT YOU

Essential experience and skills

• Significant senior leadership experience across media relations, campaigns, policy or public affairs.

• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong operational planning skills.

• Excellent political judgement.

• Experience influencing senior stakeholders.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication.

• Strong project and budget management.

• Comfortable balancing long-term strategy with fast-paced reactive work.

• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and digital channels. 

• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and visual. 

• Experience of working with MPs and other key stakeholders.

• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Chefs in Schools.

Desirable

• Education, food systems or public health experience.

• Coalition leadership.

• Charity senior management.

• Experience working with ministers, journalists and on national campaigns.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

We know that strong candidates may not meet every single requirement listed in this job description.

If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution to our mission, we would encourage you to apply.

We are committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation where people from different backgrounds, experiences and communities can thrive.

The British Psychological Society is the membership and representative body for psychologists and the wider psychological professions in the UK.

We are seeking a Senior Policy & Public Affairs Adviser to join our friendly Policy & Public Affairs team. This is a great opportunity to support the BPS’ advocacy and policy objectives, helping ensure that the views and expertise of psychologists are heard by key decision makers.

The Senior Policy & Public Affairs Adviser works across member networks, political and government stakeholders, analysing policy developments and seeking opportunities to influence national policy on behalf of our members. Our members work across a range of sectors, including health, education, justice, sports and exercise, so the post-holder will be required to collaborate with a wide range of members, teams and external partners to deliver impactful outcomes and shared goals.

Why join us?

• Influence policy on nationally significant issues across the UK
• Work directly with politicians, government officials and senior stakeholders
• Collaborate with leading psychologists and subject matter experts
• Represent a respected professional body with a trusted voice
• Play a visible role in delivering policy change.

What you'll be doing

• Drive policy development and produce briefing materials
• Monitor Westminster, Whitehall and other administrations
• Manage consultations and consultation responses
• Represent BPS at policy forums and stakeholder groups
• Build strong relationships with members and policymakers.

Who will thrive in this role?

We are looking for someone with significant experience of working in a policy, public affairs or political capacity with a strong understanding of Westminster and political decision-making.

Oral and written communication must be your strength, with the ability to influence, engage and build relationships with different audiences and stakeholders. The post-holder will be required to collaborate across teams and with external partners to deliver impactful policy outcomes.

We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile & flexible working·     
• Generous leave entitlement
• Occupational pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme / free eye care vouchers / Winter flu vaccinations
• Tailored learning & development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Discounts scheme with national organisations

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria in the job profile by 6th September at 23:30. Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be progressed. Interviews will be on-line 23rd-25th September.

The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date.  If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

The Communications team is responsible for informing, inspiring and engaging the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, impact and mission across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity—ensuring consistent, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities. 

The Corporate Communications Manager will be responsible for the development and delivery of clear, consistent and compelling communications that strengthens our reputation and supports the positioning of our organisational narrative and brand.

The role will provide strategic communications support to Corporate Partnerships, Brand, Fundraising and Marketing and the CEO Office. The postholder will oversee the charity’s Annual Report and strategic campaigns and manage a team of four Corporate Communications Officers.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

· Act as the primary communications business partner to Corporate Partnerships, Brand and the CEO Office, providing strategic communications advice and support.

· Develop and deliver communications plans that support organisational priorities, fundraising objectives, strategic partnerships and executive profiling.

· Contribute to planning for major organisational moments, ensuring communications activity is integrated, audience-focused and aligned with ARUK priorities.

· Support the Senior Manager, Corporate & Research Communications in identifying communications opportunities, risks and emerging issues.

Delivery & Oversight

· Lead the development and maintenance of ARUK's communications messaging framework, including key messages, narrative tools and supporting communications materials.

· Oversee delivery of executive communications, including briefings, speeches,  LinkedIn content, thought-leadership materials and speaking opportunities where required.

· Manage the production of flagship publications, including the Annual Report and Dementia Attitudes Monitor, and the communications outputs to support these.

· Provide communications support for major strategic partnerships, organisational announcements and corporate campaigns.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide effective team management, role-modelling ARUK’s leadership values.

· Line manage Corporate Communications Officers, setting goals, overseeing workloads and providing positive and constructive feedback and supporting professional development.

· Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture that reflects ARUK's values and supports continuous improvement.

· Ensure team priorities, workflows and resources are aligned to organisational needs and strategic communications objectives.

Cross-Team & Stakeholder Collaboration

· Work closely with Brand, Strategic Marketing, Media & PR, Content, Research Communications and Fundraising teams to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications delivery.

· Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and act as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders and business partners.

· Identify opportunities to connect specialist communications teams into projects and campaigns to maximise impact and organisational alignment.

Governance, Risk & Quality Assurance

· Ensure communications outputs adhere to ARUK's brand, messaging, accessibility and editorial standards.

· Support the identification and management of reputational issues and communications risks.

· Work with the Metrics & Insights Manager to establish KPIs, measure performance and evaluate the effectiveness of corporate communications activity.

· Lead continuous improvement of corporate communications processes, templates and ways of working.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Significant experience in communications, corporate communications, public affairs, PR or a related communications discipline.

· Experience developing and delivering strategic communications plans that support organisational objectives and enhance reputation.

· Experience acting as a trusted communications adviser or business partner to senior stakeholders.

· Experience developing organisational messaging, narratives, thought-leadership content or executive communications.

· Experience delivering high-profile communications projects, campaigns, publications or stakeholder engagement activities.

· Experience planning and delivering complex projects, managing competing priorities, stakeholders, budgets and external suppliers.

· Experience managing, developing and motivating teams

· Excellent written, verbal and editorial communication skills.

· Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling communications activity.

· Ability to develop clear, persuasive and evidence-based messaging for a range of audiences.

· Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.

· Strong project and operational management skills, with the ability to prioritise resources, and deliver multiple projects simultaneously.

· Confident decision-maker with the ability to identify and respond to risks, opportunities and changing priorities.

· Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to support, develop and motivate others.

· Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement.

· High levels of integrity, professionalism and personal accountability

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 £47,000 per annum, plus benefits.

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

The closing date for applications is the 31st August 2026, 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, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. 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. 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 trialsthat 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. 

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

Would you like to help create a brighter future for nature? 

Wildlife and Countryside Link is a coalition of 97 environmental charities. We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help develop, advocate and win policy improvements for nature, with a particular focus on the marine environment. 

The Government has promised to halt the decline of wildlife and protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The marine environment is on the frontline of action – how can we restore habitats at the same time as huge investment in renewable energy? How can we restore fish stocks in a way that supports the future of coastal communities? How can we lead the way on reducing the pollution that is blighting our seas?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help environmental organisations agree bold answers to key questions like these. This role will manage our marine, bycatch and marine mammal working groups to secure ambitious progress of protection and recovery of the marine environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be to work alongside some of the leading experts in marine policy to deliver joint policy that will transform nature at sea.

You will also play a key role in delivering environmental priorities to key influencers in Government and in Parliament. 

So, we are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail, a good networker with the ability to listen and negotiate, and a reasoned and convincing style of written and verbal communication, with a passion for nature conservation.

We are looking for a part-time Communications Manager to support MDP in the communication of our work through social media, press engagement, community storytelling, and organisational communications.

To build migrant power, we need strategic, sharp, engaging, and sometimes humorous content on migrant justice and democracy in the UK. We need to tell the stories of our communities and why the right to vote is essential to different audiences through different channels - online and in the press. This role is perfect for creatives who have skills in graphic design, video editing, and copywriting; and can support the team with creative brainstorming on the latest social media trends, meme formats, cultural references, and political opportunities for posting. You will also manage MDP’s newsletter and website.

TERMS AND BENEFITS

• Fixed term contract for 12 months (with the possibility of extension depending on future grants), £38,000 pro rata (equivalent to £30,400 per year), with a September or October 2026 start.

• 25 days of paid annual leave pro rata, plus bank holidays. In addition, the MDP office closes for two paid weeks over Christmas and New Year.

• 4% pension (3% employer and 5% employee contributions)

• Access to training and mentoring opportunities to develop in the role, if needed.

• Flexibility in working hours and TOIL.

• Central London office space. MDP’s office is in Vauxhall, London. Staff have daily access to the office and the team works from the office together at least once a week.

ABOUT MDP

Migrant Democracy Project (MDP) is building migrant power in the UK. We believe in leveraging the power of democratic participation to create just society for all residents. We build political power by getting migrants registered to vote, we organise for votes for all residents, and we support the leadership development of migrant leaders. We want to build a society where migrants’ interests and needs are heard, included and represented in all levels of UK politics. 

We work in solidarity. We recognise that our struggles, liberation, identities, and oppressions are interconnected. We do not exist in isolation to other communities.

Our fight for migrant justice is tied to queer and trans liberation, racial and disability justice, reproductive freedoms, freedom for Palestine and all oppressed people, anti-capitalism, and beyond.

KEY DUTIES  - Please read the job specification attached document before applying for a full list of duties.

• Communications Strategy Development: Build and implement MDP’s Communications Strategy. Pay attention to breaking news and the activities of MDP staff and wider Champions to develop a communications strategy in-line with MDP’s organising strategy.
• Social Media Content Development: Develop social media content for MDP’s Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts, including graphics, video scripts and captions, working with MDP spokespeople and champions.
• Press and Media Engagement: be the point of contact for all media activity, develop networks with journalists and pitch stories and MDP spokespersons.
• Other Communications: write and design MDP's monthly newsletter, maitain the MDP website and provide input on other external communications.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS - Please read the job specification attached document before applying for a full list of qualifications.

• Experience recording, producing and posting content using a range of social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok

• Excellent communicator who is able to translate often complex topics into accessible content for our community members.

• Experience communicating with journalists, successfully pitching stories, and  working with tight deadlines.

• Experience using design tools (e.g. Canva and Kapwing) 

• Understanding of ethical storytelling practices and experience working with communities to tell their stories

• Excellent organisational skills, keeping track of key events, planning content accordingly;

• Strategic and creative thinking on crafting narratives in support of campaigns and political activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV with the Subject Line “FIRST NAME LAST NAME COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER” by 31 August 2026 and complete the online form following the guidance in the application pack.

MDP is dedicated to the kind of diversity and inclusion that makes our organisation thrive. We highly encourage people to apply who identify as migrants and refugees; women, trans or nonbinary; LGBTQIA+; Black or BIPOC; and disabled.

Please let us know if you have any access needs or requirements. We will work with you to help you achieve your best.

DECISION-MAKING TIMELINE

We are looking for the Communications Manager to start in September or October 2026. The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be scheduled accordingly.

Interview process

● Stage 1: shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 20 minute interview online with the Executive Director.

● Stage 2: if successful after Stage 1, shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 75 minute interview in-person. This will include a practical exercise and questions about your experience. You will have an opportunity to ask us questions as well.

Please download and refer to the full application pack for the job description and follow the application process outlined there.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

About us

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. Our support, advice, information and campaigning work are needed now more than ever, with unpaid carers providing more hours of care than ever before, which is adversely impacting on their finances, health and wellbeing. We exist to make life better for carers and bring about lasting change.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, high performing team. This varied role sits at the heart of the policy and campaigns team, working in the policy detail to support key campaigns as well as media functions, including lots of interaction with supporters and carers. The role plays a vital part in delivering the charity’s core aims to make life better for carers. Working closely with our communications team, this role spans across media, policy, public affairs and campaigns.

About you

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Do you have media or campaigns work experience? Do you want to make life better for unpaid carers? Then this could be the ideal role for you!

We’re looking for a diligent and organised individual, who has an eye for details and the ability to juggle a varied workload. Collaborative in approach, you’ll have exceptional written communication skills and an interest in media and policy.

Diversity and inclusion

Carers UK is committed to becoming a diverse and truly inclusive organisation; fostering an environment and working culture that celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion.  We strive to create a workplace where our colleagues and volunteers can truly be themselves and feel like they belong and constantly seek to ensure all voices are heard.

To embrace this culture of diversity, our employee and volunteer recruitment should reflect our stakeholders and the society that we serve and support, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, disabilities or religious practices. We value individual diversity and are actively building diverse teams here at Carers UK and value our colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds.

As a membership charity for carers, we particularly seek employees and volunteers with a real understanding of the issues faced by carers. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the process and role, dependent on the needs of the applicant.

We are proud to be an Employers for Carers member. We have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and achieved the Disability Confident Employer accreditation. We aim to offer interviews to those who have a disability covered under the definition outlined in the Equality Act 2010 and who meet the minimum criteria for the role. The minimum criteria can be found under the Essential section of the Person Specification of the recruitment pack. Please let us know if your application is being made under the Disability Confident Scheme. You are not required to share the nature of your disability or long term health condition. You will need to state in your email application that you are making your application under the Disability Confident Scheme as you consider yourself to be disabled, or as having a disability. If you meet the minimum criteria then you will be offered an interview.

At Carers UK we want our application process to be as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to apply please contact us to discuss.  

The closing date for applications is 5pm, Tuesday 22 September.

Carers UK anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Carers UK reserves the right to appoint at any stage, should an outstanding candidate emerge.

There will be a two stage interview process

Carers UK may carry out online and social media checks before a formal offer is made.