Communications and policy officer jobs in manchester

This role is homebased with regular travel to North East and Yorkshire, and occasional travel to Birmingham for team meetings.

Are you a communications professional looking for an exciting and rewarding new role? Apply for the Regional Communications Officer job vacancy at homelessness charity Emmaus UK.

About Emmaus

Emmaus is a secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as long as it is needed, meaningful work experience in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging and community. There are currently 29 Emmaus communities in the UK stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, collectively supporting more than 850 people. There are also 3 Emmaus groups working towards the development of services in their areas. We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers.

About the role

Our team of Regional Communications Officers support Emmaus communities and groups to increase their profile and engage supporters. You will work closely with up to four Emmaus charities to identify their communications needs, plan and deliver work to help achieve their goals.

Who are we looking for?

We require someone with excellent skills and knowledge in communications, public relations and marketing with at  least two years’ experience working in a busy and varied communications role. Although not essential, knowledge and understanding of homelessness and the charity sector would also be an advantage.

Within this hybrid role, you can be based at home or in an Emmaus community. Wherever you are located, maintaining ongoing positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders is vitally important. This role will suit someone located in Yorkshire or the North East as regular travel (usually at least one community visit per week) will be required to South Shields, Leeds and Hull.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and seeing a long-lasting impact, then this is the perfect time for you to get involved and join Emmaus.

What we offer

· £30,400 per annum pro rata

· Working hours: 4 days per week (30 hours), Monday to Friday

· Contract: Permanent

· Pension: Stakeholder pension with 6% employer contribution

· Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 3 concessionary days leave

· Training & development:  Individually tailored induction, ongoing training and development

· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year

· Employee assistance: 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available

· Wellbeing: Weekly wellbeing hour to promote personal wellbeing

· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role

· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary

To apply

To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us by midnight on Sunday 13 July 2025

Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.

Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Monday 21 July 2025.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us.

Equal Opportunities

Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristic, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for our roles, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.

This role is homebased with regular travel to South West and London, and occasional travel to Birmingham for team meetings.

Are you a communications professional looking for an exciting and rewarding new role? Apply for the Regional Communications Officer job vacancy at homelessness charity Emmaus UK.

About Emmaus

Emmaus is a secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as long as it is needed, meaningful work experience in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging and community. There are currently 29 Emmaus communities in the UK stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, collectively supporting more than 850 people. There are also 3 Emmaus groups working towards the development of services in their areas. We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers.

About the role

Our team of Regional Communications Officers support Emmaus communities and groups to increase their profile and engage supporters. You will work closely with up to four Emmaus charities to identify their communications needs, plan and deliver work to help achieve their goals.

Who are we looking for?

We require someone with excellent skills and knowledge in communications, public relations and marketing with at  least two years’ experience working in a busy and varied communications role. Although not essential, knowledge and understanding of homelessness and the charity sector would also be an advantage.

Within this hybrid role, you can be based at home or in an Emmaus community. Wherever you are located, maintaining ongoing positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders is vitally important. This role will suit someone located in the South West or London as regular travel (usually at least one community visit per week) will be required to Bristol, Gloucester and London.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and seeing a long-lasting impact, then this is the perfect time for you to get involved and join Emmaus.

What we offer

· £30,400 per annum pro rata

· Working hours: 4 days per week (30 hours), Monday to Friday

· Contract: Permanent

· Pension: Stakeholder pension with 6% employer contribution

· Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 3 concessionary days leave

· Training & development:  Individually tailored induction, ongoing training and development

· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year

· Employee assistance: 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available

· Wellbeing: Weekly wellbeing hour to promote personal wellbeing

· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role

· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary

To apply

To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us by midnight on Sunday 13 July 2025

Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.

Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Monday 21 July 2025.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us.

Equal Opportunities

Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristic, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for our roles, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.

Sex Education Forum was founded in 1987 and became an independent charity in 2021. We convene over 70 Partner organisations, working together to make sure that the relationships and sex education (RSE) young people get is right for them. We influence national policy, are a respected voice in the media and contribute to ground-breaking research on RSE. By working in partnership with young people and training educators who work with some of the most marginalized young people, we know what changes are needed to make RSE the best it can be. We will soon be launching a new three-year strategy and have secured multi-year funding to further embed youth inclusion in our work. The Communications Manager will be a new role, working closely with the CEO and staff team, enabling us to realise the ambitions of our strategy.

We are seeking to appoint someone with a depth and breadth of communications skills. The successful candidate must be a strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal skills and have values aligned with ours. Your ability to lead and deliver our communications functions will enable us to platform young people, engage with a diverse range of professionals and communicate effectively to stakeholders including funders, government, Parliamentarians and the public.

This is an incredible opportunity for a communications specialist to bring your creativity and skillset to a thriving, innovative and highly respected national charity. This will be a rewarding role, with huge potential to grow your management and leadership skills to empower others and to make a difference to the lives of children and young people.

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants that reflect the diversity of educators and young people that Sex Education Forum seeks to support.

Funding has been secured which provides scope for extension of the fixed term contract. 

This is a permanent full-time role, home based with regular UK wide travel.

This is a key role supporting the NFF team to amplify the experience of flooded people and the work of the National Flood Forum.  We’re looking for a proactive and people-focused Communications & Campaigns Manager to join our team. This role will support national campaigns, amplify our key messages and activity across regions, platforms and stakeholders. You will be a key contact and will help us tell powerful stories about flooding and flooded people.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Storytelling

Proven experience translating community activity and project work into compelling stories and campaigns that amplify the voices of those affected by flooding.

A track record of contributing creative ideas to increase awareness of an organisation’s work and impact.

Demonstrated ability to adapt messaging effectively for diverse audiences, including policymakers, partners, media, and communities.

Content Creation & Digital Media

• Create engaging digital and written content, including newsletters, blogs, website content, case studies, and social media posts.
• Support and build on the development of the NFF’s website
• Drive integrated campaign work by aligning digital, press, and stakeholder communications.
• Identify and utilise external opportunities (e.g. climate events, flooding anniversaries, policy milestones) to share relevant content.
• Create a bank of case studies to highlight the issues flooded people face.

Campaigns & Public Engagement

• Proven experience coordinating campaign timelines and content plans to support effective campaign delivery.
• Experience reporting on campaign performance and reach, with the ability to support teams in evaluating impact.
• Demonstrated skills in organising, planning, and supporting events—both online and in person—to help regional teams effectively share their work.

Media & External Relations

• Identify and cultivate relationships with the media, write press releases and media materials and identify case studies or spokespeople.
• Build strong working relationships with community flood groups to help them share their stories in the media.
• Monitor media coverage and engage with media opportunities aligned with NFF’s mission.

Internal Communications & Capacity Building

• Work with the leader team to manage the internal communications and support staff with templates, messaging guidance, and digital tools.
• Produce and distribute the internal newsletter, gathering updates and impact stories from teams and regional staff.
• Support staff and volunteers with communications training and briefings to build confidence and skills.

Knowledge Management & Brand Consistency

• Keep internal communication and campaign assets up to date.
• Feed insights from staff and communities into the improvement of communication tools and templates.
• Work to ensure consistent branding and accessibility across all channels.

Day-to-Day Activities

· You will create content for a variety of audiences and stakeholders in a number of different formats  

· Working with colleagues you will drive forward and support social media management

· You will work with the team to help shape and deliver campaigns on the issues that matter most to flooded people

· You will support the development of the NFF’s website & support digital updates

· You will be the main point of contact for local and national media and public relations

· You will carry out Internal Communications

· You will carry out Monitoring & Evaluation activity to ensure campaigns are effective and impactful

· You will ensure that all communications meet any regulatory and compliance requirements

Skills & Knowledge

Communication: Proven ability to write effectively for diverse audiences, including media, online platforms, political stakeholders, and internal teams. Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships.

Storytelling: Outstanding storytelling skills that vividly bring to life the lived experiences of people affected by flooding.

Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated expertise in partnership working and managing a range of stakeholders.

· Empathy: Strong ability to empathise with individuals and communities impacted by flooding.

· Organisation: Highly organised, flexible, and capable of operating at a senior leadership level.

· Collaboration: A collaborative team player with a solution-focused approach.

· Experience: Relevant degree or equivalent practical experience in the field.

How This Role Contributes to Our Strategy

• Raising the NFF profile: Ensuring the work of the NFF and the experience of flooded people is amplified.
• Partnerships: Developing strong relationships with partner organisations.
• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative approach within the organisation.

Safe to Learn is a newly established network of teachers, parents, researchers, policymakers, young people and child safeguarding practitioners, working together to end antisemitism in UK schools. We co-produce evidence-based child safeguarding resources, tools and standards to address antisemitism and improve the school environment for all children, educators and support staff.

Safe to Learn is seeking an Outreach and Communications Specialist to build public awareness, policy engagement, and system-level change. Candidates with the following experience and commitment are encouraged to apply:

1. A demonstrable alignment with our mission and values.
2. A clear commitment to ending antisemitism and understanding of antisemitism, child rights and child safeguarding and their underlying principles.
3. Experience and understanding of the UK education sector.
4. A track-record of delivering high-impact advocacy and communications campaigns to achieve policy objectives. Preferably related to non-discrimination, equality, anti-racism or child rights.
5. Relationship management and network-building skills, including significant experience of engaging with policymakers.
6. Experience of website development and management as well as social media strategy and outreach.
7. Multimedia production skills such as copywriting, video editing and graphic design.
8. Conscientious and motivated, with a high-level of attention to detail.
9. Experience of developing high-quality resources and educational materials for children and educators.
10. A positive, flexible, participatory and consultative approach.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to engage audiences at all levels.

Rosa – the UK fund for women and girls – is looking for a Communications and Marketing Manager to shape
and deliver our communications at a pivotal moment.You’ll lead the delivery of our new 2025–2028 Communications Strategy, driving bold, values-led communications that inspire, influence, and mobilise. From amplifying the voices of grassroots organisations to showcasing fund impact to donors and policymakers, this is a chance to make real
change happen through storytelling, strategy, and connection.

Are you looking for a fully remote, purpose-led and meaningful leadership role, one where you will be dismantling the motherhood penalty for thousands?

Pregnant Than Screwed work sits at the intersection of providing information and support, research, raising awareness, and advocating and campaigning for change – always with a bold, unapologetic commitment to justice for mothers and parents.

Their impact over the last 10 years speaks for itself with 20,000 supported through their one-to-one advice line, successfully influenced key changes in UK law, including the Day-one right to request flexible working, and extended redundancy protection for pregnant women and new mums. Over 150 mentions in Parliament, Thousands of pieces of media coverage, including front-page features in The Times, The Guardian, and The Daily Mail and over 400,000 followers across social media, building a powerful digital movement

Culture and Inclusion

 As Head of Communications and Campaigns, you will work with an amazing CEO, an individual who has the empathy, knowledge and savviness to lead the charity through its next level of growth. She is a progressive and inclusive leader, bold and brave in her actions, knowing that words do not bring about change, only actions. A kind yet fearless leader who will offer freedom, flexibility and personal and career growth. This is a unique opportunity to work with an incredible CEO and shape the future of working mums in the UK forever.

The lived experiences we’d love you to have

Pregnant Than Screwed is not a “box ticker” instead they are a progressive and inclusive employer, one where they value your lived experiences and skills just as much and can see behind any gaps you might have on your CV.

They are seeking a skilled and strategic Head of Communications & Campaigns to lead our external voice, policy influence, and campaign strategy — ensuring our work remains bold, intersectional, and impactful.

This is a senior leadership position, central to our mission. You will be responsible for ensuring PTS is shaping public debate, influencing key decision-makers, and mobilising thousands of parents to take action. You’ll lead the organisation’s media engagement, strategic communications, political advocacy, and campaign delivery.

The role is outward-facing and fast-paced, requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on delivery., which covers:

· Strategic and Inclusive Leadership Across Communications and Campaigns 

· Public Mobilisation, engage, grow and mobilise the PTS supporter base 

· Policy & Advocacy Leadership

· Senior Leadership Team and Governance.

In return for your passion, commitment and hard work, you will receive some of the most competitive benefits across the sector, whilst knowing that every day you are changing the lives of parents, families and the workplace. Your passion for gender equity will be shape the lens through which you storytelling and campaign tirelessly for the good of the millions of women who continue to lose their jobs, get passed over for promotion and face a penalty for being a mum.

Here are just some of the benefits they offer:

· Flexible working is embedded in our culture with employees working different hours, and days of the week.

· 34 days annual leave, including statutory bank holidays. This is pro-rata for part-time staff.

· Paid leave between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

· 2 paid ‘’Wellbeing Days’’. These are days that can be booked off with no notice and no questions asked.

· 5 days paid leave to care for dependents. 

· Participation in a comprehensive workplace pension scheme with contributions from the organisation of 4%

· Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

· 4 days of training per year.

· Work from home onboarding and office set up.

Next steps

We would love you to apply, which is a simple and transparent process, with a screening and interview stage with Scoutess Consultancy (we are a recruitment partner managing this campaign) and a one stage interview with our client w/c 21st July (22nd July interview date). Please note the advert will close on Sunday 13th July at midday, however, you may be contacted earlier if shortlisted.

Senior Communications Officer

We are looking for a creative and strategic communicator to shape the voice of the UK’s National Trails.

Position: Senior Communications Officer
Salary: £32,000 FTE (4 days/week)
Location: Remote, with occasional UK travel
Contract: Part-time (4 days/week), 1-year fixed term
Benefits: 25 days holiday pro rata, plus office closure between Christmas and New Year

Closing Date: Midnight, Saturday 13th July 2025
Interviews: Online 29th July

About the Role

As Senior Communications Officer, you will lead on delivering a bold, inclusive communications strategy, raising the profile of the UK’s National Trails and building awareness of their value for people, places and nature.

You’ll create and manage inspiring, accessible campaigns across digital, social and press channels; support National Trail teams across the UK with comms advice; and help shape public and stakeholder engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to be the voice of a small, national organisation making a big impact.

Key Responsibilities Include:

· Deliver creative, multi-channel communications

· Manage digital channels including the website, LinkedIn and Instagram

· Write and distribute newsletters and member communications

· Develop press relationships, draft media content and secure coverage

· Lead a Communications Special Interest Group across National Trail teams

· Provide accessible comms advice to member organisations

· Support campaigns and events that influence public policy and stakeholder awareness

· Promote representation and inclusion across all content

About You

You’ll be a passionate storyteller with a flair for strategic communications and a commitment to inclusion and representation. Comfortable juggling day-to-day delivery with long-term planning, you’ll be just as happy drafting a press release as coordinating a campaign or advising trail partners.

You will bring:

· Experience of communications delivery across social and press

· Excellent writing, editing and content creation skills

· Knowledge of inclusive and accessible communication practices

· Strong media relations and public engagement experience

· Confidence working independently and with multiple stakeholders

· A passion for the outdoors and increasing access for all

Desirable:

· Experience with membership organisations

· Knowledge of outdoor recreation, heritage or protected landscapes

· Familiarity with policy communications or stakeholder engagement

About the Organisation

The charity is the independent champion of the UK’s National Trails – iconic long-distance walking, cycling and riding routes. Connecting people to nature and the outdoors while advocating for accessible, sustainable trail experiences. Since their formation in 2021, they’ve grown quickly with an ambitious vision for a high quality, nature-rich National Trail network used and valued by all.

To Apply

You will be redirected to the organisation's website where you will be asked to submit a CV and a Covering Letter, please note that applications submitted without a covering letter will not be considered. 

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Communications Manager, Campaigns Officer, Press Officer, Media and PR Officer, Digital Content Officer, Public Affairs Officer, or Marketing and Communications Executive.

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

We are seeking a compassionate, visionary, and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead Mermaids through the next stage of its evolution, dedicated to improving the lives of gender-diverse children and young people, and those who are important to them. As CEO, you will be responsible for driving the charity’s mission, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, affirming support services. You will act as a visible and credible advocate for trans and 
gender-diverse youth, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and influence public policy and sector practice. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will oversee a small committed team, ensure robust financial management with the Chief Operating Officer, and lead fundraising efforts to secure a sustainable future. This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader who brings both strategic acumen and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived 
experience. 
Service Delivery:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all service delivery areas, including support line services, group work,  advocacy, external communications, and policy.
• Ensure services are high quality, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the special people in their lives.
• Lead the continuous improvement and development of service delivery models, ensuring impact, effectiveness, and alignment with the charity’s mission.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and young person-centred practice throughout all service delivery. 
• Act as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, with oversight of on-call, safeguarding training, and ensuring appropriate escalation mechanisms are in place.
• Oversee the design and implementation of advocacy and policy activities, ensuring the charity’s voice is informed by lived 
experience and is impactful at local and national levels.
• Act as a visible and hands-on leader for frontline teams, providing support, supervision, and inspiration to staff and 
volunteers.
• Monitor performance, outcomes, and feedback to ensure services are meeting objectives and delivering positive change 
for beneficiaries.

Governance:
• In partnership with the board of trustees, set and articulate our vision, mission and strategy, and keep this under continual 
review.
• Lead the development and implementation of Mermaid’s strategic plan, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Liaise with the board of trustees to ensure the charity’s governance, structure, policies and procedures are appropriate 
and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing change as necessary. This includes supporting board 
development.
• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to support strong governance and informed decision-making.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on organisational performance, risks, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidance and legislation, including the Charity Commission and the Fundraising 

Finance & Fundraising:
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Trustees, ensure Mermaids has robust, deliverable fundraising 
and finance strategies in place, and subsequent action plans are embedded throughout the organisation to support their 
delivery.
• In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, ensure Mermaids has robust finance, HR, IT, data privacy and governance processes and procedures are embedded.

People and Culture:
• Line manage senior staff including the COO and service delivery managers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive internal culture that values lived experience and wellbeing.
• Continue work to embed a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion across the organisation, as well as a focus on accessibility.
• Work to define and drive trans-centred leadership across the organisation, including ensuring that the organisation is a trans-positive, supportive employer.

External Engagement and Advocacy:
• Represent Mermaids publicly, including acting as the key spokesperson and strategic policy stakeholder, ensuring 
organisational awareness of the external landscape and the changing needs of trans children, young people and their 
families, and advocating for these needs to be met.
• Lead communications strategy, and lead press engagement by responding to media inquiries, interviews, press conferences and media events.
• Lead on stakeholder engagement, including with funders, supporters, community partners, and policy influencers.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the significant others in their lives at a national level.
 

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom. 

We are looking for a Digital Communications Coordinator to cover maternity leave and to support our busy Communications team.

The Digital Communications Coordinator is a key role within CLAPA, responsible for implementing our digital communications strategy to engage and inspire the UK cleft community. This role moves beyond content creation to take ownership of CLAPA’s digital communications across social and email platforms, ensuring online communications are strategic and data-driven. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, this role supports the planning, delivery, and monitoring of campaigns that inform, support, and connect the cleft community in the UK. 

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a good understanding of digital communications and a passion for community engagement. The Coordinator will manage day-to-day digital content, respond to online enquiries, and support internal teams with their communications needs. They will also play an important part in maintaining CLAPA’s brand and voice across all channels, ensuring our communications are accessible, on-brand, and effective. 

NB - We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of strong candidates. 

Salford CVS (Community and Voluntary Services) is the city-wide infrastructure service for the VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector. We support almost 1,000 VCSE groups and organisations in Salford, with 7,000 paid staff and 62,000 volunteers between them. With a 40-strong team of our own, we’ve been making a difference for local residents since 1919, and we have some exciting plans for the future. We’d like you to be part of them.

Helping us break down barriers to employment and enterprise for vulnerable people, you will work closely with our Programme Manager and a wide range of Elevate partners.

From day to day, you will:

• Connect grassroots organisations.
• Maintain relationships with existing employers and bring new businesses on board.
• Work closely with delivery partners to match participants with opportunities.
• Maintain real-time information on vacancies.
• Develop persuasive case studies and features.
• Provide detailed management information that delivers real insight.
• Coordinate publicity programmes, including social media campaigns.
• Roll out consistent reporting tools.
• Drive operational improvements.

In short, you will do everything it takes to demonstrate the life-changing impact Elevate has across Salford, whilst making certain that we respond rapidly and compassionately to the people who need us.

To take on this exceptionally rewarding challenge, you will require:

• Experience of supporting far-reaching projects and programmes, ideally in a social impact setting.
• A structured approach to problem-solving and a clear focus on results.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Outstanding presentation and report writing abilities, with the creativity to bring data to life.
• Real flair for operating on your own initiative.
• Deep passion for tackling inequality and supporting community-led change.

In return, you can expect a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

• Development opportunities.
• 28 days’ holiday (rising to 30 days after five years).
• Pension scheme with 7% employer contribution.
• Subsidised membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund, and much more.

Help us release the potential of the people of Salford and we will do the same for you, giving you the training and development to take your career to the next level.

To learn more and apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: Noon on 10th July 2025

Interview dates: 17th July 2025 (in person)

Employer Policy Specialist

Working Hours: 0.6FTE (full-time equivalent 37.5 hours). There is a degree of flexibility surrounding the working hours which will be determined by the demands of the role.

Salary: 0.6FTE: £40,658 (the full-time equivalent salary is: £67,763).

Start Date: 1st September 2025.

Reporting to: Director of Public Affairs & Policy

Deadline for applications: Friday 18th July 2025, 5pm

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted online on Thursday 24th July

Overview

The DfE has nominated CST as the employer representative for academy trusts for specific purposes (for example, the school support staff negotiating body).  The postholder will be required to work directly with the Department for Education at a senior level to undertake the duties associated with this employer representative role.  CST also wishes to strengthen its support to members on wider matters of employer policy. There is significant scope to shape and develop this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Have a detailed understanding of the terms and conditions of employment of teaching and support staff and the workforce issues affecting the education sector, particularly those influencing recruitment and retention of staff.

• The ability to build relationships with key stakeholders (members, senior DfE officials and ministers) and work closely with other employer representative organisations.

• Working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, build relationships at senior level with trade unions (leadership, teacher and support staff unions).

• Lead on developing CST’s employer policy and guidance, working with our members and commanding their support and respect, and working closely with the policy team.

• Support the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Public Affairs and Policy to influence and respond to government policy in respect of employer policy, including drafting responses to government consultations and being our representative on the DfE’s formally constituted groups.

• Provide professional support and guidance to members on matters relating to employer policy, within the restrictions of what we are insured to do as a professional body.

• Support our HR professional community.

• Speak with authority at events and conferences as CST’s nominated representative on employer policy.

• Offer support to the wider CST policy team in other areas that fall within the postholder’s experience or expertise. This may include occasionally deputising for other team members for example covering for annual leave or sickness absence.

• Any other duties and responsibilities that may be delegated by the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive or Director of Public Affairs and Policy from time to time.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Likely educated to degree level (or holding a similar professional qualification or experience) with significant knowledge and experience of employment matters within the education sector and employer policy.

• The ideal candidate will have experience working at senior level likely within an educational, policy or consultancy setting. Knowledge of schools and the trust sector is essential as is the ability to respond to issues in a way which conveys the practical realities of working in schools.

• A sound understanding of the differences between academy trusts and the maintained sector.

• Secure knowledge of legislation, regulations and policy that affect school trusts.

• Authority and gravitas with the ability to speak up at meetings with senior officials with the required diplomacy and at all times with the members’ interests in mind.

• People-centred, with excellent relational skills, adept at forming and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, members and senior external stakeholders (including policy makers, employer representative organisations and trade unions).

• Output focused, able to execute a range of communications across channels efficiently.

• Fluent and precise, an excellent communicator who writes well.

• The ability to analyse detail and distil key points, identifying matters of concern or interest to school trusts.

• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines, including turning around high-quality responses to members and DfE in short timescales.

• Someone who embodies the Nolan Principles and acts with integrity and discretion.

• Aligned with CST’s aims to promote education for public benefit.

• Skilled at working remotely as part of a close-knit team. Whilst this position is remote (home-based) there will be the requirement to attend in person meetings from time to time.

Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) 

Location: Workplace Offer; Hybrid Working

The position is offered on a 0.6 FTE basis (21.75 hours per week). This role will be home-based but will require travel to Edinburgh and/or other parts of Scotland for in-person meetings as required.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in children's lives through impactful policy and public affairs engagement? Are eager to develop your skills working with Scottish Government, MSPs, and other key decision-makers in Scotland? If so, we want to hear from you. 

Barnardo's is looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) to help shape our influencing in Scotland. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to build on their existing knowledge and experience with policy influencers in Scotland while playing a pivotal role in creating positive, lasting change for children, young people, and families. 

In this role, you'll work closely with our Senior Policy and Public Affairs Lead (Scotland) to implement our influencing plan. You'll help raise Barnardo's Scotland's profile among key stakeholders and policy influencers. You'll be involved in: 

• Monitoring key developments within the Scottish policy landscape 

• Managing relationships and liaising with stakeholders at all levels 

• Conducting research and producing reports to support our policy objectives 

• Supporting reactive policy work to respond to emerging issues 

• Organising events to showcase Barnardo's vital work and engage decision-makers 

Your efforts will ensure that the voices of children, young people, families, and our services are central to our influencing activities in Scotland.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

We’re looking for a confident and well-organised fundraiser to help manage and grow our corporate partnerships. You’ll develop relationships with existing and new business supporters, deliver engaging communications, and support the growth of income from companies, all while helping to protect butterflies, moths and the environment we all depend on.

Job Purpose
• Managing and growing relationships with existing corporate donors
• Identifying and developing new corporate support
• Providing an outstanding supporter experience for our corporate supporters

Main Responsibilities
1. To directly manage a portfolio of corporate supporters, ensuring excellent stewardship and customer experience in order to meet agreed income targets and KPIs and maximise income for BC.

2. Develop and prepare tailored cases for support, proposals, reports and bespoke updates and communications to donors.

3. Identify, nurture, develop and manage new and existing corporate supporters including producing and communicating inspiring funding opportunities aimed at specific organisations.

4. Negotiate and deliver partnership agreements ensuring delivery against agreed targets and a good return on investment for the charity.

5. Monitor income targets and activities for Trading and Corporate fundraising including reporting to the BC Trading Company Board.

6. In conjunction with the Digital Manager, manage BC’s website shop portals and commercial partnerships to ensure a good level of royalties, proactive marketing, and supply of ethically sourced and sustainable goods.

7. Liaise with Communications and PR Team to ensure effective promotion of corporate and business agreements and timely reporting back on campaigns.

8. Update and maintain records of all business and corporate approaches, communications and agreements on the CRM and appropriate files.

9. Advise Branch volunteers where they seek to establish business support for their activities.

10. Where required, develop and/or follow policies and procedures on due diligence, data management, account management, stewardship, and reporting.