Communications and public affairs assistant jobs

PR and Policy Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced PR and Policy Officer to help secure high quality media coverage as well as supporting policy development and political influencing work.

Position: PR & Policy Officer

Location: Bradley, Huddersfield/Hybrid

Hours: Part-time, 27 hours per week

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 pro rata dependant on experience

Duration: Permanent

Benefits: Include 26 days paid holiday (rising to 30 days with service increments) plus 8 bank holidays, Personal Pension Scheme, Healthcare Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Staff Awards Scheme, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Flexible working patterns

The Role

The role is critical to ensuring that the organisation is at the forefront of the debate on early years education and childcare.

Working with the PR & Policy Manager, you will take responsibility for monitoring media coverage, creating engaging content for press releases and news features, as well as supporting the Director of Policy and Communications with stakeholder engagement and policy research.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the PR & Policy Manager to deliver the media relations strategy
• Identify and create print, broadcast and digital opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of key messaging
• Support work of the Director of Policy and Communications to increase awareness of early years policy priorities among politicians across all parties
• Develop work programmes and undertake research to explore policy issues
• Liaise with press and media contacts to maximise positive exposure and coverage across UK national and trade media
• Manage the day-to-day operation of media and policy contacts
• Support in finding suitable nurseries as case studies and spokespeople for the press and broadcast media
• Assist with internal and external speaking engagements
• Write and produce material for a range of member communications.

About You

As PR and Policy Officer, we are looking for someone who will bring enthusiasm and creativity to the role. You will be educated to degree level or have gained equivalent experience working in a similar role. You will have outstanding communication skills, have experience of writing for diverse audiences (e.g. newsletters, social media content, briefing papers, press releases) and have excellent editorial and proofreading skills with consistent accuracy. You will also possess strong data analysis skills to draw results, trends and conclusions from qualitative or quantitative data sources.

To apply you will be asked to submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role.

About the Organisation

The organisation is a national charity and membership association specifically for nurseries working in partnership with nurseries, local authorities, national government and a range of partners to develop an environment in which early learning and care can flourish.

The organisation is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and is actively opposed to discrimination in society.

You may have experience in areas such as PR Officer, Policy Officer, PR and Policy, PR and Policy Executive, Public Affairs Officer, Planning Policy Officer, Public Affairs and Policy Officer,  Public Relations Officer, Planning Policy Officer, Public Relations and Policy Officer, Marketing Officer, Communications Officer, Marketing and Communications Officer, Marketing and Communications Executive, Marketing and Communications Assistant, Marketing and Communications Policy Officer, Social Media Officer, Digital Marketing Officer, Print Media, Broadcast Media, Media and Policy Officer, EYF.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People. 

Position: Assistant

Location: South of England (hybrid working with London/UK wide travel as required)

Contract type: Flexible (full or part-time, contractor/employed)

Salary: Up to £30,000 pro rata depending on experience

WHO WE ARE.

Can Do is a start-up using digital technology to create social change. We work across addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty and justice to help people access and navigate support. We are small, practical, and focused on building something that works for people facing disadvantage.

THE ROLE

This role supports founder Mark Johnson with day-to-day organisation, preparation, communication, and follow-up. It is a hands-on role and could be suited to someone early in their career who wants an opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of building something from the ground up. You will help bring order, structure, and clarity to a fast-moving environment.

This is a development role with real responsibility. You will handle communications, organise information, prepare materials, conduct basic research, and make sure Mark has what he needs to stay up to date and move projects forward.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

· Someone who can absorb information quickly and think clearly

· Naturally organised, structured, and meticulous with detail

· Interested in social justice, politics, history, and the wider world

· Someone who wants a meaningful opportunity to learn and be part of a start-up journey

· Open, curious, and willing to develop new skills

· Calm and steady

· Someone who enjoys creating order and helping things run smoothly

· Based in the South of England, and willing to travel

· Comfortable using digital and AI tools, with an interest in personal and professional development

WHAT YOU’LL DO

· Communication support: Draft emails, prepare short notes, and help keep Mark up to date with actions and priorities

· Organisation: Keep diaries, documents, and information in meticulous order

· Meeting support: Join conversations, take clear notes, track actions, and ensure follow-up happens

· Research: Collect short summaries, stats, and key information about our sector (addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty, justice)

· Fundraising and bids: Assist with drafting, formatting, and preparing proposals and applications

· Documentation: Prepare simple business cases, summaries, or briefing papers

· Operations: Support basic bookkeeping tasks, receipts, and expense organisation

· Learning and development: Take on a variety of new tasks as skills grow

SKILLS & QUALITIES

• Strong academic ability and curiosity

• Excellent written communication skills

• Ability to organise information clearly and maintain structure

• Strong attention to detail and pride in accuracy

• Interest in social justice and willingness to understand the issues we work on

• Ability to learn quickly, listen well, and adapt as the organisation develops

• A steady, reliable attitude

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY.

Can Do welcomes applications from people with lived experience of social challenges. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process and workplace culture.

Join the Commonwealth Foundation at an exciting moment as we launch our new 2026–2031 Strategy with a renewed focus on the value of both our Advocacy and Creative approaches.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative leader to provide direction and oversight for our Advocacy and Creative Programme, including the Commonwealth People’s Forum, our flagship event at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and other high-profile initiatives that bring together civil society, policymakers, creative practitioners and other stakeholders from across the Commonwealth.

This is an opportunity to shape one of the Foundation’s flagship programmes, working at the intersection of advocacy and creativity to influence Commonwealth decision-making processes and amplify civil society voices.

As Senior Manager, Advocacy and Creative Programme, you will provide strategic direction, manage a high-performing team, cultivate influential partnerships, and deliver impactful advocacy, engagement and creative initiatives. Working with civil society partners, storytellers, artists and policymakers, you will design and oversee programmes that foster dialogue and strengthen civic participation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who thrives in an international environment, enjoys navigating complexity, and is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and perspectives.

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has substantial experience leading complex programmes and partnerships in an international, intergovernmental, civil society or not-for-profit context
• Combines strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to delivery, translating vision into tangible outcomes
• Has proven experience building relationships and influencing senior stakeholders across diverse cultural and political environments
• Brings strong people leadership skills and thrives in complex, fast-moving settings where adaptability, sound judgement and collaboration are essential

Working with us

We aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute at their best. Our hybrid working model combines the benefits of both office-based and remote working inclusively and flexibly.

Staff are expected to work from the office for at least five days per fortnight, including Wednesdays as an all-staff day. This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis; however, flexible working arrangements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.

Our offer to you

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing, work–life balance and longer-term financial security. This includes:

• 30 days of annual leave, alongside public holidays and privilege days
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Private medical and dental insurance
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced family leave and pay
• Learning and development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating, with relevant examples, how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements set out in the person specification. 

Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date and invited to a first-stage online interview.

Full details of the Job Description, Applicant Information Pack, and Behavioural Competencies Framework can be downloaded using the links below.

To apply, please visit our website and follow the application link provided.

Eligibility

To be considered for this role, candidates must have the right to work in the UK. You will be asked to confirm your right to work as part of the application process.

Selection Process

First Interview dates: w/c: 10 August

Applicants who are successful at this stage will be invited for a second interview.

Second interview dates: TBC

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Commonwealth Foundation values diversity of thought, background, identity and experience, recognising that inclusive teams strengthen organisational effectiveness and impact.

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where differences are respected, contributions are valued, and everyone is supported to thrive. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalised and underrepresented groups.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team. Contact details are available on our website. We will work with you to provide appropriate support.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August