Communications And Public Affairs Assistant Jobs in London, Greater London
The Public Affairs Assistant will work with the Public Affairs Manager, Director of Policy and Evidence and the Policy and Campaigns Team to help influence decision makers and build stronger relationships with stakeholders, and ensure there is better understanding of the impact that challenges with talking and understanding words can have on a child and young person’s life.
We are Speech and Language UK (formerly I CAN) – we want every child to face the future with confidence. For 1.9 million children in the UK learning to talk and understand words feels like an impossible hurdle. We want to reach children earlier to make sure every child has the skills to face the future. We design innovative tools and training for staff in schools and settings, give families the confidence and skills to help their child and put pressure on politicians to prioritise support for children.
The post-holder will:
· Provide the administrative support to the Speech, Language and Communication Alliance playing a key role in support the charity to foster stronger relationships with key partners
· Support the Public Affairs Manager in dissemination of briefings and correspondence with parliamentarians and civil servants, including setting up meetings
· Attend meetings as required, both in person and online to facilitate record keeping and liaison
· Maintain the Microsoft Team and SharePoint sites so that documents and notes are securely stored and accessible and version control is maintained.
We are keen to hear from you if you have:
· Previous office/administrative experience (paid or unpaid).
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
· Commitment to the overall aims of the charity.
· Flexible, positive attitude towards performing a variety of duties.
· Willingness to develop/learn in the role.
To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages, addressing how you meet the criteria above by Monday 29th April, 9am. Interviews are due to take place on 7th May.
Please note that we will not close applications before this time and date as we recognise that candidates put in a lot of time and effort into making an application and we want to give each of you the time and space to put in an application you feel proud of.
Please note that we will not shortlist candidates who do not submit a CV and a supporting statement.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, unfortunately, we are not always able to respond to every applicant. If you have not received a response within one week after the closing date, you have not been successful on this occasion.
Speech and Language UK is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce.
We are committed to safer recruitment practices and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about driving real change and making a positive impact on society? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your ideas can shape policy and influence decision-making at both national and local levels? If so, join Samaritans and lead our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team, at the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity.
• £56,000-£58,000 per annum
• Permanent, full-time role (35 hours per week)
• Hybrid working: Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with home working and the option to work from our London office in EC3R
• In office working - we'd love to see you in person at least twice a month
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
The Team
The team of seven works alongside people with lived experience, our campaigners, supporters and volunteers to push for the public policy and legal changes that will help us achieve our vision. We work to achieve system change with the Westminster parliament, and influence every government department to play their part in suicide prevention, alongside our offices in the nations.
Why Samaritans?
Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by suicide, all whilst working in a supportive and inclusive environment. As the Head of Policy, Public Affairs, and Campaigns, you'll play a pivotal role in leading our efforts to drive meaningful change to help prevent suicide.
Your Role
You'll lead a dedicated team focused on shaping public policy, influencing decision-makers, and driving advocacy campaigns.
Your key responsibilities include:
• Providing exceptional leadership and support to your team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Crafting ambitious strategies to advance our policy priorities, leveraging evidence-based approaches and best practices.
• Ensuring the development of impactful advocacy campaigns and public affairs work, engaging both internal and external stakeholders to amplify our message.
• Ensuring the voices of those with lived experience of suicide and self-harm are central to our advocacy efforts.
What You'll Bring:
We're looking for a strategic thinker with a track record of successfully managing advocacy work. You'll have:
• Great people management skills.
• Proven experience in developing and executing impactful influencing strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Experience in developing inspiring advocacy campaigns that drive change.
• A deep understanding of the current health and public health political landscape in England and the UK
What’s in it for you – our benefits
So, you want to work for us? Good choice. We like it here too. We offer competitive salaries, flexible and hybrid working to suit your needs, family-friendly policies, 28 days annual leave inclusive of wellbeing days and a matched pension contribution up to 5%. You’ll have a structured induction and ongoing projects, secondments & learning opportunities. We also have colleague-led affinity groups made up of people with shared identities.
Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a staff community of Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Cash Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme. You’ll have free subscriptions to Headspace (your personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, focus, movement, and more) & Perkbox (an employee benefits platform with online exercise classes). That’s not all. We listen to your ideas and have staff forum and social committee networks.
Hybrid and flexible working
We are a flexible organisation, and we embrace hybrid working – a mix of connecting in person and remotely. We’re aware that the world is changing, and we all want and need different things from our work and home lives. So, if you need to walk the dog, go to the gym, or have commitments outside of work, we’re open to talking through flexible working options that work for you and us.
Being Inclusive
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Application
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and answer three application questions. Applications close at 9 am on 22 April. Video interviews likely to be w/c 29 April.
If you're ready to lead impactful change and contribute to our mission that fewer people die by suicide, apply today.
Reports to: Head of External Affairs
Directorate: Practice and Quality
Salary range: £37,501-£39,000
Location: London – EC4Y 8EE (Hybrid) , flexible working options available
Contract: Full-Time, Fixed-term Contract (12-months)
Job Purpose
The successful candidate for our Policy Manager (Maternity cover) position will be joining BSR’s high performing and dynamic External Affairs team, which is promoting excellence and driving up the standard of Rheumatology care across the four nations of the UK by affecting public policy change. In 2023 our External Affairs team were nominated for an industry wide Public Affairs award for hugely impactful Homecare Medicines Campaign, so it is a fantastic time to join the team and we continue to work on the cutting-edge of policy and public affairs.
The role of the Policy Manager is to work closely with our members to give a voice to the society within emerging health policy discussions, public consultations and to play an important role in the development of our integrated departmental campaigning approach. The Policy Manager also plays a leading role in the development of our pro-active policy work and helps to shape the direction of the society’s lobbying. In the last year the Policy Manager has played a crucial role in producing expert advice and guidance, as well as groundbreaking health economics research, which are improving the delivery of Rheumatology care across the country – and 2024/25 is going to be another exciting period for the team.
Main responsibilities
- To develop the Society’s pro-active policy agenda by conducting research, writing policy papers and managing research contracts in-line with of our goal to improve the quality of care in Rheumatology services.
- To drive excellence in all aspects of rheumatology by managing BSR’s member-led Clinical Affairs Committee and supporting the committee to deliver on their work plan.
- To co-ordinate BSR’s response to health policy developments and in regular public consultations, for example technology appraisals, guidelines in development and quality standards.
- To support the development of the Society’s leadership voice in the public policy space by working closely with the Head of EA and Public Affairs Manager to deliver our integrated campaign approach to influencing change.
- To build and maintain stakeholder relations with internal and external stakeholders and to engage with relevant bodies to represent the society as and when required on emerging policy issues.
- To lead on growing awareness amongst the BSR membership of the impact of our policy work on improving Rheumatology care by delivering planned communications and contributions to regional and national member bodies.
Person Specification
Experience
- A demonstrable interest in helping people with rheumatic conditions to receive the highest quality outcomes and live well, championing the specialty, influencing change and building a thriving community of best practice.
- Experience working in a policy role within a political, governmental or not-for-profit environment, or other experience which you can demonstrate matches suitability with the role responsibilities.
- A demonstrable interest in health policy or a strong working knowledge of the current NHS and health policy landscape.
- Experience working with or management of committees and/or within a membership organisation.
- An academic or professional understanding of the use of different research methods and their application in conducting research and writing papers.
Abilities and Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex issues succinctly to different audiences.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop stakeholder relationships.
- Good analytical skills with a demonstrable ability to digest public policy and communicate its key outcomes.
- Excellent organisational and record keeping skills, with project management being a bonus.
- The ability to work with a high degree of independence as a part of a small team.
Inclusion and Diversity
BSR is committed to encouraging inclusion, equity, and diversity in our workforce. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our staff team. We try to reduce as many barriers as we can for those with a disability. We know that everyone is an individual, so please always tell us what we can do to support you.
We welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including those from minoritised communities, and those with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.
Benefits of working at BSR
We offer a wide range of benefits, most of which start from day one of joining us. Our benefits fall into four main areas: Wellbeing, Time- based, Learning and development, and Financial. Just some of them include:
Wellbeing:
- Free period products in our office
- Free flu vaccinations
- Mental Health First Aiders
- BUPA healthcare scheme- we offer a cash plan, which you can add children or partners to
- Employee Assistance Programme. This is a free, confidential counselling service to all staff, as well as a general advice service provided by BUPA
- WeCare offers access to a 24/7 virtual GP, as well as a mental health support service, a get fit programme and an online portal with lots of helpful resources
- Our enhanced sick pay offer is:
- Up to two years’ service: 4 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay
- After two years’ service: 12 weeks full pay and 12 weeks half pay
- We work in a social environment with a range of activities, both virtual and in person, run by our Social Squad. This includes an organisation- wide volunteering day.
Time-based:
- We offer 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
- All staff can request sabbaticals at any point, which are considered on a case-by-case basis
- We also offer an extra day for moving house
- Bank holiday swops- you can swop a bank holiday day for another day’s leave (entitlement remains 1:1 days)
- We’re a 4 day week employer, which at BSR means working your fulltime hours (31.5 each week) over 5 days
Learning and development
We will help you develop your career by supporting your personal development and encouraging internal progression. This includes recognising individuals’ achievements through our internal staff awards. We offer a huge range of learning opportunities, both in-house and externally. This includes a thorough induction programme when you join us, as well as development opportunities aimed at line managers, and wellbeing-based learning sessions. And if professional membership is a required part of your role, we’ll cover the cost of that.
Financial:
- We offer a performance related pay incentive scheme
- Income protection scheme
- You’ll be enrolled on our pensions scheme with Aegon (via Second Sight). Our current pension match is 5% employer contribution if you contribute 4% (9% contribution in total).
- Our life assurance policy pays three times your basic salary
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Ride-to-work scheme
- Interest-free loan scheme
- We also provide generous enhancements within our parental and family leave policies.
- Our maternity/shared parental/adoption offer is 6 weeks at full pay, 33 weeks at half pay, followed by 13 weeks at the statutory rate.
- Our paternity leave offer is 6 weeks at full pay
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
We provide the highest quality introductory mental health training content, delivered using a combination of learning techniques, presentations, discussions, case studies and interactive exercises. We combine theoretical approaches and real-life experiences to produce comprehensive and effective training packages. Our training is delivered to workplaces in the public, private and third sectors on a commercial basis and directly to communities under public-funded contracts. Courses include mental health awareness, mental health for managers, suicide awareness and mental health champions.
How you will make a difference
As Business Development and Engagement Manager within the Workplace Mental Health & Training team, you will play a pivotal role in driving growth, partnerships, and engagement from corporate and community settings for both Mental Health UK and Rethink Mental Illness. You will work to secure funding from a wide range of sources, including commercial activity, public sector contracts and grant funding, to allow our work to continue and grow.
Working in our National Programmes team, you will ensure that we evaluate, plan for and respond effectively to bids and tenders, lead on the development of proposals, and support service delivery teams in implementing successful tenders/proposals. You will manage a Senior Business Development Officer who supports our work in positioning the organisation to respond to new bids and tenders and, where required, support the implementation of new services.
*Appointments will be at the minimum of the band.
*London Allowance is paid for roles that are based within the Greater London area only.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please see further details on our website
You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!
Don’t meet all requirements?
If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position!
Caring for our people.
We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:
- PULSE: our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.
- Wagestream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.
- Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.
- Taking time for you: we work flexibly –you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.
- Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.
- Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.
- £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.