Communications And Public Affairs Officer Jobs in Westminster, Greater London

Role Summary

As the Director of Research and Public Affairs you lead a team working across the full range of research work (including commissioning, grant-making and in-house research) and public affairs work (including policy analysis, advocacy work and mobilising our activists). You also contribute to the charity’s strategies, leadership and governance as a member of the Executive Team. Ultimately, your role is to generate new knowledge; and communicate knowledge, ideas and emotions to change hearts and minds, creating tangible reductions in alcohol harm across the UK.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Leadership, strategy & planning

1. Lead the research and public affairs functions at Alcohol Change UK.

2. Produce and deliver plans across our research and public affairs work programmes that are ambitious for change (impact), realistic given our resources, and consistent with our strategy, our other work programmes, and our values.

3. Set budgets, tightly control costs and identify opportunities for making savings, growing income and making the case for investment.

4. Appropriately monitor and evaluate our research and public affairs work with a view to knowing, growing and showing the impact we make.

Research

5. Work closely with the CEO, Policy and Research Manager, R&P sub-committee and Wales Office to determine and oversee the charity’s programme of commissioned research, research grants, and in-house research.

6. Ensure that all research is designed with impact-in-mind and, once complete, that it delivers on that impact through active and ongoing communication of the findings to the right audiences with the right messages through the right channels.

7. Lead the research function to be the central hub for the charity on the topic of alcohol harm and its solutions, staying on top of new research.

8. Influence the research spending of other agencies (e.g. NIHR) with a view to maximising funding into alcohol research in general.

Public Affairs

9. Lead and manage the charity’s public affairs activity, deploying the CEO, Research & Policy Officer and other staff as a team.

10.  Lead our work with external alliances, such as the Alcohol Health Alliance and the Alcohol and Families Alliance, and on the APPG on Alcohol Harm.

11.  Develop excellent relationships with Parliamentarians, civil servants, charities and other important institutional actors in our field.

12.  Build Campaigner journeys for our engagement audience to best mobilise them to help us with our influencing work.

13.  Lead on the commissioning and management of any external public affairs agencies, parliamentary monitoring services and similar suppliers.

14.  Ensure our policy positions are kept up-to-date, based on emerging evidence and contemporary thinking, and consistent with our principles.

15.  Work closely with the Director of Engagement and Fundraising to effectively mobilise and deploy our activists, Community Champions and other supporters so they (i) make a difference, (ii) become better informed over time, and (iii) remain motivated to campaign for our cause.

16.  Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to influence all forms of media to better support our desired outcomes.

Team Leadership and Management

17.  Lead and manage the research and public affairs team(s), ensuring excellent line management.

18.  Lead the process of recruiting and inducting new team members, as appropriate.

19.  Proactively develop your own skills and experience as well as those of staff within your team.

Cross-organisational Role

20.  Act as a spokesperson for the charity at high profile events and across media, including radio and TV.

21.  Be an active and positive member of the charity’s Executive Team.

22.  Work with colleagues across the charity to support their work and to act as ‘one team’.

23.  Work particularly closely with colleagues in the Wales office, optimising opportunities for joint working.

24.  Contribute actively and positively to the development of charity-wide strategies and activity.

Other Duties

25.  Continually develop your knowledge of alcohol harm and solutions to it.

26.  Act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK at all times.

27.  Know, embrace and actively uphold the values of Alcohol Change UK at all times.

Other reasonable duties at the request of the CEO.

Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs (maternity cover)

· Maternity cover

· Salary £58,807 per annum

· Full time (37.5 hours)

· Flexible working options will be supported.

· Central London Office and Hybrid working

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the role

We are looking for a confident, senior Public Affairs and Campaigns professional to lead a programme of relationship building and to develop and deliver parliamentary and campaign strategies to bring about changes in policy, practice, and attitudes across our wide range of target audiences.

The Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns will be crucial in helping us to strategically build relationships with advocates and champions for our work in Westminster and Whitehall, across key industry bodies, sectors and networks and at a local and national level. This includes overseeing our programme of events and working with colleagues across the organisation to develop and deliver high-quality campaigns that effectively build support for the changes we want to see.

This is a hands-on role that will work seamlessly with the Head of Communications and colleagues across the wider organisation to plan and deliver a powerful, coherent, and integrated communications and influencing function. The successful candidate will be proactive and tenacious in horizon-scanning and seeking out opportunities where we can most effectively influence the work of others. You will also be responsible for developing and co-ordinating policy positions and approaches that are attractive and actionable and achieve buy-in and support from others.

You will line manage three individuals and have dotted line oversight of the work of Communications & Campaigns Officers in our Action Areas, as well as general responsibility and oversight – along with the Head of Communications – for the work of the wider Communications Team and influencing activity across the organisation more broadly.

You will be a proven collaborator who is able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Ageing Better’s vision, mission and values.

About you

• You’re a senior public affairs and campaigns practitioner with a strong track record of influencing change in previous roles
• You will have excellent knowledge of UK Government and Parliament, how policy change happens and how to develop effective advocacy strategies to achieve change.
• You’re highly motivated and a team player, able to take the lead in managing issues and external relationships, while providing briefings and support to senior colleagues on others.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on 15th May, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 27 May.

Events Officer

· Maternity cover

· Salary £36,189 per annum

· Full time (37.5 hours per week) minimum 4 days a week considered

· Flexible working options will be supported

· Central London Office and Hybrid working

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the role

The Events Officer plays a key role in our highly effective communications team, leading on the delivery of an impactful programme of events – both online and in person. The role works with teams from across the organisation to plan, deliver and promote all types of events, including workshops, roundtables, conferences, webinars, receptions and other types of online and in person events.

Events are an important way for Ageing Better to influence priority audiences, including businesses and local and national government, and the postholder will advise teams on how events can best reach these audiences, encourage engagement and lead to lasting relationships.

This role sits within the Communications team, and the postholder will be responsible for drafting comms content, such as blogs and social media posts, particularly in relation to event promotion.

About you

You are highly organised, with excellent prioritisation and project management skills, enabling you to juggle multiple projects simultaneously. You have good attention to detail and enjoy planning, solving logistical problems and delivering events to a tight budget.

You are a good communicator and are comfortable working in close partnership with colleagues and dealing with a wide range of people.

You will have experience of organising events, including technical experience of managing online events and streaming.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on Sunday 12th May, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 20th May.

Full time, 35 hours per week

Fixed Term Contract - Two Years

Grade EL, Salary £37,332.78 per annum  

Location: London (Hybrid working, with minimum 2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: Monday 06 May 2024

Interview date: Week commencing 13 May 2024

Around 50 million people are helped by GPs and their teams every year. Can you help us ensure that their voice is heard loud and clear?

General practice is the cornerstone of the NHS, but GPs are feeling the pressure like never before. As the professional membership body for family doctors, we represent GPs on the issues that matter most to them – and their patients.

We are looking for someone with experience of working with patients to help us gain insights to improve patient care and more effectively communicate with patients.

If this sounds like you, why not join us?

The successful candidate will share our corporate values. In return, the College offers excellent terms and conditions and a great working environment.

To apply, please apply directly via the RCGP Vacancies page, by providing both your CV and a covering letter/statement.

The Royal College of General Practitioners is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

                                             'Building a sustainable future for general practice'

Do you have experience of working in the UK Parliament, in an in-house public affairs team or within a public affairs consultancy? Are you looking to drive change to help tackle one of the UK’s biggest killers?

If so, you may be the Public Affairs Officer we’re looking for!

About the role

Our Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst key decision makers so that we can fund lifesaving research into heart disease. We develop the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) position, engaging and influencing stakeholders to help ensure the UK remains a global leader in heart and circulatory research while advocating for the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases across the UK.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Public Affairs Officer to join our award winning and high impact team during a very exciting time in politics. You’ll be engaging with Parliamentarians to promote our work at Westminster and in their individual constituencies, while proactively spotting opportunities to build relationships and advance the interests of BHF. You’ll deliver a programme of activity and engagement that contributes to our wider Hearts Need More campaign, which aims to make heart and circulatory diseases a key priority for political parties ahead of the next general election.

Working arrangements

This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our London office. 

At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average.  The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause. 

Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.

About you

With an interest in, and understanding of the external political environment, you'll have a good understanding of the workings of the UK Government and parliamentary procedure. You'll have an understanding of the role of BHF and other health and medical research charities in general, and particularly in the political arena.

You'll have experience of working in the UK Parliament or within a public affairs in-house team or consultancy, and have excellent communication skills. Having previously engaged with political stakeholders, you'll be able to build strong relationships with key internal and external colleagues.

With a proven ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively for political audiences in a variety of formats, you’ll be able to summarise complex information swiftly and accurately for a variety of audiences. You'll also have strong organisational skills, including experience of coordinating events.

This is an opportunity to make a profound impact for our patients, their families, and our supporters at an exciting time in the electoral cycle.

About us

We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

Interview process

Interviews will be held virtually via MS Teams during week commencing 20th May 2024

How to apply 

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

The End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) is looking for a Public Affairs Officer to help drive forward our campaigning to end violence against women in all its forms.

The last few years have seen a huge increase in awareness of violence against women and girls, and support for our work. With this crucial human rights issue on the public and political agenda like never before, now is the time to disrupt the status quo and lay the foundations for a different world. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

EVAW’s public affairs officer will help persuade policy makers and stakeholders to prioritise tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) and develop policy and practice that is effective, inclusive and rooted in equalities and human rights.

Typical tasks for this job might include reviewing and synthesising political speeches and debates, drafting briefings for MPs and other stakeholders and supporting with the organisation of stakeholder events such as parliamentary and party conference meetings.  

Candidates are likely to have some experience in public affairs or policy work on VAWG or a related field connected to social justice, human rights and equalities.  and will be seeking an opportunity to work in a highly impactful, agile and dynamic feminist organisation.

A background in VAWG will of course be an asset, but regardless you’ll need to show us you can keep abreast of key political developments, identify challenges and opportunities to pursue an organisation’s aims, and work to influence key decision-makers in a given field. The applications which stand out in this process will be from those who deeply believe in what we do. 

MORE INFO

We guarantee an invitation to interview for disabled applicants who demonstrate, within their application, sufficient evidence to meet the essential criteria for the job.

Please note we are only able to consider applicants who are able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. 

EVAW aims to be an anti-racist, values-centring employer. We are seeking out individuals with dedication, aptitude and the ability to deliver meaningful campaigning work. If you have strong knowledge and experience related to any of the significant parts of this job but are not sure that your profile fits in a ‘traditional’ way, please do consider making an application, or get in touch to discuss your background and we will try to give you a steer on the job and what's involved. If you would like to discuss this, please contact us.

TIMELINE

Applications must be received by 11.59 PM on Wednesday, 8th May 2024.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by w/c 20th May 2024, with interviews will take place in London between 5th and 7th June 2024.

Please note that we cannot provide feedback on all applications, and will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

England’s National Parks represent our finest landscapes, famed for their spectacular beauty, varied wildlife and rich cultural heritage. National Parks are critical to supporting local communities, providing access to green spaces for the nation, and helping to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity.

National Parks England’s purpose is to be the collective voice for English National Park Authorities, helping us to achieve our purposes through influencing policy.  We are a small team, working with a much wider team of colleagues across National Park Authorities.

As Senior Media and Communications Officer within NPE you will support a range of the policy and influencing work of National Park Authorities for a range of campaigns and projects including our work on Generation Green and the Protected Landscapes Partnership.

You will work alongside the wider team to ensure effective communication through the media to influence public opinion and political change. As well as high quality media relations, the post will support delivery of public relations activities, and support wider public affairs and stakeholder relations.

The successful candidate will have excellent media, public relations and integrated communications skills gained within a policy and influencing environment and will be confident to play both lead and supporting roles on a wide range of projects. They will have excellent writing and editing skills, an understanding of what makes media worthy content, and experience of building relationships with journalists. The post holder should also have experience of as supporting stakeholder engagement with those in and around government and in working with a range of project partners.

Senior Communications Officer 

Location:  Remote (with occasional travel) 

Salary: £34,200 

Length of contract:  Permanent 

Hours per week:  37 

Interviews: 15th & 16th May

Who are Women’s Aid?   

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We are a federation of over 170 organisations which provide just under 300 local lifesaving services to women and children across England. For almost 50 years we have campaigned on behalf of our members and survivors to shape policy and practice, and to raise awareness of domestic abuse.    

Purpose of the Senior Communications Officer role:   

As Senior Communications Officer, the successful candidate will be a creative, agile and impactful professional, who will play a pivotal role in shaping Women’s Aid’s communications campaigns, working closely with the Communications Manager and the Head of Media, Brand and Relationships. The successful candidate will take the lead on generating creative, engaging content and ideas for Women’s Aid communications – including major campaign moments and brand awareness. Working across all external channels, including traditional media and social media, you will curate compelling stories that build our profile and target key audiences in our mission to keep women and children safe from domestic abuse. You’ll be joining us at an exciting time, as we mark our 50th Birthday with some powerful campaigns and engagement. 

Key duties and responsibilities of the Senior Communications Officer: 

• To be the key communications officer representing the communications team, developing the key messaging of external campaigns, brand-building and communications for the organisation and developing public awareness of these.

• To lead on planning, drafting and implementing a communications plan for Women’s Aid key communications campaigns such as International Women’s Day, 16 Days, as well as wider organisational projects, incorporating press and social media and providing media support as required. 

• To develop relevant media and social media contacts, as well as contacts in the sector, to maximise the reach and coverage of key communications campaigns as well as wider organisational projects. 

• To work with colleagues to ensure the campaigns take an intersectional approach and centres the most marginalised voices. 

• To work with a diverse range of survivor case studies and media spokespeople, including Women’s Aid member organisations, and to ensure they are treated in an appropriate and safe manner.

• To help identify both proactive and reactive media opportunities. 

• To write blogs, news articles and promotional copy for Women’s Aid.

• To proof and typeset publications as required.

• To be part of the communications team out-of-hours on call rota for media calls. 

• To line manage the Junior Communications Officer 

What we are looking for in our Senior Communications Officer: 

• At least two years experience working in communications/journalism/publications or similar. 

• Experience of liaising with a variety of individuals and organisations of all seniorities, internally and externally. 

• Experience of maintaining systems for information storage and retrieval.

• Experience of online communications/websites/social media, including Content Management Systems. 

• Experience delivering public-facing campaigns with a range of stakeholders. 

• Experience in getting effective PR results. 

• Ability to produce high quality written material, for copy writing, copy editing and publicity materials, posters and press releases. 

• Capable of translating complex information into audience-friendly messages. 

• Ability to carry out a range of research and information-gathering activities. 

• IT skills, including accurate data inputting skills, ability to use Microsoft programmes, understanding of Content Management Systems and troubleshooting simple website problems,  and willingness to learn new packages and IT skills as required. 

• Ability to communicate sensitively with survivors of domestic violence to discuss case studies. 

• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise work, work to tight deadlines and respond to urgent unplanned demands. 

• An understanding of public affairs and the role that campaigning plays. 

Benefits of joining us as our Senior Communications Officer include: 

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days + 2 Company Holidays + 8 UK Bank Holidays, with an extra 1 day per year after 1 year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.

• Valuable Pension Benefits: a generous 7% employer contribution. 

• Flexible Working: remote working, a generous TOIL scheme, and family-friendly policies 

• Wellness and Support: including a cycle to work scheme, free optician check-ups, annual flu vaccines, access to a 24-hour employee assistance counselling helpline, a ‘Headspace’ app for mindfulness, and ‘Reflective Practice’ sessions. 

• Making a genuine difference, in a rewarding role where your work will directly result in helping Women’s Aid to be able to provide lifesaving services for women and children across England. 

How to apply?    

• Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter. Your Cover Letter should be no more than 2 pages long and should include a summary of your reasons for applying for the position. You should also include details of how your skills, behaviours and experience meet those necessary for the role, as listed in the Job Description and Person Specification.    

• Please ensure that you also complete the EDI form and send all completed paperwork to the recruitment email address. (Please clearly mark your name and the role title in the subject line of your email).   

NB: 

• Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 

• If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.    

• We reserve the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised closing date if a high volume of responses are received.    

• All posts, including remote posts, must be based in the UK. 

• Women’s Aid is committed to quality, equality, and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcome from Black and minoritised women.    

• We are a Disability Confident employer. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for vacancies.

• Please read our Single Sex Statement on the Women's Aid webste

LRMN is looking for a highly organised, proactive and engaging Campaigns and Communications Manager who is passionate about storytelling and campaigning, excited about policy change and excellent at building stakeholder relationships.

LRMN is a thriving organisation supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrats, with a focus on south and southeast London boroughs. Our services include provision of specialist legal advice and information on immigration, housing and welfare, therapeutic and practical support to women who survived gender based violence, helping our service users access employment, training and volunteering opportunities, prevention of mental health problems, and helping our clients engage in their community.

You will play a key role in identifying strategic opportunities to make change through empowering and engaging our clients and local network, building and communicating a strong case for change. You will also play an important leadership role within LRMN, sitting on the management team.

We are currently working in a hybrid model. You would be expected to work two days from our office in Deptford.

To apply, please find the job description, person specification and link to the application form on our website.

Deadline: 9am 30th April

Interviews: 7th or 8th May

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Public Affairs Officer to work as part of our Policy & Influencing Team.

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.

Job Summary

Rethink Mental Illness exists to improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness. With a general election expected this year, followed by a new government, this is arguably the most crucial window for influencing policy on mental illness in the last decade.

As Senior Public Affairs and Stakeholder Officer, you will play a vital role in helping Rethink Mental Illness bring about policy improvements for people severely affected by mental illness, supporting our influencing and relationship building work with political stakeholders, and aiding our work planning for and influencing a new government.

You will be working closely with colleagues in the wider Policy and Influencing Team, Communications and Campaigns Team, and Chief Executives’ Office. And you will work particularly closely with the Public Affairs and Stakeholder Manager on devising and implementing influencing activity, including writing briefings and submissions for political audiences, developing election content, creativity utilising the All Party Parliamentary Group for Mental Health to create change, and drafting letters and correspondence to external stakeholders.

You will have some experience working in public affairs or politics, including an understanding of parliamentary processes and the political landscape in Westminster. You will be working with a range of internal and external stakeholders and will be able to build relationships and work proactively.

Your areas of work will involve both planned work but also a degree of fluidity with the need to adapt and develop according to priority as circumstances change and opportunities to influence are identified. Existing knowledge of the health sector is not required but would be a bonus.

You will predominantly be working with the following people and teams:

• Policy and Influencing Team
• Policy and Practice Team
• Communications and Campaigns
• Chief Executives’ Office 

Person Specification

• Experience working in a public affairs and/or politics. This could be in a public sector, charity, think tank, or agency role, or for an MP.
• Experience of working with government and/or parliamentarians. Demonstratable record of being proactive with work and problem-solving independently.
• Familiarity with government, parliamentary and legislative processes.
• Good in-person stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, including when meeting parliamentarians, political staffers and other stakeholders in the sector, such as charity partners.
• Ability to work on creative, external-facing influencing campaigns that may involve working with parliamentarians or the media
• Ability to engage with people who have lived experience of relevant policy areas 
• Ability to work collaboratively with different teams, including representing the public affairs function to other teams independently.
• Excellent persuasive communication skills in writing and in person 
• Good attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload demands. An understanding of Rethink Mental Illness and its organisational aims. 

Desirable but not essential

• A good knowledge of the health and social care policy environment 
• Experience at organising events

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 8th and 9th May

*Appointments are typically made near the bottom of the pay range

*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.

Position

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support our Policy Team in the London office.

Deadline: Monday 13 May, 9.00 am.

Location: London

Salary: Starting salary £31,350 rising to £35,381 plus £3,285 London Weighting.

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). We are currently trialling a 32-hour week until April 2025 on the same pay & conditions.

Contract type: Permanent

This exciting Policy & Public Affairs Officer role will lead on developing and influencing specific policy priorities identified by the Foundation as areas where change is most needed to improve the population’s mental health. Initially, the policy area of focus for this role will be the mental health of asylum seekers and refugees.

What does the role involve?

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
• Carry out background research, developing influencing plans, responding to government consultations and providing briefings for politicians and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure the Foundation’s stakeholders, including people with lived experience of mental ill health, are involved in development of policy work and strategy.

Requirements

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• In-depth knowledge of policy development systems and processes in the UK.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write precisely and quickly for a range of audiences.
• Ability to critically analyse complex legislative, policy and research documents.
• Ability to work within and across teams to deliver results. This includes our policy, research, communications, fundraising and programmes teams.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business: the Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post; you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Other information

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application below. Please ensure you attach an up to date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 9.00 am on Monday 13 May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for the 23 and 24 May. There will be a short written test on the day of the interview.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010/Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your voice can shape policy and bring about change? Join our team at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association as a Senior Public Affairs Adviser: Westminster. This role is pivotal in ensuring everyone impacted by MND receives the care and support they deserve.

You'll work closely with the Public Affairs Manager to drive forward our public affairs priorities and pro-actively identify opportunities to influence party political debates, legislation and select committees in relation to the Association's vital work. From drafting impactful briefings to building relationships with decision-makers, you'll be at the forefront of our advocacy efforts.

Ensuring a coordinated approach to our parliamentary work at Westminster and locally, your responsibilities include supporting parliamentary inquiries, coordinating our presence at political conferences. You will identify and develop effective links with key parliamentarians, influencers, and decision makers whose remit may impact the sphere of our work, including, senior civil servants.

Additionally, you'll help empower our campaigning volunteers and regional staff to engage with local decision-makers effectively. Your role will also contribute to shaping our strategies and plans, ensuring that our advocacy efforts remain impactful and aligned with our purpose, mission and 5 promises.

Located in London, with flexibility for hybrid working, this role offers an exciting opportunity to drive positive change in the lives of those affected by MND.

If you're ready to use your expertise to make a real difference, we want to hear from you. Join us to drive positive change for people living with and affected by MND.

Hybrid Working Expectations: Flexibility to attend the London office when required to meet business needs.

What are we looking for?

A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures, with previous experience in public affairs within a voluntary organisation.

Experience of working with Parliamentarians. You should also demonstrate proficiency in supporting volunteers and coordinating events.

Excellent communication skills are paramount, allowing you to interact and influence with stakeholders and diverse audiences across all levels including politicians and volunteers. As a team player and networker, you'll thrive in collaborative environments.

Additionally, strong IT skills, including database management and use of social media, is vital.

Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel to external meetings, is required.

For full role responsibilities please view the job description located within the Recruitment Pack.

Our Benefits

• 28 days holiday, rising to 33 days after 5 years' service, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare which includes reimbursement for dental appointments, eyecare, Health & Wellbeing screening and therapies
• Access to a 24/7 phone and video GP Service
• Life assurance
• Confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes to include:
• Cycle to work
• Buy and sell annual leave
• BenefitHub which offers lifestyle discounts and offers on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures.
• Demonstrable public affairs experience within a voluntary organisation.
• Experience of working with Parliamentarians.

Where experience is asked for, please give one example showing what you did and what it achieved. Where we require evidence of ability, please explain either how you would approach that particular competence or give an example to support your suitability.

About Us

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

We are committed to equality and value diversity. We are working hard to remove perceived and actual barriers to participation for people with and affected by MND, current and future staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants that meet the requirements of the role as part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. Reasonable adjustments can be made as required.

Important Information

Adverts may be closed before the deadline once sufficient applications are received. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.

We request that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this role.

The Public Affairs and Policy Manager will play a crucial role in helping to determine and shape TMs policy goals and how best to achieve them. Working closely and collaboratively with colleagues from across the organisation, and in close consultation with the TMs internal and external stakeholder groups and networks you will develop policy, research and campaigning projects to meet the organisations strategic objectives.  You will be able to understand complex policy issues, recognise their relevance to the Traveller Movement and identify policy solutions. You will know how to generate and analyse data and bring issues to life by drawing out the lived experience of people from Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities 

You will led develop and sustain a small committed team of two policy and campaign officers to produce policy, research and campaigning activities.  You will lead TMs Public relations and influencing work developing relationships with policy makers, partner organisations, parliamentarians and the media. You will ensure co-production and the voice and lived experiences ethnic Romani (Gypsy), Traveller and Roma is central to all our engagement and influencing work. 

Reports to: Policy and Research Manager

Direct reports: None

Location:Our well-equipped office is in Kings Cross, London, WC1X 9NW. We encourage staff to work where they wish, at home or in the office, within the limits of the role and taking into account personal circumstances. This role will generally be expected to attend the office at least once a week and will have meetings at other locations in London fairly frequently.

Status:Permanent

Hours:Full-time

Salary:£31,437 to £34,659; plus benefits

Role Summary

This position provides key support for the policy and research functions of the charity, in addition to collaborating on campaigns and public affairs work. You will be responsible for carrying out primary research relevant to the charity’s policy and research functions. You’ll be monitoring and collating new policy and research materials and contributing to public communications including report-writing, blog posts and social media activity. You’ll be providing input into strategic planning regarding policy and research activities. You’ll connect with researchers and policy people from other charities and from universities. Finally, you’ll be attending conferences and meetings on behalf of the charity.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Policy

• Support the P&RM, DR&PA and CEO in responding to public consultations, advising policymakers and working with national policy and research bodies as appropriate.

• Represent the charity in meetings with policy partners where appropriate.

• Attend policy and research conferences on behalf of the charity, providing feedback to the team on key learning and opportunities that arise.

• Work with the SC&PA and DR&PA to draw up influencing strategies to target key stakeholders on policy priorities.

• Monitor external research that helps our policy work and opportunities for collaboration.

• Work with the SC&PA  to engage campaigners in our policy work.

Research

• Work with the P&RM to carry out research activities relevant to the policy and research functions of the charity; including collating and analysing data, and co-authoring reports for both internal and public purposes.

• Work with the P&RM and the Communications and Marketing teams to produce engaging and accessible communication of research findings for a range of audiences. 

• Monitor and collate new policy and research materials, including research reports, policy documents and media activity. Work with the P&RM to produce internal reports where appropriate and to ensure the charity’s activities reflect and respond to the wider policy and research environment.

• Work with the P&RM on external research projects funded by the charity, including support with assessing the quality of bids by external researchers. 

Across both areas

• Produce social media communications where relevant to policy and research. Work with colleagues across the Research and Public Affairs and Communications and Marketing teams to develop strategies for maximising impact, especially in digital communications.

• Contribute to strategic planning by contributing to staff meetings, producing supporting materials and providing feedback on public affairs.

The postholder will also be expected to:

• attend training courses and develop skills as required, sharing learning with other staff as relevant

• in unusual circumstances, work weekend and / or evening hours, for which time in lieu will be given

• undertake other reasonable work as requested by the P&RM.