Director of external affairs jobs

Are you looking for a role where your skills can directly benefit families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people?

The role

As Head of Research and Evaluation, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of our research and evaluation strategies. This work will help us to understand and provide insight into the challenges and difficulties faced by families with disabled children, the quality of services we provide and the difference our support makes for the families we serve.

You will ensure that the voice of families is at the centre of our research and evaluation activity. Our research and evaluation work will be used to shape and inform decision making, both internally and externally.

If you join us, you’ll be:

• Leading the development and implementation of Family Fund’s research and evaluation strategies.
• Developing and overseeing our evaluation and service quality frameworks.
• Championing the ‘voice of families’, embedding their lived experience at the heart of our research.
• Managing and delivering high-quality research and evaluation projects/initiatives.
• Producing accessible, engaging, and impactful research outputs for a variety of audiences.
• Promoting the use of innovative and participatory research methodologies.
• Presenting and disseminating research findings internally and externally, including at events, conferences, and through publications.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and representing Family Fund in strategic research partnerships, networks, and advisory forums.
• Commissioning external research and evaluation where appropriate, ensuring quality, value for money.
• Maintaining oversight of government/ funder reporting, ensuring timely and accurate submissions aligned to contractual and organisational requirements.
• Ensuring internal coordination of reporting data and analysis for funders.
• Providing visible, hands-on leadership and line management to the Research and Evaluation Team.

About you

For this role you will need to have experience in developing and managing research and evaluation strategies, frameworks, activities and production of subsequent products.  You will also need to have experience of working in partnership with other organisations, and of resource and budget management.

To be successful in this role, you will need excellent analytical skills as well as sound knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodology and best practice through the research cycle. You will need to have good writing skills and an ability to communicate effectively with different audiences. You will also need to have the ability to interpret and present research in an accessible and engaging way.

You will be a self and team motivator with excellent communication skills, and the ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. You will be pro-active and driven to succeed.  

About us

Family Fund is a great place to work for great people. We provide a challenging and rewarding working environment where every staff member can make their mark.

We are a values-based organisation, and we aim to show our values in all that we do. Read our staff stories here and see how our staff display our values every day.

We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Employer. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community. Find out more about working at Family Fund.

How to apply

When you’re ready to apply, complete the online form and submit a CV and a covering letter. Your letter will need to explain what skills and qualities you would bring to the team.

For more information, please read and download the job description.

The successful candidate must complete pre-employment checks that meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. This includes a requirement to undergo a basic level DBS criminal record check, right to work check and employment history verification.

Information:

Closing date: Midnight on Thursday 12 June 2025
Interview dates: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 June 2025

Location:  Hybrid working between the Aldgate, London office

The charity is seeking to build upon its influencing progress over the last two years to make the urgent case for change with Governments across the four nations, as well as decision and policy makers in the health and clean air space. Our next Director of External Affairs will have the ability to meld impactful campaigning, political astuteness and evidence-based policymaking to drive change with demonstrable sensitivity to health inequalities which are especially acute in respiratory conditions.

Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research, provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and other stakeholders, you will help deliver our strategic goals by creating and leading plans relating to external affairs. You will be a member of the Executive Team providing leadership to the charity. As such you will contribute to, and be jointly responsible for, the development and delivery of the charity’s organisational strategy and business.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), membership of a health cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle-to-work scheme, interest-free annual season Travelcard loan and pension scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation committed to being the driving force behind the transformation of lung health.

We are looking for an experienced leader to manage a growing Evidence and Evaluation Team and lead cross-functional programmes to drive systemic improvements in youth employment outcomes.

As an experienced leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the national evidence base on what works to improve youth employment.

The role will be based within the Impact and Evidence Directorate, reporting to the Director, but with strategic responsibility for generating evidence through evaluation for maximum impact.

• You will lead a high-performing team, influence external partners, and ensure the rigour and relevance of our programmes to drive real-world change for young people across the UK.
• You will be able to identify opportunities for high quality impact evaluations using a variety of methods and stay up to date on latest evaluation developments and how they intersect with the youth employment landscape.
• You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure a ‘What Works’ approach is and remains at the heart of Youth Futures.
• You will provide intellectual leadership and co-ordinate work across specialist teams, mainly in Impact and Evidence, but also from Programmes and Grants, Policy and External Affairs, Employer Engagement and Operations.

This role can be based at any of our hubs located in Birmingham, Leeds or London. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For a full description and person spec, please download the Recruitment pack.

One of our fantastic clients is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of External Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy. This pivotal role will be instrumental in strengthening societies and changing lives, working closely with senior leadership to lead government relations across the UK and cultivate relationships with elected representatives, the Civil Service, and key partners within the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sectors.

The successful candidate will lead a team of public affairs, policy, and influencing professionals, contributing to the wider communications strategy. They will leverage an extensive network of stakeholders and a deep understanding of policy and public affairs to stay abreast of significant developments, ensuring the organisation remains proactive in its positioning and sensitive areas.

This role requires a leader who can inspire and develop a team of External Affairs professionals, devising and executing projects in a fast-paced environment while ensuring alignment with strategic goals. The External Affairs mandate is exceptionally diverse, spanning devolved governments across the UK and increasing regional devolution within England. Regular travel to attend meetings and spend time with colleagues across the UK will be required.

The Head of External Affairs will provide a professional, consistent, and expert service, supporting strategic activity across the organisation. They will oversee tailoring outputs to effectively reach key external affairs stakeholders and play a senior role in assessing areas of reputational risk.

Key responsibilities

• As a member of the communications leadership team, take ownership of, create, and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy to deliver the organisation's missions and strategic objectives, including significant activity in the national portfolios, integrated and aligned to its communications strategy.

• Provide strategic oversight of government relations, public affairs, and strategic engagement across the UK, including relationships with sponsor bodies, working closely with the CEO Office and Portfolio Directors. Offer strategic guidance, sound judgement, and advice to senior leadership and other teams, driving a consistent organisational approach to relationship management.

• Take responsibility for strategic horizon scanning for external affairs activity across the mission areas, ensuring information and advice is shared directly with the CEO and senior colleagues, and opportunities for stakeholder engagement and influencing are maximised.

• Devise and lead a programme of external engagement with key policy, political, and mission-related stakeholders for the Chair, CEO, Board Members, and other senior leaders. This includes owning and coordinating key messages and briefings, attending meetings as appropriate, and ensuring actions are followed up.

• Oversee the design and delivery of engagement programmes that measurably increase engagement with key political and other audiences. Identify and manage risks, trends, or opportunities to protect and enhance the organisation's reputation and ensure successful influencing among key stakeholders.

• Plan and deliver a continuous review and evaluation of activities, including external benchmarking, measurement of engagement levels, and performance standards to ensure effective delivery of the External Affairs strategy across the four nations.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, delegating work effectively, ensuring appropriate use of resource across the team, and providing and commissioning external suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality plans.

Person Specifications

• Substantial experience leading government relations, public affairs, policy, and advocacy in a large, matrix organisation, ideally interacting with devolved administrations (national and mayoral).

• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with senior political and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration across diverse communities and perspectives.

• Experience of planning and executing strategic engagement across a range of high-profile audiences and activities, including responsibility for Chair/CEO/Board-level engagement.

• Experience of strategic planning and decision-making at a local, regional, and national level, including with peer organisations and local governments.

• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences with clarity and inclusivity.

• Experience of briefing and working with senior leaders in support of organisational and engagement objectives, often at short notice, including providing counsel in times of reputational risk and navigating complex organisational dynamics.

• Demonstrable leadership and project-management ability, with experience developing high-performing teams, resource management, and working in a matrix-management and collaborative environment.

• Experience commissioning agencies and third-party suppliers to work with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality plans.

• Experience of continued professional, managerial, and personal development within the relevant discipline.

• If this role is based in Wales, or supports customers or colleagues in Wales, an understanding of Welsh language legislation and the Welsh Language Standards of the organisation is required.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary of £54,277-£60,000 outside London or £59,000-£66,500 inside London 

• Full time role 

• 12 month contract

• Immediate start 

How to Apply: To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the “apply now” button via our website.

The process: If your experience aligns with what we're looking for, a member of our team will be in contact to discuss the role with you in more detail before presenting your profile to the client. We will also ensure that all applicants receive an email to inform them of the outcome of their application.

To avoid any potential delays or your application being missed, please apply solely via the 'Apply Now' button.

Commitment to Diversity: The Talent Set and our partner organisation are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Global Affairs Lead - Climate 

Contract type: Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week 

Location: London, UK subject to the right to work. 

UK Hybrid Working: A minimum of 40% of working time is spent face to face, either in London office, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid. WaterAid is located at Canary Wharf, London and this will be your location and contract base.

*60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid is currently defined as: 60% of an employee’s time in a location of their choice, 40% face to face, defined as in the London office, at conferences or at stakeholder meetings or other location as relevant for the proper performance of the duties of the role.  

Salary: £57,415 - £60,436 per year with excellent benefits 

About WaterAid 

Want to use your skills in global advocacy and political affairs on climate and water to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for everyone everywhere? 

We need passionate, creative and dedicated people. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be yourself at your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference. 

Join WaterAid as Global Affairs Lead on Climate to change usual for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.

About the Team 

This role is in the Global International Affairs team, which plays a leadership role across the WaterAid Federation to drive the design and delivery of WaterAid’s major influencing with key donor governments, IFIs and multilateral institutions to achieve SDG 6.

Led by the Global International Affairs Director, the team’s purpose is to influence political decisionmakers in key global arenas and markets to prioritise water, sanitation and hygiene for investment and delivery, and to create the conditions that enable everyone, everywhere to access WASH by 2030. We bring political analysis, information and intelligence into WaterAid through the relationships we develop and manage with governments, policy-makers and thought-leaders.

About the Role 

As our Global Affairs Lead focusing on climate you will drive the political strategy and global advocacy for our climate campaign. Bringing considerable strategic contacts, networks and relationships for WASH and Climate advocacy you will work closely with the Global Head of Campaigns on Climate and the Climate Policy Lead, this role being responsible for the design and delivery of the international political plan on Climate and the insider advocacy, activities and tactics required you will bring political analysis and strategic insight into the organisation to inform our campaigning and advocacy, identify policy needs and inform media and public engagement approaches. 

In this role, you will lead design and delivery of the International Climate Political Plan, the international political influencing strategy for WaterAid’s Climate campaign and give strategic direction to the political advocacy for COP30 agenda for Brasil and influence key decision-makers on climate finance for water and WASH adaptation investment. You will have a good understanding of climate adaptation agenda and policy and you will be responsible for the power-mapping and political analysis that identifies the key levers for change in support of our political plan change objectives for Climate. Bring a strong understanding of the institutions, organisations. 

You’ll also:  

• Be responsible for co-chairing the Global Advocacy Meeting with the global head of campaigns on Climate. 
• Lead the process to identify which targets are best for our policy change objectives, which we can then further refine in line with those targets.
• Be a media spokesperson and represent the organisation at strategic events and with high-level campaign targets. 
• Embed a strong gender, equity and inclusion lens to advocacy priority delivery, as part of addressing the needs of those burdened the most with a lack of access to WASH. 
• Travel in support of the global relationships and strategic presence at key events and processes. 

Requirements

To be successful, you’ll need:  

• Strategic Political Leadership: Exceptional strategic thinking skills, with the ability to design and lead the implementation of comprehensive international political influencing plans. 

• High-Level Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in building, managing, and leveraging relationships with senior decision-makers, including government officials, international development agencies, and private sector leaders. 

• WASH and Climate Expertise: Deep understanding of the intersection between WASH, climate change and poverty reduction. As well as how these sit within wider development issues.

• Advocacy and Campaign Leadership: Proven ability to develop and execute successful advocacy campaigns with demonstrable impact. Strong analytical skills to assess political contexts, identify opportunities, and design tailored advocacy strategies. 

Closing Date: Applications will close at 12:00PM UK Time on 05 June 2025. Shortlisting and interviews may take place on a rolling basis and the application process will close if a suitable candidate is found prior to the advertised closing date.

How to Apply: Click ‘Apply’ to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and an essential cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre-employment screening:

To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the applicable laws in the respective countries to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy. All our UK-based vacancies require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

Our Benefits:

• 36 days' holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5 days annual leave
• We offer a generous pension plan with employer contribution of up to 10%
• Wide range of flexible and agile-working arrangement
• Season Ticket Loan
• Free annual eye tests
• Pay as You Give charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced Maternity and Adoption/Surrogacy pay, Shared Parental Leave and Paternity Leave
• Sabbaticals
• Volunteer Day

Our Commitment:

Our People Promise: We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have.  We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal opportunities: We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.

Safeguarding: We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.

We are looking for a motivated self-starter, and someone who is passionate about the work of CJA members. 

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will monitor and map the criminal justice policy landscape, tracking developments across the system. They will engage with MPs, civil servants and key stakeholders, bringing evidence from our membership and the voices of those impacted directly by the criminal justice system to government to influence change.

The postholder will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and have demonstrated evidence of impact in policy and public affairs. They should be confident in building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, be a collaborative and inspiring team player, show commitment to our values and share a passion for the CJA’s vision and mission.

Main responsibilities

Public Affairs (50% time)

• Develop and implement the CJA’s public affairs and influencing strategy to advance the CJA's objectives.
• Work with CJA members on influencing specific legislation, including campaigning around bills, writing amendments, and working with MPs and Peers to promote them within the legislative process.
• Stakeholder engagement (Parliament): Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and parliamentarians through face-to-face meetings, providing briefings to MPs and Lords for Parliamentary debates, preparing written/oral questions, and attending Select Committees, APPGs, Parliamentary receptions and other relevant roundtables and events.
• Stakeholder engagement (other): Build and maintain relationships with other key stakeholders, including Police & Crime Commissioners, the Victims Commissioner, HM Inspectorates, civil servants, and other relevant bodies.

Policy and Research (40% time)

• Monitor policy and political debates and developments on criminal justice issues, horizon-scanning emerging policy issues, and where appropriate, disseminate and brief colleagues and CJA members.
• Maintain a repository of evidence briefings from CJA members.
• Identify proactive and reactive opportunities to promote and embed CJA and members recommendations and research.
• Produce high quality and influential policy briefs, reports, position papers, and responses to consultations, to advocate for changes in policy and practice put forward by CJA members.
• Lead on the monitoring of policy engagement and impact by using our evaluation tools and work with external evaluators as required to capture impact and utilise learning.
• Work with CJA members, people directly impacted by the justice system and other key stakeholders to harness and amplify their expertise and insights.
• Lead the co-ordination and establishment of member expert groups to inform our policy work.
• Develop opportunities for joint working with researchers / research organisations and manage that partnership work, including co-ordinating the CJA research symposium.

Other (10% time)

• Work with the Communications and Engagement Manager to respond to media and other communication opportunities to promote the CJA’s work and to contribute to national debate on criminal justice issues.
• Work with the CJA team to recommend and secure relevant speakers and presenters for CJA meetings and events. 
• Support the Communications and Engagement Manager to develop content for the website and other internal and external communications, such as blogs and articles.
• Contribute to the general administration and delivery of CJA programmes, events and overall objectives.
• Work with the Director to support the development of potential fundraising bids and reporting progress to funders.
• Conduct the duties of the job description in accordance with the operational policies of the CJA, including the Diversity and Adult Safeguarding Policies.
• Maintain good working relations with trustees, staff and other stakeholders.
• Maintain up to date and accurate records of contacts, engagement and stakeholder areas of expertise.
• Line manage any policy interns and / or other policy staff as required.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required. 

Director of Finance
Reference: APR20256942
Location: Flexible/Remote in England, with travel to RSPB Offices and HQ Sandy SG19
Salary: £86,059.00 - £109,346.00 Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week.
Benefits: Pension scheme (7%), Life Assurance scheme, 26 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays)

The RSPB Finance Director role is a crucially important role for RSPB, reporting to the Executive Director for Finance, Governance and Strategy, and a part of the RSPB's senior leadership group.

What's the role about?

This is an opportunity for the successful candidate to:

• Drive the Finance department across all areas, including financial operations and budgeting and forecasting.
• Provide advice and support to the wider Finance, Governance and Strategy Directorate, Board, and other senior leaders on finance-related matters with a focus on strategy implementation.
• Engage with the Finance Committee and Audit and Risk Committee, leading on all financial matters.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Fully qualified accountant (UK-recognised qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Successful track record of inspiring, managing, and delivering large scale organisation-wide projects
• Demonstrable track record in the successful leadership and management of a Finance team in a multi-faceted and geographically dispersed organisation
• Successful track record in developing excellent working relationships between internal directorates and external stakeholders
• Experience of both internal and external financial reporting and the related regulatory environment in the charity sector
• Experience of control systems that manage risk effectively and provide assurance on the efficiency and effectiveness of financial processes and compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks
• Knowledge of the main direct and indirect tax frameworks related to the charity sector
• Experience in creating and communicating a compelling vision for directing and motivating the Finance team

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Investment management experience
• Defined benefit pension scheme arrangement experience

Please note this is a remote working role that can be conducted flexibly within the UK, however the successful candidate will be expected to travel to RSPB offices (including The Lodge in Sandy, Bedfordshire) on a monthly basis.

Closing date: 23:59, Wednesday 4th June 2025
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from June 2025.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our recruitment partner's website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role will require standard pre-employment checks. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form, which includes an optional cover letter section. Please use this cover letter section to detail how you meet the criteria listed above, as this will form the basis of our shortlisting. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Position: Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Hours: Full Time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in Edinburgh with Flexibility to work remotely (Scotland)
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
*you will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland.

In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles,  who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Friday 6th June 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Policy Manager to join our External Affairs team.

You'll work closely with autistic young people, their families, and our specialist settings, to develop and influence policy on our priority areas. You will be accountable for achieving the wider policy aims in our new strategy, so that autistic young people can achieve at school, be healthy, and live and work as independently as possible.

You'll collaborate with autistic young people, their families, colleagues across Ambitious about Autism, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that influence practice in our priority policy areas. You'll plan and manage regular engagement activities with autistic young people, their families, and other key stakeholders, to ensure our policy influencing is beneficiary- led and reflects the needs of our settings.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience of developing and delivering policy positions to effect social change
• Proven track record of using social and traditional media to generate engagement in campaigns for change
• Knowledge and understanding of at least one priority policy area affecting autistic children, young people and their families (education or employment policy)
• Proven ability to develop and manage research and policy projects within agreed timescales and budgets.

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

With oversight by the Director of Science and Regulatory Affairs, you will support the collection, preparation, organisation, and use of the Science team’s key information resources which contribute to ensuring that our work and external communications are underpinned by accurate and robust evidence.

You will support the Science team in inputting to marketing and fundraising efforts as well the preparation of press releases and other forms of external communication. Your work will contribute to ensuring that the organisation’s advocacy, media and supporter communications are based on accurate, evidence-based science.

You will also work with the organisation’s press and media function to help maintain the quality of media coverage relating to animal testing and animal-free science. In collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners you will work to support research and contribute to the production of high-quality scientific material which can be used to advance the agenda to end all animal testing, including through the provision of the organisation’s digital education service.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the preparation, organisation, and maintenance of key Science team information resources which underpin our work and provide support for their use across the organisation. This includes responsibility for maintaining a well-organised central knowledge base to ensure our work is easily tracked, accessed and referenced.
• Support and input into research and contribute to the production of high-quality scientific material, including briefings, reports, presentations, posters, and summaries of the latest developments to support the Science team’s work. Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely press releases and support increased media coverage for our organisation.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of up-to-date briefings for internal and external use on emerging trends and latest developments in non-animal approaches, as well as helping to maintain the organisation’s specialist expertise in key regulatory toxicology topics.
• Contribute to raising awareness across the organisation on animal testing issues and the work of the Science team.
• Provide support to the Director, and Deputy Director, of Science & Regulatory Affairs on regulatory toxicology and other scientific issues, as required.
• At the request of the Deputy Director of Science & Regulatory Affairs, undertake any other duties consistent with this post.

Personal attributes needed for this role are: Essential Skills and Personal Qualities

• Ability to assimilate scientific information and describe it this succinctly and with clarity for the lay person.
• Ability to search for, select and critically analyse large amounts of scientific information.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Ability to work flexibly and independently as required.
• Excellent organisational skills including an ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks with clear attention to detail.
• Strong commitment and ability to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues across the whole organisation.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
• Commitment to animal protection and support for the vision, mission and values of Cruelty Free International.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of animal testing and/or non-animal methods.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering on research projects.
• Excellent track record of assimilating scientific information, drafting accurate and robust scientific reports and briefings, as well as web copy and articles.
• Experience of presenting complex scientific information to internal and external audiences at events and meetings.
• Experience of digesting complex technical information to advise colleagues and external partners.
• Experience of successful networking with external colleagues, stakeholders and partners.

Education and Professional Qualifications Required

• Post or graduate qualification in the biological or chemical sciences or qualified by relevant work experience.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in regulatory affairs and/or toxicology.
• Familiarity with regulations governing toxicity tests, particularly for chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Familiarity and personal interest in opposition to animal testing.
• Familiarity with the charitable and not-for-profit sector.
• Interest in science communications

Policy Officer-Wales

Based at home, situated across Wales including regular travel around the country and to the Senedd, Cardiff.

22.5 hrs per week

Fixed term post 2 years

Up to £34,500 p.a FTE depending on experience

Make a difference for kidney patients in Wales!

Are you passionate about influencing policy and driving change? Do you want to be part of a growing team making a real impact on the lives of people with kidney disease?

We’re looking for a Policy Officer – Wales to help shape policy, build relationships, and advocate for better support and care for kidney patients. In this brand-new role, you’ll work for Kidney Care UK and Kidney Wales, engaging with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and those affected by kidney disease.

You’ll spend time at the Senedd, building connections with local politicians and councillors, and ensuring the voices of kidney patients are heard loud and clear. With your knowledge of Welsh Government structures (or similar UK experience), you’ll help drive our campaigns and influence change.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible difference, working flexibly in a supportive team. If you’re ready to champion kidney patients and shape policy in Wales, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Develop or participate in work programs and undertake projects to explore policy issues under the guidance of the Policy Director of Kidney Care UK and the Managing Director of Kidney Wales.
• Support the research, development and dissemination of policy positions in Wales.
• Work with other team members to deliver events/reports or campaigns as needed
• Keep up to date with the policy department and charity work to avoid duplication and ensure good communications with our colleagues.
• Contribute to the newly created All Wales Cross Party Group.
• Undertake desk-based research involving data collection and the synthesis of information from relevant sources.
• Seek out opportunities for communications and influencing in the Welsh parliament, including the need for a kidney group. 

The advert may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

The Organisation

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable. We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Communications and Events Officer you will:

• play a crucial role in influencing change-makers

• work across the whole organisation to deliver high-impact content

• support the delivery of our annual inclusion conference

• support the delivery of smaller events including publication launches and symposiums

• lead our social media content to drive sales of our programme and influence change-makers

• produce engaging graphics, posts, and persuasive story telling social media content, working across the team and with external partners to produce blogs and other content

Our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role for you!
 

The Candidate
We are seeking a combination of the following skills, aptitude and experience:

• Experience of producing and monitoring a broad range of communication and marketing functions

• Skilled written communicator with a creative flair for storytelling

• Experience in planning and executing successful events

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team

• Passion for The Difference's mission and improving the lives of vulnerable children

You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have either/both:

• Experience giving strategic and tactical political advice to senior leadership on how to create change in the educational sector

• Lived experience of the school experiences of marginalised young people, including those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, and racism

The Epilepsy Research Institute is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising to lead our income generation efforts and help drive our mission forward. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing sustainable funding to support world-leading epilepsy research.

With a proven track record in fundraising, you will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy across multiple revenue streams, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations and major donors. With a minimum of three years’ experience in a senior fundraising role and demonstrable success in securing significant funding, your ability to cultivate and manage donor relationships, craft compelling funding proposals, and oversee high-impact fundraising campaigns will be key to our success.

Our mission is to radically advance research into the causes, prevention and treatment of epilepsy and associated conditions.  If this is something that interests you, and you have the skill set we are looking for, we look forward to hearing from you.

Application is by way of a CV and covering letter which highlights why you are interested in the role and how your experience fits the needs of the Institute as set out in the job description.

Closing date: Wednesday 28 May 2025

Interview dates: Wednesday 11 June and Wednesday 18 June 2025

Who are we?

Founded in 1996 as the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association, a charitable incorporated trust, we're a patient support charity run mainly by volunteer patients

Be a part of our mission in working to improve the lives of sleep apnoea patients, their partners and families

Key duties and reponsibilities:

Management Role

· Based on the policies of the charity as defined by the Trustees Board (created Oct 2022 AGM), manage the affairs of the charity with due respect for its heritage, status and independence.

· Within those defined policies, take decisions that allow the development of its business activities, liaising with other Trustees as necessary, and report to the Trustees on a regular basis.

· When necessary, liaise on allocation of duties to other Trustees on a cooperative basis.

· Represent the charity at occasional public events and meetings with collaborative partners and in negotiations, e.g. NICE, ARTP, Sleep Clinics.

· Act as main point of external contact and manage that contact as appropriate.

· Take purchasing decisions within the defined responsibility of the position.

· Modernise and develop the SATA business on as cost efficient basis as possible — goal is generally self-financing.

· Explore business opportunities as appropriate. 

· Identify risk, consult with other officers and recommend action for Board decision.

· Finalise move to paperless operation.

Administrative Duties

· Arrange Trustee Board Meetings.

· Manage Membership Database.

· Administer Membership Renewals.

· Register & acknowledge new memberships.

· Handle resignations, deaths and other membership issues with appropriate respect.

· Acknowledge Donations.

· Administer Gift Aid claim with Treasurer.

For the full job description and further information, please refer to the attachement below.