External affairs officer jobs
Senior External Affairs Adviser
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours
Location: Home based
Salary range: £43,000 - £48,000
About us
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.
Our new organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good.
About the role
Join Macmillan Cancer Support as a Senior External Affairs Adviser, where you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering impactful change propositions and external affairs strategies across the UK. Your work will focus on delivering at-scale change for people with cancer, particularly the most marginalised groups.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide senior-level advice to develop external affairs strategies aligned with Macmillan’s mission.
- Lead cross-functional external affairs projects that are evidence-based and impactful.
- Develop and manage relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, civil servants and healthcare providers.
- Provide high-quality insight and briefings to senior colleagues on the political landscape, and what the external opportunities and risks are.
- Anticipate shifts within the external environment and adapt approaches to maintain our relevance and influence.
- Collaborate with teams to ensure policy positions are strategic and evidence-based.
- Represent Macmillan at external events, advocating for improvements in cancer care.
- Coordinate campaigns to influence public policy and funding decisions.
About you
The successful candidate will have...
- Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive external contexts, making sound judgements on tone and messaging.
- Strong understanding of operating within a four-nations context and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior politicians and civil servants.
- Expertise in analysing complex policy issues and developing impactful, evidence-based policy positions.
- Strong organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging issues.
- Excellent communication skills which are adaptable for external and internal audiences.
- Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams or on multi-disciplinary projects.
Recruitment process
Application deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 16th December 2025
Interview date: Virtual interviews will be held on 8th January 2026
To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.
So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan's TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.
We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for a creative and passionate person to lead on our policy and communications work for this maternity cover. This role offers a great opportunity to play a key role in improving impact across the charity and the lives of those affected
The Migraine Trust is the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.
One in seven people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives. We have been leading and bringing the migraine community together to change this since 1965.
Every year we support millions of people through our website and support services on all aspects of migraine and for help in managing it at work, in education, and in accessing healthcare. We campaign for increased awareness and understanding of migraine, and national policy change to improve the lives of people who get it. We have funded over 140 medical research projects and hold an international symposium every two years to bring together the world’s leading experts on migraine.
The role
People living with migraine are at the heart of our organisation, while our research highlights the urgent need to reduce the inequity we see for those living with the condition. You will ensure their voices are heard by decision makers and the public and get closer to our vison of ‘a world where migraine doesn’t stop anyone from living the life they want’.
You should be able to deliver high-impact communication campaigns, and have a real interest in policy. A skilled communicator yourself, you will be able to manage a broad role with the ability to build and nurture relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Overall, you’ll bring a desire to create positive change.
You’ll work closely with the CEO and be a key member of The Migraine Trust’s Senior Management team, leading our strategic direction on communications activity alongside targeted public and political campaigns.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of the organisation’s 2026 policy and communications plans and coordinate the development of plans and budgets for 2027
- Oversee development and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy, ensuring a strong evidence base and meaningful involvement of people living with migraine
- Manage work our public affairs agency to deliver targeted influencing projects to improve migraine care, workplace support, and parliamentary engagement
- Shape policy recommendations and develop strategies to engage key stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, clinicians, employers and partner organisations
- Monitor the external policy environment identifying risks, opportunities and emerging issues relevant to migraine
- Work with the team to develop and execute creative and impactful communications campaigns to raise the profile of the charity and tackle misunderstanding around migraine
- Ensure content across all channels – including media, digital, social and publications - is on brand and reflects our values and core messaging
- Ensure our online presence meets the needs of our stakeholders, and is fit-for-purpose for current and future organisational needs
- Oversee production of relevant reports, marketing materials and key publications working with freelance agencies and designers as required
- Work closely with Fundraising colleagues to identify and develop opportunities that support organisational growth
- Ensure all those living with migraine and their voices are central to our policy, campaigning and communications work
- Act as a spokesperson when necessary, representing the charity externally
The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have over time.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- A creative and experienced communications leader
- Wide experience working in the field of communications (in house or agency) and able to demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of communications activities
- Demonstrable experience of developing media strategies and managing media relations to achieve results
- Ability to deliver policy and public affairs strategies that create change
- A strategic thinker able to develop new ideas and turn these into action
- A strong leader and manager
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills and the ability to communicate, engage and build relationships with a wide range of audiences across the organisation and externally
- Calm under pressure with sound judgment
- Confidence to represent The Migraine Trust externally including public speaking as necessary
- Ability to manage a diverse workload and work under pressure.
Desirable
- Experience working within a health, disability, or long-term conditions context
- Experience of the voluntary sector and/or lived experience engagement
- Knowledge of digital transformation or digital communications best practice
The Migraine Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably experienced persons regardless of their race, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion/faith, sexual orientation, or age.
How to apply
For the full role description, and to apply, please visit our website. Interviews will be week commencing 5th January. If you would like an informal discussion to find out more about the role before submitting an application, or have any other queries, we encourage you to get in touch.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
1) Governance & Strategic Leadership
· Ensure full compliance with constitutional, regulatory, and legal obligations, upholding the Nolan Principles and Charity Commission guidance.
· Work in partnership with the Board to advise on, draft, and recommend long‑term strategy; provide evidence‑based insights to support regular review of vision, mission, and values.
· Embed co‑design and beneficiary voice at the heart of strategic planning through inclusive and accessible engagement with communities, partners, and staff.
2) Financial Management & Sustainability
· Maintain accountability for budgets, internal controls, and equitable resource allocation, providing timely and accessible management information.
· Ensure compliance with funder requirements (e.g., Sport England) and manage conflicts of interest transparently.
· Lead income generation across a diverse funding portfolio—including private, statutory, local authority, philanthropic and international/European sources—building values‑aligned partnerships.
3) Core Strategy Delivery & Impact
· Lead delivery of the organisation’s 5‑Year Strategy with measurable equity outcomes, reasonable adjustments, and accessible communications.
· Strengthen community engagement and grassroots participation programmes that foster belonging, inclusive access, and (where relevant) targeted diversionary activity.
· Expand leadership pathways through, for example, the LeaderBoard Academy, promoting lived experience, inclusive recruitment, and leadership development.
· Lead, refine and grow Sporting Equals’ Charter offer as a core mechanism for sector support, knowledge transfer and systemic leadership on race equity.
4) External Affairs & Communications
· Build respectful, reciprocal relationships with stakeholders across the UK, amplifying community evidence and beneficiary voice.
· Represent the organisation confidently in the media and at events, modelling inclusive language, behaviours, and values.
5) Risk, Compliance & People
· Actively manage the Risk Register, identifying and mitigating risks including governance failure, discrimination, and safeguarding, with clear escalation routes and accountability mechanisms, including safe recruitment and ongoing staff/volunteer training.
· Lead, support, and develop the Senior Management Team; set fair objectives, conduct appraisals, and champion wellbeing and professional development.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Salary: £46,698 (London) / £42,373 (National) per annum
Hours: 35 hrs per week
Contract: Fixed term contract (until March 2027)
Benefits
· 27 days annual leave + statutory holidays + 3 closures days over the Christmas period;
· Flexible working for all staff including working from home / hybrid working, and flexi-time/TOIL scheme;
· Attractive family friendly policies;
· Private healthcare cover;
· Season ticket loans;
· Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.
For more information about our benefits please visit our website.
Office locations: London, Bristol or homeworker
The role will involve spending a substantial amount of time in the East of England (including early starts/late finishes and overnight stays where required) and regular travel nationwide for NHF events and meetings.
Please note, if office based, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attendance at your office location.
Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.
An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) to join our team of External Affairs Managers on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around 6 million people. You can find further information about the NHF on our website.
Could you be our new External Affairs Manager, working closely with our housing association members across the East of England?
This is a unique and varied role which would appeal to someone with a background in areas such as stakeholder management, policy, public affairs, communications, programme management – or a combination of these areas! For example, you may be looking to step into a role to further develop your leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, whilst still building on your policy or programme management experience and knowledge.
You will operate at the heart of social housing by working with key decision makers across the housing association sector – including managing relationships with chief executives, chairs of boards and executive directors. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential to the role, as well as the confidence to work at the most senior levels.
It is crucial that you can work collegiately to lead key programmes of work across the NHF with colleagues in other teams, for example from our policy, press, events, and public affairs teams. Equally, you will be comfortable working autonomously and shaping your own work programme.
The core of the role involves being responsible for engagement with a whole geographic region of our membership; and working closely on or leading one of the NHF’s key themes of work, which include areas such as supported housing; devolution; developing new homes; decarbonising existing homes; ensuring the building safety agenda is delivered; or representing our rural or smaller housing associations.
The role is wide ranging and in addition to stakeholder management and programme leadership, will include running roundtables between our members and government, chairing sessions at NHF conferences, and presenting political and policy updates to senior teams within housing associations.
You will be part of a team of eight External Affairs Managers sitting within the member services directorate, which is there to ensure that we provide excellent value for money for our housing association members.
Key elements of the role:
· You will build and maintain brilliant relationships with housing associations leaders, using your well-developed communication and advocacy skills to maximum effect.
· You will develop knowledge, insight and understanding of housing associations to shape our policy and influencing work and to create structured programmes of member engagement on critical policy and political issues.
· You will be the contact point for housing associations in your region, ensuring they receive first class customer service on the issues which matter to them. Working closely with NHF members you will facilitate the organisation of regional chief executive or leaders forums and sounding boards.
· In addition to your regional work, you will lead on the strategic planning and delivery of a key NHF policy priority. This will require collaborative working with colleagues from across the organisation and working with members across every region and specialism. You will play a leadership role, creating structured engagement strategies to ensure members are able to influence policy as well as engaging key NHF stakeholders and sharing best practice.
· Your role will be to implement structured member engagement to ensure our policy priorities, positions and influencing work are member-led. This will include working directly with members to inform our policy positions and lead our influencing work.
· You will influence debates at the highest level and you will spot in advance and act strategically to mitigate the risk to our membership. As such, this role requires a high degree of political and organisational acumen and the ability to horizon scan.
· You will work with colleagues in our Commercial and Events teams to maximise commercial opportunities and help shape content at our conferences, as well chairing conference sessions.
· To be the face and voice of the NHF with members, stakeholders and the media.
· To ensure that as an organisation we deliver as a whole team, seamlessly, to members to achieve greatest impact in line with the business strategy.
· To maintain high quality standards and follow NHF policy and process.
The successful candidate:
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
· A sound knowledge and understanding of housing associations and issues affecting the wider sector.
· A sound understanding of the political and policy landscape that housing associations operate in.
· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of establishing and maintaining relationships with senior stakeholders, demonstrating excellent customer service and value for money.
· Effective communication skills, in person and in writing, including the ability to credibly and confidently present at meetings and events.
· Ability to listen to and influence senior stakeholders, demonstrating diplomacy, effective communication and negotiation skills.
· Clear leadership skills, able to lead complex and strategic programmes of work effectively, including experience of matrix managing and motivating a team.
· Excellent analytical skills and strategic nous with the ability to summarise complex information effectively to aid decision making.
· A commitment to excellent customer service.
· A positive, energetic and agile approach to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.
Disability confident employer
We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who meets the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.
Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
In these circumstances the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines.
We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please contact the People team with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.
Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.
Completing our Application Form
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. The application form includes your employment and education history plus you will be asked to answer questions in relation to your knowledge, skills and experience, why you are applying for the role and questions in relation to our values. The application form is anonymous and will not require you to upload a CV or cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.
Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship
You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.
Closing date for applications: 4 January 2026
Interview date: 14 and 15 January 2026
We are the voice of England’s housing associations.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
We offer hybrid working and we are committed to paying the Real Living Wage.
About Us
Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.
Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.
As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.
The Benefits
We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.
We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join our Research, Policy and Impact team.
Supporting the Head of Cancer Insight, you will continue to develop and deliver a policy and public affairs strategy, including influencing at a local, regional, and national level, with the aim of helping the charity achieve its strategy and bringing benefit to the people of Yorkshire. You will develop evidence-based policy reports and recommendations that can be used to influence a variety of audiences and project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns and events. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will also act as a source of expertise across the organisation and externally on key policy areas and the wider policy environment.
Specifically, you will:
Influencing
· Support the further development, refinement and delivery of the charity’s influencing strategy and impact evaluation process, in line with the charity’s own strategic ambitions.
· Lead the development of insightful written materials and reports to aid influencing.
· Lead the charity’s response to regional and national consultations relevant to cancer in Yorkshire, making a robust and evidence-based case for the charity’s position.
· Oversee the continued growth of the charity’s political monitoring work and ensure the effective pursuit of every opportunity offered.
· Engage with regional and national decision makers to influence policy-making for the benefit of people in Yorkshire and beyond.
· Grow relationships with key stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond (such as DHSC, NHSE, Integrated Care Boards, Cancer Alliances, national policy groups, and other charities, to influence change based on policy recommendations.
Policy development
· Support the continued development of the policy production and dissemination process, including the policy development pathway, internal/external dissemination and impact evaluation.
· Lead the research, production and dissemination of high quality, evidence-based cancer-related policies and the strategic development of key policy recommendations.
· Oversee regular updates of existing policies and position statements, ensuring that topical policies are updated frequently.
· Ensure external insight is built into policies and policy development, such as gaining views from the Patient and Public Involvement Community, the inclusion of external patient and public contributors and endorsements from clinical and academic experts.
· Oversee work with relevant internal teams to create key messages for a range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring these are in line with the latest evidence and are used correctly, and provide expert commentary on media stories.
· Act as a source of expertise on the charity’s cancer-related policies and position statements, both internally and externally. Undertake media interviews as required to communicate key messages with the public.
Campaigns and Events
· Project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns, in collaboration with the Brand and Relationships team where relevant, manage relationships with third parties to support campaign delivery where required.
· Lead the outreach and delivery of influencing events, including visits to charity-funded projects and party conference activity.
· Further develop and deliver of a strategy for growing and maintaining a handraiser supporter base, to enhance public affairs campaigns activity.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will need:
· To have a degree in a relevant subject area, for example public policy, public health, scientific, medical etc.
· To have substantial experience of writing influencing materials such as briefings, letters, blogs, campaign materials.
· To have substantial experience supporting the implementation of high impact campaigns that engage the public and are designed to influence. Experience of working on campaigns that encourage behaviour change.
· To have experience of evaluating campaigns, and assessing the impact of policy and public affairs activities.
· To have excellent Public Affairs experience including understanding of local, regional and national government, the current health policy landscape as well as knowledge of UK parliamentary processes along with a proven track-record of engaging politically to make change happen.
· To have substantial experience of developing evidence-based policies for a health focused organisation.
· To have substantial experience of communicating health policy positions to a variety of audiences including for influencing purposes.
· To have a good understanding of the health care system in England.
· To be a strategic thinker with strong analytical, judgement and decision-making skills.
· To be able to sift out the essential elements from a mass of complex information, integrate and synthesise ideas, and present information to others in an accessible way.
· To be a pro-active and creative approach to policy work with an ability to identify and use external opportunities and a desire to succeed.
· To have excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills with the ability to interpret complex information and communicate this to a range of audiences so it is clear and accessible.
· To have excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines with exceptional levels of accuracy maintained.
· To have strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to coach team members to encourage continued development and learning.
· To have strong networking, influencing and relationship management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence others, as well as the confidence and personal authority to work with external organisations.
Application
Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People,before 15 December 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer. We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.
We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Public Affairs Lead sits within our Policy and Advocacy Team, working to build support for The Food Foundation’s work amongst Parliamentarians and to influence the government to help deliver policies that will transform the food system. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small organisation delivering big impact on the political agenda around food.
The Public Affairs Manager reports to our Head of Policy and Advocacy and will be responsible for planning and delivering our public affairs activity. This includes:
- Political engagement: meeting MPs and Peers in parliament and building relationships with their teams with a view to identifying potential new supporters
- Policy and research: working closely with colleagues to share perspectives on which priorities it may be tactical to pursue and to understand what evidence is available to inform engagement.
- Networking: working with public affairs professionals in other organisations to deliver joint programmes of engagement work which leverage respective organisational strengths.
- Monitoring: You will have excellent political instincts and a strong interest in policy developments,
monitoring closely what is going on in Parliament and in Government,in order to identify opportune moments to maximise political attention and to galvanise support for policy change. - Communicating: building compelling narratives targeted at different political stakeholders about the impacts of the food system on our diets, our health and our planet, and the need for evidence-based solutions.
- Developing briefing materials and reports for policy audiences and formulate responses on behalf of the organisation to policy development processes and Parliamentary inquiries.
- Events: ensuring our messages and priorities are noticed and heard by policy-makers in a very crowded policy space, including by working closely with our events manager to deliver impactful parliamentary events.
You will bring a learning mindset to the role, assessing the impact of our policy engagement approaches in order to make continuous improvements.
A week in the job
Meeting with a Peer that is new to our work to brief them on evidence we have published and our current political priorities, completing a political stakeholder mapping exercise for a new campaign on sustainable diets to identify a shortlist of MPs to engage with, spending an afternoon in parliament to engage informally with passing MPs, pitching a new idea for a
parliamentary inquiry to parliamentary staff from the Health and Social Care Committee, drafting an MP briefing for an upcoming debate on the Government’ s obesity prevention priorities, reviewing next week’s parliamentary calendar to spot opportunities for engagement, attending a roundtable to share intelligence and discuss priorities for political party manifestos with other NGOs working on food issues, ringing round parliamentary offices to confirm attendance for
an upcoming parliamentary reception, meeting with an MP that is closely involved with The Food Foundation’s work to refine messaging for an upcoming campaign.
Your experience
You will have a strong knowledge of the UK political landscape and be comfortable and confident in engaging with stakeholders in Whitehall and in Parliament across the political spectrum. Ideally you would also have a knowledge of policy related to the food system, public health or the environmental crisis.
Your skills
- Proven ability to influence decision makers
- Strong knowledge and experience of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape
- Ability to work diplomatically and professionally with external stakeholders
- Significant experience working in a role with a major focus on external engagement in a policy/public affairs setting
- A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
- Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to share ideas, find solutions and help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
- Proactive and independent worker with strong organisational and project management skills and demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a timepressured environment.
- Close attention to detail and ability to accurately monitor policy developments, stakeholder views and engagement activity.
- You have a commitment to building equitable, diverse and inclusive policy.
- An existing network of relationships with MPs, Peers, advisors and policy officials.
Our vision is a sustainable food system which delivers health and wellbeing for all.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving organisational impact? We're looking for an experienced professional to join us as Head of Strategy Implementation (Interim). This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering our current Strategy and Theory of Change, ensuring momentum and alignment across the charity.
This role is fixed term until September 2026, working 29 hours per week. The successful candidate will be required to attend meetings at least once a week as needed in central London and to attend meetings in other locations across the UK with reasonable notice.
Interviews will be held either in person in central London or virtually on Monday 22nd December. We appreciate this is a busy time of year and not all candidates will be able to travel. There may be a second, in person, interview in the New Year as part of the process.
What you'll do:
· Lead the implementation of our Strategy and Theory of Change, embedding cross-departmental collaboration through Thematic Oversight Groups.
· Oversee progress on strategic priorities, on behalf of the Chief Executive.
· Undertake engagement in preparation for a limited review and refresh of the Theory of Change which is due to take place in Q3-Q4 2026-2027.
· Provide senior leadership oversight of our Policy & Public Affairs function and support integrated working across the Strategy & External Affairs Department.
· Prepare reports for the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
· Oversee data-led quarterly reporting via a dashboard, driving quality assurance and continual improvement.
What we're looking for:
· A seasoned leader with at least 10 years' professional experience, including 5+ years working in a leadership role at a large organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive.
· At least 5 years' experience working on strategy implementation.
· Expertise in policy/public affairs.
· Experience of matrix programme management.
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
· Strategic thinker with creativity, adaptability, and a collaborative approach.
Why join us?
This is a chance to make a real difference at a critical time for our charity. You'll work alongside senior leaders, shape strategic priorities, and help prepare for the next phase of our journey.
Our Purpose is Changing Childhoods. Changing Lives. Working with children and young people to be safe, happy, healthy and hopeful.
Apply now and help us deliver lasting impact for the next generation.
At Barnardo's, we are focused on striving for excellence on behalf of children and young people. We also seek to create an environment where everyone can belong, grow, and thrive, and welcome applications from all individuals who meet the criteria.
The Holocaust Educational Trust team is made up of hard working, energetic people who are passionate about our mission to educate every person from every background in the UK about the Holocaust and its relevance today.
Over the course of our history, the Trust has created a delivered innovative a meaningful learning experiences and educational programmes which reach over 100,000 young people each year, teaching them about what the Holocaust was, and its relevance today. The schools’ programmes we delivery include our Outreach/survivor speaker programme; our Lessons from Auschwitz Project; the Youth Advocacy/Ambassador Programme; Testimony 360: People and Places of the Holocaust; and Teacher Training.
The Marketing and Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility of, and driving registrations to, the Holocaust Educational Trust’s programmes with schools across England. You will play a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility of, and driving registrations to, the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Department for Education funded ‘Supporting Survivor Testimony in Teaching’ initiative – specifically supporting a drive to engage and register schools, ensuring schools across England are inspired to take part through compelling and effective marketing and communications. The post’s work ensures that schools across the UK are inspired to engage with our programmes, building long term and ongoing relationships.
Key responsibilities
All of the responsibilities below are achieved by working closely with the Trust’s programmes team and with the various external MarComms agencies that provide support to the Trust, ensuring that a programme of compelling content and campaigns is shared across email, social media, and web platforms, all designed to inspire teachers and school staff to engage in our programmes and initiatives. As our in-house link to the MarComms agency, you will:
- Support with the development and implementation of an integrated marketing plan, which will drive school engagement, and will translate in to school registration on to the government funded ‘Supporting Holocaust Survivor Testimony in Teaching’ initiative.
- Ensure that a programme of compelling content and campaigns is shared across email, social media, and web platforms, all designed to inspire teachers and school staff to engage in HET’s programmes, translating into school registrations
- Work with colleagues across the Trust, as well as agencies, to ensure that HET’s communications channels are effectively coordinated in line with a shared marcomms calendar
- Support the creation and management of marketing content and messaging across platforms, including website, social media, email newsletters, blog posts, sector press and other.
- Produce engaging marketing materials, press releases, case studies and reports to promote programmes’ impact and inspire engagement.
- Identify new sources of educational contacts, to build the Trust’s database and increase visibility of our marketing materials.
- Build relationships with media contacts, stakeholders, and partners to maximise PR opportunities.
- Provide accurate information regarding engagement to enable the preparation of reports, including reports to donors and funders including government, as well as to the Board of Trustees; and undertake analysis to identify and recommend opportunities for improvement in the effectiveness of marketing activities
- Monitor marcomms delivery against KPIs regularly, ensuring stats are kept up to date and flagging in advance if there is a chance of not meeting a KPI.
- Ensure marketing and communications are delivered in line with responsibilities related to data protection including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, and that GDPR is part of programme planning across all programmes.
To find out more please read our full job description and person specification, and click through to our website to find out how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join the leading UK network for British Muslim-led charities and community organisations! Building on your passion for social justice and sector improvement, support the growing sector, advocate for change for minority communities and the user-led organisations who support them.
Job role: Junior Policy and Advocacy Officer
Employer: Muslim Charities Forum
Salary: £29,000 –£32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)
Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.
Location: London SE1. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North
Closing date for applications: 16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.
About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)
Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.
We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.
Role Purpose
The Junior Policy & Advocacy Officer will support the delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research work. Working closely with the Head of Policy & Advocacy, they will contribute to policy monitoring, research projects, member engagement, and influencing activities across government, civil society, and the wider third-sector ecosystem.
This role is ideal for an early-career professional with strong analytical skills, a passion for social justice, and an interest in policy, research, and advocacy relating to the Muslim-led voluntary and community sector.
Key Responsibilities
1. Policy Monitoring and Research Support
• Track and summarise relevant UK policy, regulatory, parliamentary and sector developments related to civil society, charity regulation, funding, equity, inclusion and climate-related legislation or sustainability policy, reflecting MCF’s commitment to sector-wide awareness of climate action.
• Assist in drafting policy briefings, consultation responses, evidence submissions, and research summaries.
• Support the Head of Policy & Advocacy in compiling data and insights for reports, position statements and strategic documents. • Conduct desk-based research on thematic issues affecting Muslim-led and minority-led organisations.
• Monitor media commentary relevant to the British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector and contribute to the preparation of responses, in collaboration with the Policy and Communications teams.
2. Advocacy and Influencing Support
• Support engagement with government stakeholders by preparing meeting briefs, background notes, and follow-up materials.
• Help coordinate MCF’s involvement in roundtables, APPG sessions, consultations, and external events.
• Maintain databases of stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, think tanks, regulators and sector partners. • Support public affairs monitoring, including parliamentary questions, debates and committee activity.
• Contribute to MCF’s work on climate action awareness and sustainability by supporting advocacy messaging, stakeholder engagement or policy monitoring relating to sustainable practice across the Muslim charity sector.
3. Engagement with Members and Sector Stakeholders
• Assist in organising policy workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building resources for MCF’s members.
• Help collect insights, feedback and lived experience from member organisations to inform MCF’s policy positions.
• Respond to member enquiries relating to policy, regulation or advocacy support.
• Contribute to resources that help Muslim-led charities navigate regulatory and structural barriers.
• Support member-facing materials and capacity-building related to sustainability, climate awareness, or environmental good practice where required. 4. Communications and Content Support
• Draft accessible summaries of policy developments for newsletters, blogs, briefings or social media (in collaboration with the Communications team).
• Ensure policy messages are communicated consistently and clearly to internal and external audiences.
• Help prepare slides, visuals or short reports for senior-level advocacy engagements.
• Work with the Communications team to cntribute to external messaging that aligns with MCF’s media monitoring, research findings and sector commentary.
5. Administration, Coordination and Reporting
• Provide administrative support for the policy and advocacy workstream, including scheduling, minutes, organisation of meetings and events. • Maintain systems for tracking policy work, research outputs and stakeholder engagement.
• Assist with monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the impact of policy activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal processes and external regulatory requirements (e.g., lobbying regulations).
Person Specification
Essential
• Experience (including internships or volunteering) in policy, research, public affairs, community advocacy or a related area.
• Strong understanding of UK political, charity or social policy landscapes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information clearly.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and produce evidence-informed insights.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening underrepresented communities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, fast-paced team.
• Sensitivity to issues affecting Muslim-led, minority-led or faith-based civil society.
• Awareness of key issues, legislation or trends relating to climate change or sustainability affecting civil society.
• Interest in media monitoring, public messaging or analysing public commentary related to the sector.
Desirable
• Experience working or volunteering within the voluntary sector, community organisations, or advocacy projects.
• Understanding of intersectionality and structural inequalities affecting minority and marginalised communities.
• Experience producing policy briefs, research notes or advocacy materials.
• Familiarity with parliamentary processes or government engagement.
• Lived experience relevant to the communities MCF represents.
Values and Behaviours
• Collaborative, inclusive and respectful approach to diverse stakeholders. Proactive, organised and self-motivated, with willingness to learn.
• Integrity and professionalism when representing MCF.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to amplify underrepresented voices with care and accuracy.
What We Offer
• Opportunity to develop skills in policy, research, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Mentorship and learning from experienced senior leaders.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Chance to contribute to meaningful, systemic change within the UK’s Muslim led charity sector.
Application Information
If you are a change maker who wishes to help us empower the sector, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.
If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).
No agencies.
UK residents only. Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled and conscientious Corporate Appointee & Finance Officer to join our team.
This important role combines financial administration with the responsibility of acting as a corporate appointee or deputy, supporting vulnerable clients who are unable to manage their own financial affairs.
You will ensure that income such as welfare benefits and pension is received, bills are paid, and clients’ finances are carefully managed. You will use Xero accounting software to maintain accurate records and make secure online payments.
As part of our organisation, you will help ensure that some of the most vulnerable people in our community are supported to live safely and independently.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a corporate appointee or Deputy for clients in line with DWP requirements
- Receive and manage client income, ensuring rent, utilities and other bills are paid on time
- Process and reconcile financial transactions accurately using Xero
- Make secure online payments and manage client budgets
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records for audits and reports
- Communicate clearly with clients, families, staff and external agencies
- Handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly
- Follow all financial procedures, safeguarding policies and GDPR requirements
- Report discrepancies, safeguarding concerns or financial anomalies promptly
- Work collaboratively as part of the finance and support teams
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone with strong finance skills, accuracy and attention to detail who also has the interpersonal skills and patience needed to work with vulnerable individuals.
Person SpecificationEssential Skills and Experience
- Proven proficiency in Xero accounting or similar software
- Ability to process and reconcile online payments accurately
- Strong numeracy and literacy skills (GCSE level or equivalent)
- Confident using IT systems including spreadsheets, email and online portals
- Experience of working or living with vulnerable people in a supportive or professional capacity
- Good verbal and written communication skills – clear, respectful and professional
- Ability to manage sensitive personal and financial information confidentially
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Organised, with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
Desirable Skills and Knowledge
- Knowledge of corporate appointeeship processes or DWP benefits
- Experience working in a charity, community or care organisation
- Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection
Personal Attributes
- Honest, reliable and professional
- Patient, empathetic and respectful
- Able to work independently as well as part of a team
- Committed to fairness, inclusion and supporting vulnerable people
Why Join Us?
This role offers the chance to use your finance skills to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people. We provide:
- A supportive and friendly team environment
- Ongoing professional development
- The opportunity to combine finance work with meaningful social impact
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As a cross-border, cross-culture children’s charity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to fostering a workplace that promotes mutual respect and allows equal opportunity for all. We seek applications for candidates with diverse backgrounds including, but not at all limited to, family overseas, experience being raised by non-biological parents, ethnic minority communities and people with health conditions or impairments.
Job Outline:
CFAB supports children on the move between the UK and other countries and children who are separated from their family in another country. The complexities of migration and international separation can make many of these children particularly hard to support and particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. We ensure that children in these circumstances enjoy the same care, protection and right to a family life as we would want for any child.
We are the only UK representative of the International Social Service network, and the only charity in the UK with a dedicated international social work team. We are proud to have royal patronage from HRH, Princess Alexandra.
You will lead CFAB’s programme of campaigns, research and advocacy. You will raise awareness of our work to protect children who are separated from their families across international borders by developing key relationships with Government departments, drafting policy briefings, developing campaigns and leading on our public affairs work. You also will produce newsletters, create compelling content for our social media channels, maintain our website and promote our campaigns to key stakeholders.
We are looking for a highly motivated, creative individual who has excellent written skills and is positive, proactive and eager to learn. You will be working in a small team so a hand-on, solution focused approach is a must.
Key responsibilities:
Policy
- Draft policy positions, briefings and internal and external reports as appropriate.
- Identify and cultivate parliamentary and ministerial contacts sympathetic to our cause.
- Monitor Parliamentary inquiries, Bills, debates, parliamentary questions, and government consultations and draft submissions in a timely manner.
- Monitor and analyse government statistics.
- Work with Experts by Experience to shape advocacy and amplify the voices of those with lived experience of our work.
Campaigns & Communication
- Lead on developing our public-facing campaigns, tailoring our key messages for different audiences and identifying ways to push forward our issues through presentations, meetings, social media and other channels.
- Lead on our Public Relations work, maintaining our database and relations with relevant media, trade press and sector leads to raise awareness of our work and our policy campaigns.
- Write and produce CFAB's digital newsletters.
- Produce and track the efficacy of email marketing campaigns.
- Responsibly use digital and AI tools to enhance communication strategies, ensuring alignment with organisational values and safeguarding data privacy and integrity.
Marketing
- Contribute to the updating and maintenance of CFAB’s website as required.
- Design and produce other marketing materials as needed.
Social media
- Manage all activity on our social media channels including the creation of posts, videos and images and ad hoc engagement.
- Track online engagement with CFAB and regularly monitor performance to enable an effective assessment of our communication tools and outputs.
Other duties commensurate with the role as required by CFAB.
Person specification: (Skills, Abilities, Knowledge and Experience)
Essential:
- Excellent written English, with proven ability to research and write accessible, clear policy documents and reports for a range of audiences.
- Passionate about CFAB’s mission.
- A ‘self-starter’ with a willingness to learn about CFAB’s complex cause. • Sound knowledge of the political system and policy making in the UK.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. • The ability to engage and build relationships internally and externally to CFAB
- A clear commitment to CFAB’s values and beliefs, including the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Desirable:
- Educated to degree level.
- Experience of providing strategic and tactical political and/or policy advice, including to senior management.
- Experience in a marketing or communications role, preferably within the third sector. • Experience using Mailchimp and website management.
- Sound working knowledge of window-based software packages, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail, and the internet.
- Graphic design skills and experience working within brand guidelines. • Experience in building relationships with journalists and placing stories.
- Familiarity with Salesforce.
Additional Requirements
- Ensuring adherence to necessary legislation e.g. Data Protection Act, Health and Safety Act
- Participation in evening and/or weekend events, networking and meetings
This job description is a non-contractual document and may be changed at any time by CFAB. All employees are expected to be flexible over the tasks/duties and responsibilities of their roles in order to meet the needs of both of CFAB and our service users/partners.
CFAB exists to ensure that every child in the UK has the right to care, protection and family life, no matter where they come from.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Purpose:
- To lead the development and delivery of WIP’s housing programme in South London and Manchester, ensuring high quality, trauma responsive services.
- Develop effective pathways with local housing teams and providers, including through co-design with women with lived experience, developing training and resources to improve the knowledge and understanding on women impacted by the CJS.
- Provide effective leadership to direct reports, fostering a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Work collaboratively with the external affairs team to provide programme insights to influence policy and systems change to prevent criminalisation of women due to homelessness and housing insecurity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Christie Charity is a vibrant, fast moving, energetic organisation with a passionate team and a fantastic reputation.
Everything we do is geared to supporting the renowned Christie hospital ensuring cancer patients receive the highest level of treatment and care and have access to world leading research and technology. We provide funding over and above what the NHS provides.
We are currently entering a particularly exciting period of growth and expansion as we fundraise for a number of major projects.
We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic self-starter to support the Head of PR, Communications and Celebrity Engagement and work collaboratively with Charity and hospital colleagues to highlight the impact our supporters and fundraisers make to cancer patients.
You will be equally at home pitching a story to a national journalist, working with a senior consultant or scientist to draft a new Charity funded research story, briefing photographers, liaising with fundraisers to tell their story, writing newsletter and marketing copy or devising a communications plan.
The Charity team is responsible for raising millions of pounds each year to ensure Christie patients receive the very best care and treatment. This includes everything from access to world first clinical trials and receiving radiotherapy in state-of-the-art treatment centres, to young adults being cared for in a bespoke age-appropriate centre and being able to offer patients anxiety reducing complementary therapy, or even creative sessions in our art room.
If you want to make a real difference to cancer patients and are ready to rise to the challenge of working for one of the most successful charities in the North-West, then this could be the role for you.
We will be reviewing applications and arranging interviews on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a highly experienced and adaptable Head of Legal to join our impactful organisation
At Global Witness, we’re on a mission to shift the balance of power from the polluters profiting most from the climate emergency to the people most adversely affected.
We are an independent, global organisation of investigators and campaigners using cutting edge investigative methods. We shine a light on the financial and political systems that enable that enable corporate abuses of power that harm people and planet.
We are all determined and confident that together we can secure a better tomorrow for everyone. If you are inspired to join us as we investigate and expose abuses of power, tell the stories the world needs to hear and campaign for systemic change, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
We are seeking a highly experienced and adaptable Head of Legal to join our impactful organisation.
The Head of Legal will provide comprehensive, strategic legal advice across a wide range of organisational activities, with a primary focus on investigations and litigation advice.
As an in-house legal expert, you will manage litigation, deliver pre-publication advice, and proactively assess and mitigate legal risks, including those related to intellectual property and data protection.
You will work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of corporate compliance, both nationally and internationally, while protecting and enhancing our reputation and relationships.
In addition, as part of our learning organisation, you will play a pivotal role in knowledge sharing and legal training, fostering collaboration across the organisation to ensure staff are equipped with the legal knowledge they need to thrive.
About you
This senior role requires an individual with deep expertise in editorial media law, pre-and post-publication and litigation across jurisdictions.
The ideal candidate will have experience in defamation, privacy, intellectual property especially in the context of high-profile, international campaigning and investigations. You will be a strategic thinker who can manage complex legal issues while supporting the overall mission and goals of the organisation.
You will bring senior experience which includes advising and negotiating on a range of contracts matters, as well as the flexibility to support an evolving and fast paced international and mission-driven organisation.
Working for Global Witness
Global Witness has a talented team of people worldwide with offices in London, Washington D.C. and Brussels.
We aim to be a diverse and inclusive place to work. We value new perspectives, original ideas and different ways of working. We believe that diverse views and experiences improve the way we do our work. We do our best to make our jobs accessible to all regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or identity.
We offer an excellent benefits package including a competitive salary and 25 days annual leave (excl. Bank Holidays). We also offer healthcare insurance, wellbeing days and policies to support you during key life events.
We are currently in the first year of a shorter working week pilot where everyone works 30 hours Monday to Thursday, with Friday off with no impact on full time salary. We operate a hybrid working model which requires at least 2 days in the office.
How to apply
Applications should be made online and include:
- a CV
- Covering letter (no more than two pages) explaining your motivation for applying for the role, along with how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria in the person specification
The closing date for applications is 9am GMT Monday 8 December 2025.
Interview process
Preliminary interviews with be held virtually week commencing 15 December 2025.
If you have any questions relating to the role or the process or would like any adjustments made to accommodate your needs, please contact us.
Equality and diversity
We would appreciate your participation in completing our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.
Global Witness wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce and candidates in encouraging equality and diversity.
Our goal is a more sustainable, just and equal planet.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.
Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Employer: Muslim Charities Forum
Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)
Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.
Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North
Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.
About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)
Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.
We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.
Role Purpose
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors.
The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making.
They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy and Leadership
-
Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives.
-
Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks.
-
Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.
2. Policy, Research and Insight
-
Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society.
-
Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions.
-
Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements.
3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement
-
Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks.
-
Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders.
-
Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums.
-
Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector.
4. Sector Capacity and Member Support
-
Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy.
-
Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity.
-
Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
-
Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work.
-
Provide regular progress reports to the CEO.
-
Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
-
Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector.
-
Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change.
-
Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment.
-
Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape.
-
Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work.
-
Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy.
-
Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen.
-
Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society.
Desirable Criteria
-
Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations.
-
Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities.
-
Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks.
-
Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives.
Values and Behaviours
-
Strategic and forward-thinking leadership.
-
Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders.
-
Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments.
-
Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector.
-
Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
-
Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices.
Additional Information
This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel.
What We Offer
-
The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks.
-
A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
-
Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation.
Application Information
To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.
We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.
If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).
No agencies.
UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.





