External Affairs Officer Jobs in Belgravia, Greater London
At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, our goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. Our impact across policy, campaigning, information and advice, grant-making and partnerships improves lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence in wider areas of life. We want to find talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.
Responsibilities and Person Specification:
This role will form an integral part of our three person Policy and Public Affairs team based in Scotland, working as part of a UK-wide Policy and Influencing team. The role will drive forward our policy projects to reduce poverty in later life, conducting expert research and policy analysis and turning this into persuasive evidence to catch the attention of decision makers and persuaders. The postholder will create opportunities to amplify the voices of older people in poverty and work to secure support for our policy recommendations in Holyrood.
You will have strong research skills with experience of turning quantitative and qualitative data into high quality, persuasive policy outputs. You will have experience developing credible, evidence-based policy solutions, informed by the perspectives and insights of people with lived experience.
You will be a skilled verbal and written communicator with the ability to engage different audiences. You will build strategic relationships with a variety of stakeholders to advance the solutions needed to address poverty in later life, using your knowledge of the political landscape in Scotland and passion for our cause.
For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.
This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight.
Location: Homebased in Scotland (with occasional travel required)
What it’s like to work at Independent Age:
We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.
We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.
We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.
You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age by visiting our website.
Application Process:
To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by clicking the Apply Online button below (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).
To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.
Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic Disclosure Scotland Certificate will be required for this role.
Closing Date: Sunday 14th April
Interview Dates: Wednesday 24th April & Thursday 25th April
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job title: Director of Policy and Strategy
Term: Full time, permanent
Salary: Circa £100,000 per annum plus generous benefits, and 30 days’ annual leave.
Location: London (Victoria) – hybrid (one to three days in the office as a minimum), with some travel around England required
Closing date: 10am 22 April 2024
Interviews: w/c Monday 6 May 2024
NHS Providers is the membership organisation for the NHS hospital, mental health, community, and ambulance services that treat patients and service users in the NHS. We help those NHS foundation trusts and trusts to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care by enabling them to learn from each other, acting as their public voice and helping shape the system in which they operate.
NHS Providers has all trusts in England in voluntary membership, collectively accounting for £115bn of annual expenditure and employing 1.4 million staff.
Our Policy directorate encompasses around 35 people, and the director of policy and strategy has responsibility for four direct reports and sits on our Executive Management Team (EMT), also helping to lead strategy and development across our 100-strong organisation. As director of policy and strategy, you will play a pivotal role in developing and strengthening our Policy and Strategy directorate. This will include ensuring we continue to operate in an integrated way across our Policy and Strategy, Communications, and Development and Engagement directorates to deliver the greatest impact for members and our organisation.
You will provide strategic leadership for the organisation’s policy, strategy, analysis and public affairs functions, providing high-level advice and support to the chief executive, deputy chief executive, chair and board, as well as playing a key role as part of the NHS Providers director team.
NHS Providers is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality, beliefs, or disability. To be successful in this role you will need to be personally committed to being anti-racist and support our broader diversity work across all protected characteristics
Age UK's impactful External Affairs Team are currently offering a 12 month Fixed Term Contract for an External Affairs Support Officer.
In this role, you'll support the delivery of our highly effective campaigns and public affairs activities which positively change the lives of older people. This is the perfect opportunity to develop a career in campaigning or public affairs, offering you varied experience and exposure to public and parliamentary campaigning, as well as supporting our Network of local Age UKs to campaign locally.
As External Affairs Support Officer, you'll provide efficient administrative support to the External Affairs team, assist with logistical planning and event organisation, keep track of relevant parliamentary activity; whilst preparing engaging communications relating to our campaigns and public affairs work for a range of audiences.
With an astute attention to detail, you'll be able to prioritise your workload, critically listen and confidently communicate both verbally and in written form; as well as having a sincere interest in politics and/or campaigning for change.
This is a hybrid opportunity, a blend of homebased and office working. Our linked office for this role is in London and you would be expected to attend the office once a week and more often if needed, to support events or campaign activity.
Closing date for applications - Friday 5th April
There will be an initial task for shortlisted applicants - 11th/12th April
Must haves:
- Confident written and verbal communication skills. You are comfortable writing for a range of audiences and tailoring style and content appropriately.
- Experience of organising or supporting events.
- An ability to provide appropriate attention to detail.
- An empathetic and sensitive approach to working with people sharing their personal experiences.
- Interest in politics and/or campaigning for change.
- Good organisational and planning skills, along with an ability to prioritise workload and competing demands.
Great to haves:
- Understanding of the voluntary sector.
- Broad understanding of the issues facing older people.
- Knowledge of the political process.
- Experience of using a range of digital tools.
What we offer in return
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
- Blue Light Card Scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
For a full list of benefits please click here
All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
1. About Us
Sound and Music is the national charity for new music.
We support anyone who wants to make music and sound to shape the modern world. We enable individuals to challenge expectations and discover their potential, and act as a friendly guide for those who want to listen deeper. Our work sustains more careers, progresses creativity and achieves greater equity across music in the UK.
We are guided by our Fair Access Principles, a code of best practice which ensures our work is open and inclusive for all.
Sound and Music is supported by Arts Council England and proud to be a National Youth Music Organisation.
The creative programme for Sound and Music makes a unique and distinctive contribution to the arts in the UK. We are a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England. NPO funding is confirmed until March 2026.
Sound and Music is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to making recruitment and employment at Sound and Music inclusive and accessible. We particularly welcome applications from backgrounds that experience racism, and/or who are disabled or neurodiverse, to whom we will offer an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role (see section 4).
2. Job Description
The Head of External Engagement is a key leadership post within the organisation. The role encompasses responsibility for the development and delivery of the organisation’s external activity, including profile, brand identity and stakeholder engagement (including the public), fundraising, and driving income generation in new areas, notably commercial partnerships. It also forms part of Sound and Music’s senior management team, who under the leadership of the Chief Executive are responsible for overseeing the organisation’s programme of activity, strategic development, external profile and a positive and productive organisational culture.
An experienced fundraiser and communicator, you will lead the external engagement team and support the delivery of its strategic and operational plans. The broad remit of the role means the successful candidate will be a strong and confident communicator who builds networks easily and prioritises exceptional stakeholder management and relationship development.
Sound and Music operates a hybrid working model with a mix of in person and remote working, so we welcome applications from anywhere in the UK. Our office is in London and the minimum requirement will be to attend one day per week.
The post holder will support Sound and Music’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, contributing to a culture of respect and collaboration in the organisation’s internal and external activities.
3. Key Responsibilities
Leadership and management
External leadership:
· Represent Sound and Music publicly, including through stakeholder and supporter events
· Work with the Head of Programmes to ensure Sound and Music’s advisory groups are meaningfully engaged
· Be the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Sound and Music
Internal leadership:
· Shared strategic responsibility and accountability for Sound and Music’s three core aims and their associated objectives, outcomes and outputs
· Shared accountability (with other senior management colleagues) for the successful delivery and implementation of the organisation’s Business Plan
· Lead the organisation’s External Engagements team. This team includes a Communications and Insights Manager and Fundraising Coordinator (both line managed by the Head of External Engagement) plus support from other Sound and Music team members
Development and fundraising
· Develop and support the Chief Executive on the overall business and development strategy for the organisation to ensure we meet fundraising targets (£200k in 2024-25) for annual programmes and major projects
· Develop an ambitious fundraising programme which builds our supporter base and individual funding streams, including individuals, major gifts and public funders
· Drive income growth by identifying and negotiating commercial partnerships and contribute to the development of an enhanced commercial mindset across the organisation
· Develop and cultivate the existing trusts and foundations pipeline
· Prepare documents and reports for key funders including Arts Council England
· Build and maintain positive and productive relationships with key funders, commercial organisations and stakeholders and cultivate existing relationships within the organisation
· Establish new income streams, for example, by maximising the intellectual property created within the organisation
· Engage the Board of Trustees and senior management team in fundraising activities and the ongoing strategy to optimise donor management and stewardship to develop a culture of fundraising across the organisation
· Maximise the opportunities provided by the new CRM system and contribute to the development of a data-led mindset across the organisation
Communications and campaigns
· Develop and lead the overall communications and reputation management strategy for varied stakeholders to ensure we increase our visibility and influence in the sector
· Support the Chief Executive to build the profile of our brand, drive the media messaging and oversee and power our content media campaigns
· Support the Chief Executive to build and maintain positive and productive relationships with government and culture and media opinion formers
Strategy and planning
· Work with the Chief Executive and other senior management team members to monitor, evaluate and review KPIs, strategies and activity so as to maximise Sound and Music’s impact. This includes reporting and presenting to the Board and externally to help build engagement and relationships in the sector and with funders
· Assess the reputational, financial, delivery and other risks associated with current and new projects and partnerships
· Empower, model, support and encourage cross-team working to realise the full income generating possibilities of projects
Finance and governance
· Contribute to creating and monitoring the overall organisation budget
· Work closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Programmes and Finance Manager to formulate financial strategy against specified budget areas, and to ensure that the programme activity is sufficiently resourced, planned and delivered to budget
· Ensure close monitoring of income and expenditure for relevant budget lines and contribute to senior management team financial planning and review
· Attend Board and Financial Subcommittee meetings to present and report impact on a quarterly basis
Special conditions of the post
· Travel within the UK, as required by the role
· A willingness to represent the organisation internationally on an occasional basis
· Evening and weekend working to attend and network at events will be required (time off in lieu is taken afterwards)
· Satisfactory completion of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (if offered the role, and paid for by Sound and Music)
4. Candidate profile
Essential:
· A demonstrable commitment to Sound and Music’s vision, mission and values
· A track record of generating income across different channels, meeting targets, with the ability and experience to manage and develop long-term and sustained fundraising relationships (for example, with major donors and trusts and foundations)
· Leadership (a strong combination of these are essential):
· A track record of leadership, including leading or working at a senior level in an organisation during a period of growth and change
· Excellent team leadership skills, with high emotional intelligence and generosity, a genuine enthusiasm for encouraging the input and ideas of others
· Strong budgeting and financial planning skills, and the ability to work collaboratively on this
· An entrepreneurial mindset: success in leveraging income, developing new income streams and value through commercial acumen and effective strategic partnership building
· A track record in championing and addressing under-representation in culture and a deep-rooted commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable:
· Experience of increasing brand profile, developing brand awareness, and expanding audiences for a specialist product or service
· Understanding of the current political, economic, social and technological climate, including the context for culture and public funding and an active engagement with technological developments in creativity
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: able to engage confidently with different audiences and areas of the sector both publicly and on a 1:1 basis
· Excellent understanding of digital communications and infrastructure and how it can build reach and engagement, including using data to drive decision making
5. How to apply
If you are interested in working with us, please apply by completing the application form.
Sound and Music is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to making recruitment and employment at Sound and Music inclusive and accessible. We particularly welcome applications from backgrounds that experience racism, and/or who are disabled or neurodiverse, to whom we will offer an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you feel you have just some of the required skills and experience but meet the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply; we are very open to continuing the training and development of individuals who are self-motivated to acquire new skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
Role: Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer
Location: London, Haig House, with hybrid working
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £33,701 to £36,072 per annum, inclusive of London Supplement
Would you like to join the Campaigns, Policy and Research team for a leading national charity? Are you looking for a challenging new opportunity which will truly make a difference?
We are looking for a Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer to join the Royal British Legions London based team. This role will see you help to shape and carry out RBLs public affairs and campaigning activities at a national level, and to devise and deliver our political engagement events and campaigning work in Westminster.
Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.
Reporting too the Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager (UK), key responsibilities will include:
· Planning and organising political engagement events, including Parliamentary and Party Conference receptions, exhibitions, panel discussions, consultation events, Poppy Rides and more
· Devising and delivering a bespoke engagement programme for MPs and their staff
· External and internal team communications, including social media, team website and intranet content, responses to enquiries from the public.
· Monitoring and researching Parliamentary developments, consultations and legislation of interest to RBL and produce briefings for senior colleagues across the organisation on relevant issues
· Developing and maintaining good working relationships with key Parliamentarians and their staff, as well as partner organisations key to the successful delivery of RBL’s campaigns and engagement events programme
Here at RBL, we aim to support our people and their wellbeing, with a package including generous paid holiday allowance and pension scheme contributions, and a range of optional benefits and discounts.
You will be contracted to our London, Haig House Hub. Under our Future Working framework, there will be some flexibility for working remotely/at home, using our collaboration tools to work with colleagues but with a minimum expectation of two days/week connecting directly face-to-face with colleagues at the hub.
For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.
Closing Date: Sunday 14th April 2024
We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Public Affairs and Policy Manager will play a crucial role in helping to determine and shape TMs policy goals and how best to achieve them. Working closely and collaboratively with colleagues from across the organisation, and in close consultation with the TMs internal and external stakeholder groups and networks you will develop policy, research and campaigning projects to meet the organisations strategic objectives. You will be able to understand complex policy issues, recognise their relevance to the Traveller Movement and identify policy solutions. You will know how to generate and analyse data and bring issues to life by drawing out the lived experience of people from Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities
You will led develop and sustain a small committed team of two policy and campaign officers to produce policy, research and campaigning activities. You will lead TMs Public relations and influencing work developing relationships with policy makers, partner organisations, parliamentarians and the media. You will ensure co-production and the voice and lived experiences ethnic Romani (Gypsy), Traveller and Roma is central to all our engagement and influencing work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Title: Senior Local Public Affairs Manager
Salary: £43,250 - £48,048 per annum (plus London weighting if applicable. Salary negotiable depending on experience)
Hours/Contract: 35 hours per week, 1 year Fixed term contract
Based: Flexible
Closing date: Sunday 14th April 2024
Interview date: w/c 22nd April 2024
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Marie Curie's growing Policy and Public Affairs team on a 1 year fixed-term basis as our Senior Local Public Affairs Manager. The post holder will lead our local public affairs programme in England, manage relationships with senior local government and integrated care system leaders, and influence policy change at a local level to deliver a better end of life experience for people affected by terminal illness.
Marie Curie Benefits Package:
- Season ticket loan -for travelling to and from work
- Defined contribution schemes for Pension
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and satellite navigation systems
- Introduce a friend scheme
- Help with childcare cost (TC apply)
- Entitled under Marie Curie Blue Light Card
- Entitled to Benefit-Hub Discount Scheme
- Life assurance - for all employees
- Eye care - (under Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations, Marie Curie will pay towards sight tests if you use computer screens and other displays as part of your job)
What's in it for you:
- Annual leave allowance:
- England and Wales = 25 days plus 8 public holidays (pro rata)
- Northern Ireland = 25 days plus 11 public holidays (pro rata)
- Scotland = 25 days plus 10 public holidays (pro rata)
- Competitive Policy for parental/sick leave
- Continuous Professional Development - (Marie Curie supports and encourages personal and professional development)
- Industry leading training programmes
- Flexible Working
- Free DBS/PVG/Access NI
What we are looking for:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to synthesise and present complex and varied material in a range of formats
- Political astuteness and judgement, including track record of success in campaigning and lobbying and demonstrable ability to manage senior level relationships
- Excellent understanding of local and devolved government
- Outstanding organisational and project-management skills
- Ability to effectively line-manage staff
- Knowledge of health and social justice issues in the UK
- Familiarity with, and a commitment to equal opportunities
- Educated to degree level or with equivalent knowledge and experience gained in the workplace
The Senior Local Public Affairs Manager will design and lead the delivery of our local public affairs programme, and line-manage a team of officers responsible for delivering this work, engaging public policy decisionmakers in localities across England. The post holder will design and manage the delivery of significant internal and external projects, initiatives and campaigns which seek to improve the care and support available to everyone with a terminal illness. The holder will be responsible for managing relationships with senior Local Authority and Integrated Care System leaders, and ensure local public affairs activity contributes to the development of Marie Curie's relationships with local MPs and other key decisionmakers, working with them to improve end of life experience for everyone across their locality.
To apply, please send us your most recent CV and a cover letter detailing your experience, how you meet the person specification and why you would like to work for Marie Curie
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
We believe that diversity makes us stronger. Join Marie Curie and be part of an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone's unique perspectives and experiences are valued. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life. Apply today to bring your talents to our diverse and inclusive charity.
This role will be subject to receiving a satisfactory disclosure check.
About us:
Every day of your life matters - from the first to the last. When you work for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We're a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 12,000 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left.
Everyone knows our daffodil, but it's our warmth, creativity and care that touch lives. Here, we take the time to really get to know the people we care for and those who love them. And we do whatever it takes to give them the final days and hours they deserve.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Be part of something extraordinary at Epilepsy Society. We are seeking a values driven Policy & Public Affairs Manager to join a charity that provides world leading support for people with epilepsy through Care, Research and Advocacy.
About the role
We are looking for someone to join our award-winning campaigns team and help us to progress change through political engagement at both national and local level. We have an impressive track record of working with government, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, patient stakeholder groups and other charities in the sector on a range of issues which affect people with epilepsy. This is an exciting opportunity to help bring about further change that will make a real difference to the lives of people with epilepsy.
The postholder will develop an effective programme of policy and public affairs work across the UK to have maximum impact for people with epilepsy and to raise the public profile of epilepsy.
You will work with the Head of External Affairs and other team members to support and deliver a Communications and Influencing Strategy for the charity.
We seek a highly motivated individual to work with the CEO, Management Team and colleagues from across the organisation to achieve challenging targets.
You will be able to work independently and collaboratively and have the ability to influence and inspire people at all levels (industry, government, agencies, politicians, patient groups, charities, our beneficiaries and our staff and volunteers).
The post holders should demonstrate our people values of CAIRO (Caring, Accountable, Improving, Respectful and Open.
Some information about us
Epilepsy Society’s Vision is a full life for everyone affected by epilepsy. We want everyone affected by epilepsy to have the best opportunity for a full life – as free from seizures as possible. We set out to make a difference to every person affected by epilepsy whatever their background, however seriously it impacts on their life, and whether they have the condition themselves or are close to someone with epilepsy.
What we can offer you
We will offer you a competitive salary, a generous holiday entitlement (27 days plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part-time & bank roles) with the ability to buy and sell annual leave, a generous Employee Referral Scheme, Length of Service awards, access to shopping discounts and cashback with thousands of retailers, a Staff Recognition Scheme, excellent training and development opportunities.
We also have a generous group pension scheme, life assurance and an Employee Assistant Programme (with confidential helpline with any support you might need).
On-site, there is plenty of free car parking, a Café and beautiful grounds to work in and be surrounded by.
If you have the right skills and experience and are inspired to apply, please do so by uploading your CV and covering letter (one A4 page) explaining how you meet the person specification for the post and why you are applying for the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with Black Equity Organisation (BEO), in the recruitment of their new Head of Communications & External Affairs. Black Equity Organisation is an independent, national Black civil rights organisation created to dismantle systemic racism in Britain, drive generational change and deliver better lived experiences for Black people across the country. This is an exciting and newly created role, in which you will be leading on all BEO’s communications channels. This position is offered as a permanent, full-time role and will report to the CEO.
As the Head of Comms & External Affairs, you will lead on the implementation of the organisations communications strategy, including developing their brand and narrative. You will be responsible for overseeing BEO’s political engagement strategy and will ensure that BEO builds and maintains an influential network of political stakeholders, including parliamentarians and relevant senior government officials. You will support BEO to fulfil its purpose by deepening its understanding and clarifying its positioning in the current landscape. You will develop and execute marketing and communications activities that build BEO as a distinctive national brand.
To be successful in this role, you will have experience in marketing and/or communications roles, ideally within the third sector. You will have experience of developing and implementing impactful external affairs strategies, together with experience of developing digital comms strategies and successfully using digital channels to promote a brand or campaign. You should have a solid track record with building and leading the delivery of an integrated brand, marketing and communications strategy at a national level. You will need to have comprehensive knowledge and experience of the UK political landscape and legislative process, experience of influencing the legislative processes across the nations and regions and experience of working and building relationships across political parties. You will have experience of crisis comms management and risk mitigation, together with experience of running a busy press office function. You will be ambitious, with strong situational judgement skills and the ability to act diplomatically to influence effectively. Above all, you will have a commitment to Anti-Racism and a commitment to the mission of BEO.
In order to apply please submit your CV and Supporting Statement explaining how you meet the requirements of the position. BEO will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy. If you are eligible for this guaranteed interview scheme, please let us know as part of your application.
Following your application, you may be contacted by Prospectus for an informal discussion and be asked to provide further information to assist with this recruitment process. Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community, including those with lived experience. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.
Job title: Public affairs and campaigns adviser
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Grade 4, £32,119 - £35,000
Working arrangements: Full time, 35 hours per week. Hybrid working, with a minimum of 6 days per month in the office.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Royal College of Physicians at a crucial time. The RCP is a patient centred and clinically led organisation in the health sector and is the oldest medical royal college representing hospital doctors.
The public affairs and campaigns adviser supports the development of the RCP’s influence and networks, particularly in government and Parliament, identifying opportunities to involve RCP fellows and members in our influencing work.
Working closely with the public affairs manager, you will help support our public affairs and policy work, proactively identifying opportunities to ensure the organisation is influencing the health agenda effectively on a range of topics including the NHS workforce, health inequality, sustainability and climate change and clinical research.
You will be as comfortable speaking to parliamentarians and other stakeholders as you are writing consultation submissions and briefings. You will understand and be able to engage with the detail of legislation, while appreciating the bigger picture and our place in it. You will have experience of carefully analysing the external environment to spot opportunities to raise the profile of our policy priorities.
The policy and campaigns team – and the wider communications, policy and research department - is a fast paced, collaborative and innovative environment. We value the opinions and ideas of every member of the team and actively seek their contributions. You will help us set our objectives and improve the ways we work.
Purpose and scope
Key responsibilities
- Helping the RCP meet its objectives by contributing to the development and implementation of strategies to engage with and influence decision makers.
- Maintaining a keen awareness and understanding of issues within health and care in order to help identify opportunities for influencing, contribute to policy development, advise senior officers and work with communications colleagues and other staff as appropriate.
- Proactively identifying opportunities for engagement, working with the media team to craft statements so relevant issues are highlighted to the media.
- Maintaining and developing relationships with Parliamentarians, their staff and civil servants.
- Maintaining and developing relationships with other health organisations and bodies involved in the delivery of care.
- Working flexibly and proactively, undertaking a range of work such as writing briefings, policy positions, parliamentary bulletins and consultation responses.
- Preparing senior officers and staff for stakeholder meetings, and yourself representing the RCP at meetings and events.
- Any other duties commensurate with your post, including deputising for the public affairs manager.
About you
You will
- have a background in public affairs, understanding how the UK political system works and how to effectively influence it
- be able to quickly develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people
- have excellent writing skills and experience of producing letters, briefings, parliamentary consultation responses and other communications on behalf of senior people
- have contributed to developing and delivering successful influencing campaigns, including tailoring communications to a variety of audiences
- be able to act on your own initiative to develop new work, proposing reasonable and realistic solutions
- understand the importance of and be committed to involving a diverse range of organisations and people in developing and delivering campaigns.
You may have experience of
- health and/or social care policy
- policy development and/or communications management
- working directly with draft legislation
- working in a membership organisation and involving members in advocacy.
For more information about the role please view the job description.
Our benefits
Working at the RCP comes with lots of benefits designed to ensure that you feel valued and supported in your role. The benefits we offer include:
- 27 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
- group personal pension plan with 7% employer contribution
- interest-free season ticket loan
- life assurance
- annual pay award
- flexible working hours
- employee assistance programme – 24/7 advice and support for any work-related issues as well as any problems affecting your home life
- occupational health team – includes employment and work-related health assessments, health checks and work station assessments
- cycle to work scheme
- corporate eye care scheme
- professional training and development opportunities
- enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- staff discounts platform – including discounts on cinema tickets and a range of high street brands
About the RCP
The Royal College of Physicians is a rewarding and friendly place to work with an incredible history, dating back to our foundation in 1518. We are a professional membership body for physicians – doctors who work in hospitals – with over 40,000 members in the UK and around the world working to improve patient care and reduce illness. Our activities focus on educating, improving and influencing for better health and care.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the job description. Please note that applications received without a cover letter will not be shortlisted.
For more information about the role, please view the job description and person specification. If you would like to talk to us about it, please email Oliver Parsons, public affairs manager.
Closing date: Thursday 4 April
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by: Friday 12 April
Interview date: Wednesday 17 April (interviews will be conducted in person at our London office).
The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
The RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into our community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is a priority for us.
We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.
Last year alone, 14,000 professionals received our training. Over 80,000 adults at risk of serious harm or murder and more than 100,000 children received support through dedicated multi-agency support designed by us and delivered with partners. In the last six years, over 4,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change by interventions we created with partners, and that’s just the start.
Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.
The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. We seek to change the domestic abuse narrative that asks ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ to ask ‘why doesn’t he stop?’At the same time as delivering interventions, we are working across the domestic abuse specialist sector, public sector partners and beyond to develop sustainable, national systems that respond effectively to perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Our vision is that one day there will be a national approach which sees agencies in all PCC and local authority areas across England and Wales working together with a focus on those who cause harm, the perpetrators, to disrupt abuse and change behaviour.
Our influencing work is changing the UK conversation about domestic abuse, with both national and locally-based elected representatives and the officials and colleagues who work alongside them. Our PPAC Officer, reporting to the PPAC Manager, will be crucial in helping us to develop our engagement, as well as deepen our policy-influencing capacity to support our roll-out of ground-breaking interventions to end domestic abuse and ensure support for the whole family to keep people safe sooner.
You will be joining the organisation at a pivotal moment. The Victims and Prisoners Bill will be making its way through its final stages in Parliament and a General Election is likely to take place in 2024, providing an unmissable opportunity to ensure that SafeLives’ priorities for improving the response to domestic abuse are taken forward by the next Government.
Location: London office and/or remote working, with regular meetings in London and occasional travel to other locations around the UK, including our Bristol office.
Benefits include a generous package, such as:
- 34 days’ holiday per year plus, public holidays
- Flexible Working (compressed hours)
- Cycle-to-work Scheme
- Eye Care Vouchers
- Pension Scheme with 4% employer contribution
- Childcare Vouchers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Clinical Supervision
- Holiday Purchase Scheme (buy up to an additional 5 days)
- Enhanced Family Leave Policies
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- Professional Development Fund
- Individual Learning Budget
- Restorative Practice Training
- Time Off In Lieu.
If this challenge sounds as exciting to you as it does to us and you believe you have the qualities we have described, please take a look over the job description and submit a 500-word cover letter and CV.
Closing date: Monday 15th April 2024.
SafeLives is a committed provider of equal opportunities for all, please see our job description for full details.
No agencies please.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an ambitious senior PR/communications professional to lead our newly established external affairs function, to develop and deliver the charity’s media strategy, build and maintain strategic relationships and identify opportunities to improve external impact.
Making The Leap is an innovative social justice charity that aims to make a big difference. From direct delivery, to advocacy and leadership, we refuse to stay in our lane and believe passionately that those we exist to serve have the right to be anything they want to be. To say that this is an exciting time for the organisation would be an understatement, as our incredible funders, donors, partners and supporters have given us the chance to move to the next level, and have further influence and delivery nationally.
The shared soul of the organisation is to be passionate about helping young people from less-advantaged backgrounds; build up other charities and community groups and want to partner with them or support them; want to work with businesses and organisations to get things done; and care deeply about addressing racial inequity generally. The people here work hard, are good at what they do, and for so many it is ‘home’, with an average tenure of 11 years.
The organisation has a number of strands: core Making The Leap; the UK Social Mobility Awards; the Social Mobility Podcast and Black Charity Leaders.
Applications will not be accepted without a covering letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the Foundation:
The Avicenna Foundation was set up in 2023 to to support outstanding young British Muslims by providing them with scholarships for their undergraduate degree. The scholarships are mainly focused on awarding scholarships in the Social Sciences and Humanities for those interested in politics, policy-making and becoming agents of positive change.
Alongside the scholarship, the Avicenna Foundation runs a development programme for the scholars to expand their skills and abilities in various areas like leadership, communication and collaboration.
The Foundation has developed immensely in the first year with the launch of the charity; onboarding of it’s first cohort of 30 scholars and the development of a leadership programme. It now needs propelling into the next stage as the charity develops to ensure a robust charity structure and programme in place.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations:
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the charity, and manage changes required within programmes and activities as a result of changing external landscapes or contexts.
- Implement strategies for advertising the scholarships, receiving and reviewing applications, shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews, and making final selection decisions. Some of these things are already in place and may need reviewing and enhancing.
- Work with the Scholar Development Coordinator to oversee the leadership development programme, provide guidance and help the programme to grow.
- Maintain regular communication with the scholars, their progress, and address any issues or concerns that may arise.
- Ensure programme objectives and outcomes align with the overall strategy and aims of the Foundation, and are realistic and achievable within timeframes and budgets.
- Organise any events, programmes necessary to the scholars.
- Use data to track progress and drive improvement; proactively manage risks; and ensure effective use of the Foundation’s resources and budgets allocated to you.
Governance:
- Provide leadership and guidance to achieve consistency of governance across all of the Foundation’s activities, from development, delivery, measurement and evaluation and reporting perspectives.
- Regular communication and updates to the board, prepare board papers and contribute to Trustee meetings as required.
- Create, maintain and ensure continued adoption of governance frameworks, policies and templates.
- Ensure implementation and maintenance of risk registers for the charity and across all programmes.
- Manage finances, budgeting, reporting, and record-keeping
- Prepare the Foundation’s annual report.
External Engagement
- Lead on strategic communications by developing and implementing an integrated public affairs and communication plan that are consistent with the goals and values of the Foundation.
- Building and cultivating exceptional diverse reciprocal partnerships across a wide range of stakeholder groups, grounded in delivering impact through collaboration.
- Work with educational partners to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the scholarship programme
- Leverage messaging and networks to positively impact the growth and reputation of the Foundation.
- Strengthen our brand reputation to maximise our impact and reach.
- Help identify, create and develop meaningful opportunities for the young people the Foundation works with.
- Establish an alumni network and support continuous professional development for alumni.
- Produce briefings and critical information for internal and external stakeholders, and review reports, submissions, and letters where appropriate.
Experience and Skills
This is not a prescriptive list, and we do not expect applicants to meet every item outlined below. We recognise that it can be hard to find the ideal balance of knowledge and skills for this role. We are open to what this balance is, so if you are stronger in one or the other area but think you could do the job please still apply, and tell us why the role is right for you.
Required
- An appreciation and understanding of the Foundation’s values and vision.
- Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, combined with the ability to liaise with senior stakeholders.
- Experience in successful partnership working.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, lead, influence and motivate others.
- Good financial acumen and experience of managing and working within set budgets.
- A proactive, flexible approach, and ability to progress work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Diplomatic approach and highly self-motivated with a positive and energetic attitude.
- Focuses on what matters most, setting priorities and adapting them where required, with the right level of communication.
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and organisational skills.
- Takes satisfaction in delivering work to a consistently high standard, and programmes on time and on budget.
- Communicates clearly and confidently to senior team members, and presents information effectively, at the right time, with the right level of information.
- Plans ahead, anticipates and reacts to change and project needs, and remains flexible and adaptive in the face of change.
- Experience of working to tight deadlines without close supervision.
- The ability to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and a willingness to develop, adapt and learn
- A passion and interest in developing work streams to support the development of young people.
- A high level of digital literacy to include MS Office, G Suite, social media and other online platforms.
Advantageous
- Knowledge and experience in effective charity governance, with experience working within the charity/non-profit space.
- Understanding of the policy and campaign landscape in the UK as it relates to issues impacting students, young people and Muslim communities.
- Expertise in project/programme management with proven ability to manage complex projects, including the ability to develop and manage budgets, timelines, and resources.
- Structured thinking when working through problems, overcoming hurdles, mitigating risks and dealing with issues.
- Confidence in, and experience in, liaising with a wide range of stakeholders and project participants
- Previous work within areas of young people, local communities, or further education is a plus.
- An understanding of effective safeguarding (training can be provided, but experience an advantage)
- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant field.
Please note that this job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake, but does not cover all of the duties the post holder may have to perform. Responsibilities will evolve over time, in discussion with the post holder.
Context and Background
The NSPCC’s vision is that together, we can stop child abuse and neglect. Through the collective power of our staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, and over 100 years of experience we will move closer to achieving that vision. We launched our ten-year strategy in 2021, which is centred around three impact goals. This is the difference we want to make by 2031:
1. Everyone plays their part to prevent child abuse: we’ll work together to make it easier for everyone to play their part and create a social safety net that prevents child abuse and neglect.
2. Every child is safe online: together, we’ll transform the online world, so it’s safe for every child to go online.
3. Children feel safe, listened to, and supported: more children will be able to speak out, so they feel safe, listened to, and understood – and abuse doesn’t shape their future.
The Policy and Public Affairs (PAPA) team is part of the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate at the NSPCC. The Directorate exists to help shape the world around us – and what the NSPCC does – so that it reflects what we have learned and can help keep children safe from abuse.
The Policy and Public Affairs team works across the four nations of the UK to influence legislation, policy and practice to ensure they are as effective as possible in preventing harm and abuse of children. We develop and hold the NSPCC’s positions on key public policy issues and harness these to influence policy makers and external stakeholders across the UK. We focus on policy priorities through our five core workstreams: the child protection system and children’s social care; early years and health; child sexual abuse; online safety; and young victims and witnesses.
We are recruiting a Policy and Regulatory Manager to play a central role in delivering our strategic ambitions to transform the online world so it safe for children. The post holder will play a management role in the high performing PAPA team which has a track record of successful influencing to ensure legal, policy and regulatory frameworks are fit for purpose in preventing, responding, and tackling child abuse and neglect.
The Policy and Regulatory Manager will spearhead our policy and influencing activity to make the Online Safety Act work for children. This will include delivering our regulatory strategy. They will be responsible for leading policy projects that contribute towards the NSPCC’s strategic objectives, using their skills and experience to strengthen our impact on public policy and regulatory decisions. In turn, they will make a significant contribution to keeping children safe.
They will play a key role in delivering our policy and influencing activity with figures in government departments, regulators, and civil society, with regular liaison with industry, and other sectoral experts.
The Policy and Regulatory Manager will manage cross-cutting projects across directorates, ensuring we can amplify the voice of the child by channelling the expertise held across the NSPCC’s policy, research, and knowledge teams, and from our wider services.
They will be responsible for line managing two policy and public affairs team members and supporting them to develop robust policy and regulatory analysis.
The successful candidate will have a good understanding of online harms or related public policy areas and in-depth knowledge of regulatory structures and processes from experience of working in regulated sectors or for a regulator.
Job purpose
The Policy and Regulatory Manager will deliver public policy projects to support the NSPCC’s strategic objective to transform online protections for children. They will use their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC’s impact on public policy and online safety regulation.
The Manager will ensure our policy calls are robust and well-evidenced and develop policy strategies and regulatory liaison to leverage our expertise and secure necessary changes to legislation, regulation, and industry practices.
They will develop impactful and influential relationships with regulators, and with senior stakeholders across Government, parliament, industry, and civil society to inform crucial decisions about legislation and regulatory design, and in turn, the development of regulatory schemes.
The Policy and Regulatory Manager will play a lead role in delivering the NSPCC’s strategy of amplifying the voices and experience of children. The postholder will lead our regulatory engagement and will leverage our research and insight to influence the shape of regulation. This will include representing the NSPCCs views on the design of the online safety regulatory framework and responding to formal consultation.
They will play a leading role within the child safety online (CSO) workstream within the wider Policy and Public Affairs team and will line manage members of staff and help them develop their policy and public affairs skill sets.
Key relationships - Internal
· Reports to Associate Head, Policy and Public Affairs - Child Safety Online
· To line manage a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer (in post) and a Policy and Public Affairs Officer (recruiting)
· Colleagues in the London-based Policy and Public Affairs team
· The Policy and Public Affairs teams in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
· Colleagues in the Strategy and Knowledge directorate including the CSO Solutions Labs
· Media and Campaigns teams
· Services Directorate
· NSPCC Senior Management and trustees, including Policy Committee
Key relationships - External
· Key civil servants in central government departments (such as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
· Regulators (Ofcom, Information Commissioner)
· Technology companies, including social media and gaming companies
· Civil society organisations working on online harms
· Law enforcement agencies e.g., National Crime Agency
· Other children’s charities
· Parliamentarians
Main duties and responsibilities
Policy and influencing
· Develop and deliver effective regulatory strategies which; identify achievable goals and objectives are underpinned by robust, evidence-based policy positions are high quality, impactful and support the NSPCC’s strategy ambition to transform the online world so that it is safe for children.
· Lead the NSPCCs thinking and approach to Ofcom’s codes of practices.
· Lead and oversee the development of high-quality public policy development and influencing projects to deliver strategic, high impact policy outcomes
· Build excellent relationships with civil service, parliamentary, industry and civil society stakeholders, and leverage these to deliver high impact policy change
· Deliver persuasive, evidenced policy interventions to ensure child-centred decisions on regulatory design and delivery
Leadership and representing the NSPCC
· Provide leadership, direction, and line management to two policy and public affairs team members
· Be a key point of contact for internal and external requests for information and advice about NSPCC’s positions on complex technological and regulatory positions
· Use strong project management skills to plan the delivery of policy development and aligned public affairs work, planning both your and colleagues’ time effectively
· Work closely with Press and Campaigns teams to deliver effective and authoritative external messaging, and manage cross-cutting projects across directorates
· Represent the NSPCC on relevant issues and where appropriate, act as spokesperson for the NSPCC including through the media.
Responsibilities for all Staff within the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate
· A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
· To maintain an overview of child protection policy and practice
· To maintain an awareness of own and other’s health and safety and comply with NSPCC’s Health and Safety procedures
· An active commitment to promoting ED&I, safeguarding and trauma informed practice
· An agile approach to work
· To maintain and develop competence in the use of IT systems
Person specification
· Strong support for NSPCC’s mission and values.
· Excellent understanding of online safety, child protection, tech regulation or related public policy areas.
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the clear ability to influence a wide range of audiences verbally and in writing, and to tailor information to different audiences.
· Strong analytical skills, with an ability to interpret a range of data and research to design compelling, evidence-based policy solutions
· Excellent policy development skills, including being able to draw up credible positions and policy interventions on complex and highly nuanced subject matter
· Excellent stakeholder and persuasive skills, with evidence of delivering tangible change through influencing key relationships (including with regulators, government and industry), forming tactical and strategic networks, and leveraging political and external dynamics
· Evidence of team management skills and experience of managing complex and competing projects with a strong track record for delivery at speed and under pressure, responding to tight external deadlines.
· An inspiring team player, with a collaborative and flexible approach and the ability to work across teams and directorates well
Safer Recruitment
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.
The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Our principles:
· Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.
· Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.
· We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.
· Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.
· As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.
· All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.
Job Title: Senior Policy Research Officer
Directorate: Strategy and Knowledge
Team/Department (if specific): Policy and Public Affairs
Salary range: £35,423 (plus £3,366 London weighting)
Location: London (hybrid working, with at least one day- Tuesday- in the office). The post holder will occasionally be expected to travel to locations across the UK.
Working hours: 35 hours (flexible working may be considered)
Date Written/ Amended: March 2024
Context and Background
The NSPCC's vision is that together, we can stop child abuse and neglect. Through the collective power of our staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, and over 100 years of experience we will move closer to achieving that vision.
We launched our ten-year strategy in 2021, which is centred around three impact goals. This is the difference we want to make by 2031:
1. Everyone plays their part to prevent child abuse: we'll work together to make it easier for everyone to play their part and create a social safety net that prevents child abuse and neglect.
2. Every child is safe online: together, we'll transform the online world, so it's safe for every child to go online.
3. Children feel safe, listened to and supported: more children will be able to speak out, so they feel safe, listened to and understood - and abuse doesn't shape their future.
The Policy and Public Affairs (PAPA) team is part of the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate at the NSPCC. The Directorate exists to help shape the world around us - and what the NSPCC does - so that it reflects what we have learned and can help keep children safe from abuse.
The PAPA team works across the four nations of the UK to influence legislation, policy and practice to ensure they are as effective as possible in keeping children safe. We focus on policy priorities through our five core workstreams: the child protection system and children's social care; early years and health; child sexual abuse; online safety; and young victims and witnesses.
We are recruiting a Senior Policy Research Officer to develop and deliver our early years and health policy work to deliver real change and reform in the best interests of children.
The post holder will work in the UK/England part of the Policy and Affairs Team focussed on influencing the Westminster Government. The role involves a variety of responsibilities including policy research, policy development and public affairs. This is a great opportunity to drive policy work in an exciting policy area, by building a strong evidence base and contributing to effective influencing strategies.
Job purpose
The Senior Policy Research Officer will be responsible for undertaking policy research to achieve the NSPCC's strategic goals, using their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC's impact on public policy relating to the early years and health. In doing so, they will make a significant contribution to protecting the youngest children from abuse and neglect
Key relationships - Internal
· Reports to the England Policy and Public Affairs Manager
· Colleagues in the wider Policy and Public Affairs team across the UK
· Colleagues in the Media and Campaigns teams
· Colleagues in the Research and Evidence team
· Colleagues in the Services directorate (to ensure policy development is informed by experiences and learning from our frontline professionals/ volunteers)
· Colleagues in the Participation Unit (to ensure the involvement of young people in policy and influencing work)
Key relationships - External
· Key civil servants and policy advisers in the UK Government
· MPs and Peers in the UK Parliament
· Colleagues in relevant voluntary and statutory agencies
· Practitioner bodies
· Key academics, researchers and research networks
Main duties and responsibilities
· Develop and maintain a high level of expertise on priority policy areas, with lead responsibility for early years and health policy.
· Scope, develop and refine NSPCC policies on priority policy issues, putting forward the economic case for change where possible.
· Analyse a wide range of primary and secondary sources of evidence (such as official data sets and statistics, policy documents, academic literature, economic analyses, FOls and survey data) to develop innovative and evidence-based policy solutions to complex problems.
· Prepare high-quality policy outputs such as briefings, summaries, consultation responses, papers and presentations for internal and external audiences.
· Contribute to the delivery of our research activity, working with teams across NSPCC to assess policy and evidence needs, then design and undertake impactful research projects to address these.
· Contribute to the commissioning of methodologically robust and ethically sound research to investigate a substantial child protection challenge, including by devising clearly defined requirements for the work.
· Manage policy research projects from development and commissioning stage through to completion, providing direction and supervision to ensure the highest standards of delivery.
· Develop and maintain a network of key contacts across parliament, the civil service, and civil society, using this network to amplify the NSPCC's voice and take advantage of opportunities to influence policy making.
· Represent the NSPCC on relevant internal and external advisory groups, meetings, and stakeholder events.
· Act as media spokesperson for the NSPCC on relevant subject areas, including live and pre-recorded interviews as well as background discussions with journalists on policy relating to early years and health.
Responsibilities for all Staff within the Strategy and Knowledge Directorate
There is a set of responsibilities for all staff within each directorate.
· A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
· To maintain an overview of child protection policy and practice
· To maintain an awareness of own and other's health and safety and comply with NSPCC's Health and Safety procedures
· An active commitment to promoting ED&I, safeguarding and trauma informed practice
· An agile approach to work
· To maintain and develop competence in the use of IT systems
Person specification
1) Strong support for the NSPCC's mission and values.
2) Good understanding of child protection, early years, health or related public policy areas combined with knowledge of the wider legal, government and media context.
3) Excellent policy development skills, with the ability to develop and refine policy solutions to complex problems.
4) Proven ability to undertake research (qualitative and/ or quantitative) and analyse findings, with an ability to design methodologically robust and ethically sound research that is delivered to a high standard and agreed timescales.
5) Experience of successfully presenting research accurately to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.
6) Excellent communication skills including a clear and concise writing style, combined with good oral presentation skills, that can be tailored to a variety of audiences.
7) Good public affairs skills, with strong knowledge of parliamentary processes, sound political judgement, and experience of contributing to the delivery of influencing strategies to secure support from decision makers in parliament and beyond.
8) Ability to work on own initiative with strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstrable experience of project managing small research projects, working at speed and under pressure when required, while successfully managing project progress, risks and quality.
9) Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build constructive working relationships with external stakeholders, as well as to work effectively as part of an internal, cross departmental team.
Safer Recruitment
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.
The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Our principles:
Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.
• Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.
• We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.
• Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.
• As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18's joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.
• All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.