Group Manager Parliament And Government Affairs Jobs
Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs (maternity cover)
· Maternity cover
· Salary £58,807 per annum
· Full time (37.5 hours)
· Flexible working options will be supported.
· Central London Office and Hybrid working
We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.
About the role
We are looking for a confident, senior Public Affairs and Campaigns professional to lead a programme of relationship building and to develop and deliver parliamentary and campaign strategies to bring about changes in policy, practice, and attitudes across our wide range of target audiences.
The Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns will be crucial in helping us to strategically build relationships with advocates and champions for our work in Westminster and Whitehall, across key industry bodies, sectors and networks and at a local and national level. This includes overseeing our programme of events and working with colleagues across the organisation to develop and deliver high-quality campaigns that effectively build support for the changes we want to see.
This is a hands-on role that will work seamlessly with the Head of Communications and colleagues across the wider organisation to plan and deliver a powerful, coherent, and integrated communications and influencing function. The successful candidate will be proactive and tenacious in horizon-scanning and seeking out opportunities where we can most effectively influence the work of others. You will also be responsible for developing and co-ordinating policy positions and approaches that are attractive and actionable and achieve buy-in and support from others.
You will line manage three individuals and have dotted line oversight of the work of Communications & Campaigns Officers in our Action Areas, as well as general responsibility and oversight – along with the Head of Communications – for the work of the wider Communications Team and influencing activity across the organisation more broadly.
You will be a proven collaborator who is able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Ageing Better’s vision, mission and values.
About you
- You’re a senior public affairs and campaigns practitioner with a strong track record of influencing change in previous roles
- You will have excellent knowledge of UK Government and Parliament, how policy change happens and how to develop effective advocacy strategies to achieve change.
- You’re highly motivated and a team player, able to take the lead in managing issues and external relationships, while providing briefings and support to senior colleagues on others.
About us
The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network
Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.
The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.
We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.
We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on 15th May, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 27 May.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have experience of working in the UK Parliament, in an in-house public affairs team or within a public affairs consultancy? Are you looking to drive change to help tackle one of the UK’s biggest killers?
If so, you may be the Public Affairs Officer we’re looking for!
About the role
Our Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst key decision makers so that we can fund lifesaving research into heart disease. We develop the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) position, engaging and influencing stakeholders to help ensure the UK remains a global leader in heart and circulatory research while advocating for the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases across the UK.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Public Affairs Officer to join our award winning and high impact team during a very exciting time in politics. You’ll be engaging with Parliamentarians to promote our work at Westminster and in their individual constituencies, while proactively spotting opportunities to build relationships and advance the interests of BHF. You’ll deliver a programme of activity and engagement that contributes to our wider Hearts Need More campaign, which aims to make heart and circulatory diseases a key priority for political parties ahead of the next general election.
Working arrangements
This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our London office.
At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average. The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
About you
With an interest in, and understanding of the external political environment, you'll have a good understanding of the workings of the UK Government and parliamentary procedure. You'll have an understanding of the role of BHF and other health and medical research charities in general, and particularly in the political arena.
You'll have experience of working in the UK Parliament or within a public affairs in-house team or consultancy, and have excellent communication skills. Having previously engaged with political stakeholders, you'll be able to build strong relationships with key internal and external colleagues.
With a proven ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively for political audiences in a variety of formats, you’ll be able to summarise complex information swiftly and accurately for a variety of audiences. You'll also have strong organisational skills, including experience of coordinating events.
This is an opportunity to make a profound impact for our patients, their families, and our supporters at an exciting time in the electoral cycle.
About us
We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
Interview process
Interviews will be held virtually via MS Teams during week commencing 20th May 2024
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
The Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager plays a leadership role in team management, development, and delivery of ARUK’s influencing strategy. The role leads a highly engaged and high-performing team that brings the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK to life and rallies people to our cause, devising powerful campaigns and building support among decision makers to invest in dementia research and ensure people with dementia can benefit from breakthroughs.
Alzheimer’s Research UK is a leading voice on dementia and research, and this postholder will develop a credible and comprehensive public affairs and campaigns strategy for the charity and oversee external stakeholder engagement activity with Government and decision makers. They will lead a team covering, public affairs and campaigns functions.
The Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager brings expertise in developing influential campaigns, political engagement programmes, and devising strategies to achieve change in Government and NHS policy and practice.
The Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager reports into the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and works closely with the colleagues across Policy, Communications, and Information and Involvement to ensure that Alzheimer’s Research UK continues to be positioned as the go-to organisation on dementia and dementia research. It would be advantageous for the postholder to be experienced at people management and working across multiple projects, bringing the drive to seek out new and proactive opportunities for the department and wider charity.
Main duties and responsibilities of the role:
· Leadership of the Public Affairs and Campaigns team, line managing two Managers and a total team of 4 people.
· Manage the day-to-day budgeting and reforecasting process, with an expenditure budget of circa £100,000, ensuring that the team operates cost effectively in meeting its objectives.
· Lead the development of a programme of influencing work, ensuring the team deliver high quality, impactful outputs such as Parliamentary events, Party Conference activities and other compelling activities that raise awareness of dementia, and drive investment in dementia research.
· Leadership of cross-organisational groups to deliver the strategic and influencing priorities for ARUK
· Represent ARUK on coalitions and external working groups as appropriate.
· Provide strong leadership and support as part of the wider the Policy and Public Affairs department, through coaching, mentoring and developing individuals to deliver an effective and efficient external influencing. function.
· Facilitate team building and collaborative working to deliver strategic and operational plans.
Public Affairs
· Work with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and through their team, to deliver organisational strategy and develop positioning on key parliamentary and policy issues.
· Advise Alzheimer’s Research UK on effective political positioning to achieve our goals; working to ensure we are able to successfully influence key Government policy and decisions
· Build and maintain effective relationships with decision-makers and opinion formers including in Government and in Parliament.
· Develop and deliver a public affairs strategy for Alzheimer’s Research UK, working closely with their team, with a range of creative tactics that create pressure, build momentum and drive forward our influence in Parliament and with Government and opposition parties.
· Ensure ARUK has a meaningful role in shaping future legislation on dementia and scientific research.
· Work with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs to develop a synergistic Public Affairs and Campaigns strategy that embeds and exploits our policy work
· Lead responses and briefings on key legislation and guidance, including proposed drafting amendments where appropriate.
· Lead public affairs activity around Parliamentary set pieces e.g King’s Speech, Budget, General Elections and Party Conferences, to ensure that ARUK is positioned as one of the most influential charities in Parliament
· Oversee systems and processes within the team to develop high quality parliamentary briefs, develop submissions for parliamentary questions and to rapidly respond to other opportunities presented through the parliamentary system.
· Work closely with Parliamentarians, managing a programme of meetings and other parliamentary activities that maintain dementia research as a political priority for Government.
· Work across Policy and Public Affairs teams to ensure there is good co-ordination and communication of policy throughout the charity in order to foster a shared understanding of ARUK’s policies and issues.
· Responsible for providing written and in person briefings to colleagues who are attending Parliamentary and political meetings, including roundtables and select committee meetings
Stakeholder Engagement
· Provide leadership to the public affairs team and work closely with colleagues to grow political engagement in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
· Work across the organisation to develop stakeholder management processes and mechanisms that help us to manage and derive insights from key organisational relationships.
· Play a key role in developing ARUK’s influencing stakeholder contact programme and identifying opportunities and strategies to improve engagement.
· Supervise a programme of parliamentary engagement for the Chief Executive, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of Policy and Communications, working in conjunction with the Head of Governance and Head of Policy and Public Affairs.
Campaigns
· Ensure compliance with Charity Commission guidance, and other legislation on charities’ lobbying activities.
· Develop and implement campaign strategies that deliver against ARUK policy objectives.
· Grow digital campaigns and public affairs opportunities, building our reach and engagement with key audiences.
· Manage and grow a supporter-based campaigning network, online and offline, to advocate on behalf of ARUK, including the involvement of people affected by dementia.
· To work with the Head of Public Affairs and wider team to develop campaign ideas with key audiences that deliver against ARUK policy objectives.
What we are looking for:
· Experience working in a public affairs, campaigns, parliamentary leadership or strategy role in a national organisation in the private, public, or voluntary sector.
· Experience working extensively in politics, political communications agency or charities influencing on complex health, science or policy issues.
· Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and an understanding of how to influence and use the media, including thought leadership.
· Extensive experience developing and delivering multi-media and multi-channel campaign strategies to reach both mass and specialist audiences.
· Experience leading market research and user insight projects to shape campaigns and messaging.
· Knowledge of how to develop inclusive communications, particularly working with people affected by dementia.
· Detailed understanding of the medical research environment.
· Strong leadership skills and experience of managing diverse teams.
· Excellent organisational skills; the ability to manage a large number of tasks to meet multiple deadlines.
· Exemplary leadership with both short and long term strategic vision
· Excellent communicator with an ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels. Demonstrates strong negotiation and decision making skills Ability to explain complex information to all stakeholders
· Excellent listening skills, receptive to feedback and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity and an ability to learn
· Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
· A self-starter, able to work with independence, intelligence, drive and initiative to identify new opportunities and areas of strategic growth.
· Creative flair, with an eye for detail, compelling copy and engaging ideas – able to spot opportunities and develop them for the benefit of ARUK and its beneficiaries.
· A confident speaker, able to represent the charity to the highest level in media interviews and meetings.
· Demonstrates and encourages ownership and responsibility; builds drive and motivation in others – has a ‘can-do’ attitude and is committed to delivering results, and strives for continuous improvement
· Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity.
· Willingness and ability to travel independently in the UK and beyond, to work outside of regular office hours.
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £54,000 per annum, plus benefits
Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 28th April 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 6th May 2024. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, your CV will be anonymised as part of the selection process. Should you need any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, then please do contact us via our website.
How to apply:
Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK:
Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.
In 2022, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement and were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:
• 48th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.
• 19th in the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.
• 3rd in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.
In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.
In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.
In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge.
ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.
To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Public Affairs Officer to work as part of our Policy & Influencing Team.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
Job Summary
Rethink Mental Illness exists to improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness. With a general election expected this year, followed by a new government, this is arguably the most crucial window for influencing policy on mental illness in the last decade.
As Senior Public Affairs and Stakeholder Officer, you will play a vital role in helping Rethink Mental Illness bring about policy improvements for people severely affected by mental illness, supporting our influencing and relationship building work with political stakeholders, and aiding our work planning for and influencing a new government.
You will be working closely with colleagues in the wider Policy and Influencing Team, Communications and Campaigns Team, and Chief Executives’ Office. And you will work particularly closely with the Public Affairs and Stakeholder Manager on devising and implementing influencing activity, including writing briefings and submissions for political audiences, developing election content, creativity utilising the All Party Parliamentary Group for Mental Health to create change, and drafting letters and correspondence to external stakeholders.
You will have some experience working in public affairs or politics, including an understanding of parliamentary processes and the political landscape in Westminster. You will be working with a range of internal and external stakeholders and will be able to build relationships and work proactively.
Your areas of work will involve both planned work but also a degree of fluidity with the need to adapt and develop according to priority as circumstances change and opportunities to influence are identified. Existing knowledge of the health sector is not required but would be a bonus.
You will predominantly be working with the following people and teams:
- Policy and Influencing Team
- Policy and Practice Team
- Communications and Campaigns
- Chief Executives’ Office
Person Specification
- Experience working in a public affairs and/or politics. This could be in a public sector, charity, think tank, or agency role, or for an MP.
- Experience of working with government and/or parliamentarians. Demonstratable record of being proactive with work and problem-solving independently.
- Familiarity with government, parliamentary and legislative processes.
- Good in-person stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, including when meeting parliamentarians, political staffers and other stakeholders in the sector, such as charity partners.
- Ability to work on creative, external-facing influencing campaigns that may involve working with parliamentarians or the media
- Ability to engage with people who have lived experience of relevant policy areas
- Ability to work collaboratively with different teams, including representing the public affairs function to other teams independently.
- Excellent persuasive communication skills in writing and in person
- Good attention to detail.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload demands. An understanding of Rethink Mental Illness and its organisational aims.
Desirable but not essential
- A good knowledge of the health and social care policy environment
- Experience at organising events
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 8th and 9th May
*Appointments are typically made near the bottom of the pay range
*London Allowance is paid for roles that are based within the Greater London area only.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please see further details on our website
You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!
Don’t meet all requirements?
If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position!
Caring for our people.
We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:
- PULSE: our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.
- Wagestream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.
- Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.
- Taking time for you: we work flexibly –you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.
- Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.
- Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.
- £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This exciting Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) role will manage a portfolio of policy and influencing activities and play a significant role developing the Foundation’s policy and public affairs work in Scotland. This is an opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading charities and deliver social change by addressing the root causes of mental health problems and improving the mental health of people in Scotland.
What does the role involve?
- Developing and sustaining relationships with valuable decision-makers, influencers and allies
- Developing and implementing impactful influencing plans
- Providing policy intelligence and analysis and writing evidence-based submissions, policy reports, position papers, briefings and blogs
- Engaging with people with lived experience
What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?
- Ability to shape and lead policy programmes professionally and strategically, working with others
- Skill in building strong relationships with relevant external stakeholders including senior officials, elected representatives, people with experience of mental health problems and people who experience inequity
- Experience of working in a public policy role, with experience of a range of policy and public affairs approaches and work
- Knowledge of public health and/or mental health policy or a related field
Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
How to apply
If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up to date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification.
Applications will close at 5pm on Wednesday, 1 May and we are unable to accept late applications.
Interviews are planned for Wednesday, 15th May and you will be asked to deliver a presentation on the day of the interview.
We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.
If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The interview for this position will be held face-to-face in Glasgow. We have moved to a hybrid working model of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.
We look forward to hearing from you!