Head of external affairs jobs

Our  Foundation

We are an independent charitable organisation working to build a healthier UK. Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity, and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK and services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care. It doesn't have to be like this. 

Our mission is to help build a healthier UK by:

1. Improving people's health and reducing inequalities
2. Supporting radical innovation and improvement in health and care services
3. Providing evidence and analysis to improve health and care policy.

We aim for excellence across our work and will achieve this by producing research and analysis, shaping policy and practice, building skills, knowledge, and capacity, and acting as a catalyst for change.Everyone has a stake and a part to play in improving our health. By working together, we can build a healthier UK.

About the role

As Head of External Affairs, you will lead a team of seven and set the strategic direction for our external affairs function. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring our media relations, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement activities enhance the Health Foundation’s reputation, support our strategic objectives, and position us as a leading voice in health and care policy.

As a senior member of the Communications team, you will be responsible for contributing to the leadership and smooth running of the Communications team, as well as providing advice to senior staff and colleagues across the Foundation. In this role, you will:

• Lead the external affairs team, providing direction, motivation, performance management and development for team members and working with them to develop a vision for first class external affairs at the Foundation.
• Lead our public affairs work, ensuring that our work is seen, our voice is heard, and we are influential at the highest levels in Westminster and Whitehall.
•  Oversee the effective management of the Foundation’s media relations by overseeing proactive and reactive media work, building relationships with journalists and providing robust media relations advice to senior staff and other colleagues
• Provide expert advice to the Chief Executive, other senior leaders and colleagues across the Foundation.

We are looking for a confident and strategic leader with a strong track record in media and public affairs, ideally within the health, public policy, or not-for-profit sectors. You will bring:

• Proven experience in leading high-performing communications or external affairs teams.
• Excellent public affairs and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• A strong understanding of the UK media, with experience of leading proactive and reactive media work
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex issues into compelling narrative 
• Ability to write high quality briefings and other written materials for external and internal audiences.
• A deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to embedding these values in your work.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across teams and disciplines.

How to apply 

Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more. If you would like to apply, please submit your CV, and using no more than 1000 words to answer the following application questions:

1. Set out how you have successfully influenced senior stakeholders and/or policymakers to support a policy or organisational objective. What public affairs strategies did you use, and what was the outcome?

2. Describe how you have successfully developed and led a high performing team, how did you get the best out of your colleagues? What impact did you achieve and how did it contribute to the organisation’s objectives?

3. Give an example of how you have led a successful media campaign or initiative to influence on a key policy issue? What strategies and tactics did you deploy?

Our commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible, and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each job on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us.

We have identified three diverse groups, In particular, we want to achieve a better balance across our organisation between men and women, increase representation of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and recruit more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we particularly welcome applications from these groups. Apply to join our team and let's work towards building a diverse and inclusive workplace together.

 Closing date: 24 June , 23:45

 Interview date: July 2025

The purpose of your role

We are looking for a proactive policy and corporate affairs professional to join the Police Now team and play a key role in shaping understanding of our programmes, build support amongst stakeholders, and lead the conversation on police reform and culture change. 

Police Now’s mission is to transform communities, reduce crime and increase public confidence in policing.  You will be instrumental in identifying and offering great opportunities to showcase the best of Police Now's work with Ministers, officials, MPs, Peers, committees, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and other policy stakeholders and influencers.  You will use your skills in advocacy and effective communication to increase awareness of and support for what we deliver, and be an effective partner to the Government demonstrating delivery of their 13,000 neighbourhood policing pledge and the difference good local policing makes to communities.

What you’ll do – the key responsibilities

•Establish yourself within Police Now as a source of expert political advice and guidance in handling sensitive issues and relationships, working to protect and enhance our reputation. 

•Be curious about police reform, be actively contributing on external thinking about this and ensure PN colleagues are kept abreast of key developments.

•Maintain the day to day relationship with the Home Office including organising meetings, submissions, paperwork and evaluations.

•Provide expert policy advice to officials at the Home Office, other Government Departments, and Parliamentarians on the work of Police Now through contributions to White Papers and Committee Investigations. 

•Be proactive in looking for opportunities for Police Now such as organising visits, participating in roundtables, and playing an active role in relevant conferences.

•Ensure that Police Now fulfils its obligations to Government in return for public investment and is responsive to the needs of the Home Office and other organisations. You will provide accurate information for answers to Parliamentary Questions in a timely manner, input for Ministerial briefings and correspondence, and advice on police and skills policy issues to the Government as appropriate.

What you’ll need – the person specification

•Experience of influencing and advocating within a policy and public affairs environment, you will be confident in communicating with senior stakeholders.

•Engage Ministers, MPs, Mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners and their teams in a way that enhances Police Nows reputation as an expert, insight-led organisation with a strong record of delivery that represents excellent value-for-money.

•You will have a strong understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and the Mayoralities and build good working relationships with key decision-makers.  Some experience of media handling around public policy issues is desirable as you will work closely with the Media and Communications team at Police Now.

•Essential skills are the ability to write well, communicate effectively and be confident in engaging senior stakeholders.  A demonstrable interest or background in policing or related public services would be of assistance in working with internal stakeholders.

•Above all, you must demonstrate for a passion the Police Now mission, be proactive in identifying opportunities to share Police Now's impact, and be a great team player.

Location: Shaw House, 27 West Way, Oxford, OX2 0QH
Salary: £28,000-£32,000 (depending on experience)
Hours: 35
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
 
We are RABI – the farmers charity.
 
RABI support farming people across England and Wales with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, 365 days a year. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, our tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life.
 
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. We’re working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive.
 
Over the past 25 years alone, we’ve delivered around £250 million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst our wrap-around support services continue to evolve, reaching more people before crisis hits.
 
Together, we’re on a journey to help shape the future our farmers deserve.
 
SUMMARY OF ROLE
 
The External Affairs Coordinator is a key member of RABI’s newly established External Affairs department. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, the role will support the delivery of RABI’s external affairs strategy by coordinating key stakeholder engagement activities, public affairs events, policy-related communications and administrative functions.
 
This position will play a central role in supporting strategic relationships with key sector stakeholders, government officials and policy influencers. It also involves close collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team to help ensure that the voice of the farming community is amplified and represented consistently across all external channels.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Stakeholder Engagement and Mapping

• Support the Head of External Affairs in developing and maintaining an accurate and dynamic stakeholder map.
• Working with the Public Affairs advisor, coordinate briefing documents and meeting logistics with external stakeholders including government departments, MPs offices and sector partners.
• Help track and manage follow-ups and ongoing engagement with RABI’s key stakeholders.

 
Event Planning and Support

• Assist in the planning and delivery of external affairs events such as roundtables, parliamentary briefings, and conferences.
• Coordinate event logistics including venue booking, travel, catering, AV, materials and briefings.
• Liaise with external partners, speakers and attendees to ensure smooth and professional event delivery.
• Provide on-site support at events, representing RABI with professionalism and warmth.

 
Administrative and Research Support

• Support the Head of External Affairs with briefings and preparation of presentations and reports.
• Monitor political, policy and sector developments to support timely insights and briefing material.
• Coordinate the administration of reports and policy consultations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using RABI’s CRM system (Microsoft Dynamics).

 
Marketing and Communications Collaboration

• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to support the development and delivery of policy-related content for media, social, digital and print platforms.
• Help prepare stakeholder newsletters, updates and event communications.
• Ensure all content and messaging align with RABI’s brand values and strategic objectives.

 
PERSON SPECIFICATION
 
Essential

• Demonstrable experience in an administrative, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or policy coordination role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities with the capability to prioritise and multitask.
• Confident in managing event logistics and working in fast-paced environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and able to learn CRM tools such as Microsoft Dynamics.
• Professional, approachable and collaborative with a can-do attitude.
• Passion for RABI’s work and empathy with the farming community.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends as required.

 
Desirable

• Previous experience supporting public affairs or policy activity in a charity, public sector or policy-related environment.
• Understanding of UK policy landscape, especially relating to rural or farming sectors.
• Familiarity with design tools like Canva and basic knowledge of communications principles.
• A full UK driving licence.

 
This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments at RABI.
 
Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline.
 
BENEFITS

• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%.
• Life assurance from day one.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

 
RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices secure equality of opportunity and that no prospective or current employee receives less than favourable treatment at RABI as a result of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Our recruitment process strives to ensure that individuals are selected only based on their relevant skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.
 
REF-222215

Policy and External Affairs Manager
Location: Any CHAS site - hybrid with base in Edinburgh, Stepps (Glasgow), Robin House in Balloch or Rachel House in Kinross
Salary Band: £45,900 - £51,000 per annum, pro rata
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week
Closing Date: 23/06/2025 23:59

Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for policy and public affairs? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Scotland?

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Policy and External Affairs Manager to lead our national profile, strengthen our reputation, and drive forward our mission as leaders in children’s palliative care.

Purpose: You will play a pivotal role in strengthening CHAS’ national presence, growing trust and credibility, and positioning CHAS as a thought leader in children's palliative care. You will be responsible for managing all external affairs, with a focus on strategic communications aligned with CHAS’ mission and objectives. You will also oversee crisis communications, ensuring the organisation responds effectively and maintains public trust in challenging situations.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have skill and experience in all of the following areas:

• Policy development and influencing at devolved and national government level.
• Public affairs and stakeholder management
• Managing strategic partnerships
• Corporate communications
• Line management
• Crisis Communications management

You’ll also hold a driving licence and have access to transport.

It would be great in addition to the skills and experience above if you demonstrated your experience in the following areas:

• Expert advice to senior colleagues
• Horizon scanning
• Media relations
• Project management

About CHAS

At CHAS, we support families during the toughest of times offering unwavering care to children and families in the face of death. We have ambitions to reach every family in Scotland who is living with the heart-breaking prognosis that their child is dying. We know decisions from government, local councils and NHS boards have significant impact on the families we support and our policy and external affairs delivery is focused on ensuring CHAS offers its voice and influence where it is needed most.   

The Policy and External Affairs Manager is a key role in the Marketing and Communications team and reports into the Head of Marketing and Communications. This team manages marketing, fundraising communications, external affairs, policy development, public affairs and internal communications. CHAS Marketing and communications team sits within the Income Generation and Engagement directorate led by the director of Income Generation and Engagement. 

This pivotal role will support CHAS to strengthen our national presence, growing trust and credibility, and positioning CHAS as a thought leader in children's palliative care. Working across the charity this role is responsible for managing policy, public affairs, external affairs and managing communications with internal and external stakeholders including support for crisis management.

We offer

• Flexible Working: our teams work flexibly and in a hybrid manner with time split between at home and onsite in Edinburgh and Glasgow.  CHAS offers flexible and family friendly working. and are happy to discuss working arrangements that work for you
• Development Opportunities: exposure to professional development.
• Professional Growth: Work with industry leaders in a high-performing team where you will be encouraged and supported to excel and develop your skills.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including generous annual leave and pension, incremental salary progression, access to Blue Light discounts, and health and wellbeing support.

Further Information and How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply! Click apply and you will be taken to our website where you can answer a couple of questions and upload your CV or complete our full application form.

Further information about the role and benefits of working for CHAS can be found in the attached documents.

Interview date July 1st 2025

This role will require travel across our sites in Scotland, not all of which are accessible by public transport therefore a full driving licence and access to a car, or an equivalent means of travel, would be required. 

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG).

We are looking for an ambitious senior marketing/communications professional to lead our 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.

The organisation has a number of strands: core Making The Leap; the UK Social Mobility Awards; the Social Mobility Podcast; The Social Mobility List and Black Charity Leaders. 

About us

Manx National Heritage (MNH) is the trading name of the Manx Museum and National Trust, a charity registered in the Isle of Man and custodian of some of Europe’s most important heritage sites, including the Great Laxey Wheel the world’s largest working water wheel and Castle Rushen, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. We care for more than 2500 acres of landscape and >1 million items in our Museum collections and archives.

MNH exists to take a lead in protecting, conserving, making accessible and celebrating the Island’s natural, built and cultural heritage for current and future generations whilst contributing to the Island’s prosperity and quality of life.

The Isle of Man has so much to offer its residents; with exceptional employment opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene and stunning landscapes.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and talented Head of Marketing and Communications to lead a division contributing directly to increasing visitor numbers, expanding stakeholder engagement and driving income generation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing an impactful marketing and communications strategy.
• Progressing the Fundraising Road Map.
• Developing our brand and ensuring effective communication with key target audiences.
• Creating inspiring messages and content that encourage action and support from targeted audiences, broadening corporate, individual, and public engagement.

About you

We are seeking an inclusive, strategic, and proactive leader who can inspire and motivate others to achieve results while achieving personal targets. This is an exciting and rewarding position, offering the successful candidate a unique opportunity to leave a personal legacy for the heritage of our nation.

We are looking for an ambitious senior marketing and communications professional with strategic vision and creative flair to deliver our media and engagement strategy. Building and maintaining strategic relationships and identifying opportunities to increase visitor numbers and improve external impact will be key to securing long-term financial sustainability. Raising the profile, fundraising, engagement, effective PR, and brand strategy are at the heart of this role.

We'd really like you to:

• Have experience leading a marketing, communications, and fundraising team to deliver against ambitious targets and objectives.
• Possess excellent communication skills and have successful experience with a range of online and offline marketing and communication channels.
• Demonstrate an innovative approach and a track record of driving growth and transformation, with a deep understanding of supporter engagement.
• Have relevant leadership experience in successful change management.
• Ideally, have knowledge of and experience in fundraising, gained from within or outside the sector, and be skilful when acting as a public face of the organisation.
• Have a genuine interest in built, natural, and cultural heritage.

Working for Manx National Heritage, you can enjoy:

✔ A competitive salary that increases each 12 months until you reach the salary maximum.

✔ A relocation package of up to £6,500 to relocate you, your family and your things over to the Island

✔ Generous annual leave, 10 Bank Holidays and a set extra day off between Christmas/New Year

✔ Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, the Manx National Heritage offers two exclusive pension arrangements with the Isle of Man Government Unified Scheme 2011 or the Isle of Man Government Defined Contribution (DC) Arrangement.

✔ Access to the Learning, Education and Development training facility, which is exclusively for Manx National Heritage employees, to keep on top of your continuous professional development.

✔ Free access to the Isle of Man Government Staff Welfare Service which offers professional counselling, emotional support and sign-posting on a wide range of issues.

✔ Ability to apply for an unpaid career break after 3 years’ service.

✔ Access to a Cycle to Work scheme after your first year of employment.

The role of Head of Communications and PR at the Society of Authors oversees the strategic communications for the UK’s leading author body – with many exciting and important stories to tell.

Responsible for all aspects of the SoA’s external communications, you will develop integrated communications and campaign strategies that reflect our values of being member-focused, authoritative, supportive, and inclusive of all UK authors.

You will be proactive about promoting, protecting, and campaigning on authors’ interests through strategic communications and campaigns. You will work collaboratively with the Policy and Public Affairs team, and with all departments at the Society of Authors (SoA). The Head of Communications and PR will focus on developing and delivering strategies to raise the SoA’s profile, influence, and visibility. 

Job overview

Becoming the Head of Principal Donors at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is a fantastic opportunity to be part of lasting progress for women across the globe, ultimately contributing to a fairer, more equal and prosperous world.

You will lead and manage the Foundation’s philanthropy programme, working closely with our senior leadership team, the CEO and our founder to personally cultivate and steward the Foundation’s principal donors. This includes overseeing our recently formed Accelerate Circle – a select group of visionary philanthropists who help drive the Foundation’s fundraising through their networks.

We are seeking an exceptional relationship manager who thrives on external engagement and networking with key stakeholders. You will have a proven track record of establishing and managing global communities of HNWIs and fundraising volunteers, raising high six figure or seven figure donations annually.

In this role, you will be responsible for over £1 million of unrestricted income critical to delivering the Foundation’s goal of reaching one million women entrepreneurs. You will deliver excellent stewardship of our existing donors and cultivate new prospects.

Do you have experience in health or research policy development and advocacy? Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity are hiring a Head of Policy to develop our first ever policy and advocacy function. As Head of policy, you will be a key spokesperson for the charity and will ensure that we are using our brand and our voice to advocate for the needs of seriously ill children and their families at Great Ormond Street Hospital and beyond.  

Salary

The salary for this position is £72,000 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.
 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate. 

Key Responsibilities

This is a varied position where you’ll be responsible for:

Strategic policy leadership 

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive policy agenda, in line with our high level strategy for advocacy. 
• Overseeing the development of position papers, key policy messaging and response to government consultations. 
• Identifying emerging policy trends, analysing potential impacts and developing responses. 

Creating and leading a team

• Recruiting and developing a small team.
• Owning the policy and advocacy budget and work plan. 

Relationship building

• Developing relationships with the Charity’s local partners at the Trust and Institute of Child Health (ICH) to ensure alignment and engagement on key policy & advocacy initiatives.
• Building relationships with key parliamentarians and policy makers. 
• Representing the charity at key political or government events. 

Please refer to the full job description for more information. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Significant experience in policy development / strategic advocacy within a charitable organization, think tank, or public sector organisation.
• Previous success in shaping and influencing public policy.
• In-depth knowledge of the healthcare, research, paediatric care, or relevant public health policy landscape.
• Exceptional strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to interpret complex policy issues and translate them into clear, actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking, stakeholder management, and the capacity to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Leadership qualities with strong team management skills and the ability to foster collaboration across departments.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)  
• A flexible approach to working arrangements.  
• Access to our enhanced pension scheme  
• Life assurance 
• Access to various health and wellbeing schemes, including the employee assistance programme. 

Head of Retail and FOOD Services

Department: Directorate of Development and External Affairs

Salary: Starting at £47,264, rising to £54,728 FTE per annum + £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum

Location: Homebased with weekly national travel 

Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details. 

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities. 

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Head of Retail and FOOD Services. This is a unique opportunity to lead and innovate in a role that combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, and community impact.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a multi-channel retail and food services strategy, including business planning, risk assessment, and performance management to increase net profit and service impact.
• Lead on budgeting, financial forecasting, and P&L management. Identify and develop new income-generating opportunities, including grants and tenders.
• Provide strategic leadership to geographically dispersed teams, ensuring effective recruitment, support and training of staff and volunteers.

Main Requirements 

• Educated to degree level or above in a relevant sector. 
• Demonstrable senior retail management knowledge and experience in managing complex projects, leading teams, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Proven track record in income growth, financial planning, and managing budgets.

Benefits: 

• an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays
• up to 6% matched-pension contributions
• enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
• eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
• cycle to work scheme
• investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

• Apply via the Family Action Careers Hub linked to this advert 

• Closing Date: 7th July at 23:59

Interviews are scheduled to take place from 16th-22nd July 2025.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Job Summary

The Advocacy and Campaigns Manager will play a crucial role in shaping and delivering Put Children First, the advocacy and campaigning initiative of Alder Hey Children’s Charity. The post holder will be responsible for influencing decision-makers, engaging stakeholders, and leading impactful campaigns to ensure children’s health and wellbeing are prioritised in public policy.  

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong public affairs expertise, policy understanding, and excellent communication skills. The campaign is child led and will involve working with children to raise their voice. The post holder will also work with politicians, policymakers, clinicians and internal stakeholders, partner organisations, and the public to advocate for change, ensuring that Alder Hey Children’s Charity is a leading voice in children’s health policy and advocacy. This role is one of the first with a charity aligned to an NHS Trust and will appeal to someone with a strong desire to pioneer advocacy and campaigning in a unique setting. 
 

Main Duties/Tasks 

Advocacy & Campaigning Strategy  

• Work with the Head of Marketing & Communications to develop and deliver a proactive and inclusive advocacy and campaigning strategy to drive meaningful policy change that benefits children’s health. 

• Identify and respond to policy developments, advising on how Alder Hey Children’s Charity can influence key decision-makers and stakeholders. 

• Lead campaign planning and execution, ensuring activities engage supporters, stakeholders, and policymakers effectively. 

• Develop and manage partnerships with other charities, organisations, and networks to amplify the impact of the charity’s advocacy work. 

• Work with external agencies where necessary to develop and deliver plans, being the key point of contact.

Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement  

• Build strong relationships with MPs, government departments, local authorities, and policymakers at national and regional levels. 

• Represent Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Put Children First in parliamentary briefings, policy roundtables, and stakeholder meetings. 

• Monitor political and policy developments relevant to children's health, providing insightful briefings and recommendations to senior leadership. 

• Support senior leaders and Trustees in their engagement with political and policy stakeholders, ensuring they are well-briefed and strategically positioned. 

• Engage with children and families to ensure their voices are central to the advocacy work, developing plans to engage under represented communities.

Policy Development & Thought Leadership 

• Translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives that drive awareness and action. 

• Work with colleagues to develop policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses, ensuring Alder Hey Children’s Charity is a credible and informed voice in the sector. 

• Work with the Head of Marketing & Communications to position the charity as a thought leader on children’s health policy, ensuring its voice is heard in key debates and discussions. 

• Identify opportunities to influence policy discussions through submissions, evidence-gathering, and research collaborations. 

Media & Communications 

• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to develop compelling messaging that supports advocacy goals. 

• Work with the charity’s Communications Advisory agency to secure media coverage on key issues, providing expert commentary and ensuring children’s health remains a priority in public debate. 

• Develop engaging and inclusive content for Put Children First, including press releases, blogs, social media, film and supporter communications. 

• Work with campaigners and families to amplify lived experiences in advocacy efforts, ensuring their voices are central to campaigns. 

Internal Collaboration & Leadership 

• Work closely with the fundraising teams, grants team, marketing and communications and the Trust’s Communications team to ensure advocacy work aligns with broader charity and Trust objectives. 

• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on policy and public affairs matters, in consultation with the Head of Marketing and Communications where required. 

• Support the development of staff and volunteers as advocates for the charity’s policy positions. 

• Ensure all campaign activities align with Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s values and meet ethical and legal standards. 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager. 

Responsibilities

The role holder will report to the Head of Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs who is looking for an individual to:

Ø Support the delivery and oversight of ABCUL’s key product and service development initiatives.

Ø Plan, execute, and oversee product and service development projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope and within budget.

Ø Managing and coordinating resources, and collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes aligned with the organisations goals.

Ø Monitor performance, mitigate risks, and provide progress reports to the Senior Leadership Team

Ø Proven experience in product and service development or project management, with a strong track record of delivering successful development initiatives

Strong communication skills in writing and verbally will be required along with an organised approach to managing information. Education to degree level or equivalent experience is expected.

Are you confident working with senior leaders and navigating complex relationships? Do you have the diplomacy and judgement to support strong governance in a fast-paced environment?

We're looking for a Head of Governance and Compliance to work closely with our CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. This is a vital role at the centre of the organisation, supporting a wide range of influential individuals. The Head of Governance and Compliance will need to adapt to varied working styles and expectations, with the ability to approach all relationships with professionalism, clarity and care.

As Head of Governance and Compliance, you will lead our governance function, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance while enabling effective decision-making. With strong governance experience, sound judgement and the ability to build trust at all levels, you will support effective leadership and accountability across the MND Association.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and continuously develop the governance function, embedding best practices aligned with our strategy and values.
• Act as the primary trusted advisor on governance, risk and regulatory matters to the Chair, Board, COO and Executive Leadership Team.
• Lead and develop governance frameworks, policies and structures that reflect best practice.
• Oversee planning and delivery of all governance activities, including Board meetings, Committee meetings, and the AGM.
• Provide clear structured agendas, timely papers and accurate minutes to support effective governance meetings.
• Maintain governance records and ensure regulatory compliance with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• Monitor and report on governance performance, risks and improvement areas.
• Take a leading role in managing and enabling constructive and challenging relationships between the Board, Chair, and ELT.
• Manage trustee recruitment, induction, training and succession planning.
• Oversee the organisation’s policy framework and serious complaints process, ensuring appropriate enquiry and learning.
• Lead the development and implementation of the risk management framework in line with Board expectations.
• Stay informed on legal, regulatory and sector developments and advise the organisation on implications.

• About You:

• Strong knowledge of UK charity and company governance.
• Proven experience working with Boards and senior leaders in a governance role.
• Skilled in developing governance policies, frameworks and risk management processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Good level of financial acumen within a governance role.
• High levels of discretion, judgement and political awareness.
• Able to work independently, make sound decisions and prioritise effectively.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build strong relationships and influence sensitively.
• Committed to inclusion, ethical practice and continuous learning.
• CGI qualified or working towards qualification (desirable).

About Us:

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

What We Offer:

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

Hybrid Working and Flexibility: This role offers hybrid working, with the expectation to attend the office 2 days per week.

This role can be based from Northampton or London.

Interview Dates:

First stage interview: Thursday 17th July, in-person at our Northampton office

Second stage interview: Thursday 24th July, in-person at our London office.

How to apply:

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

• Substantial experience in governance, preferably in a charity or membership organisation.
• Proven ability to work with Boards and senior leadership.
• Experience developing governance frameworks and policies.

Important Information:

• We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
• If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
• Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
• If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.

If you have the expertise and approach to support the work of our Board and senior team, we would love to hear from you!

The National Lottery Community Fund is seeking a Strategic Communication Lead, Wales to drive forward our ambitious communications transformation. This newly created role sits at the heart of our restructured communications function, designed to deliver our strategy "It Starts with Community" and shift our focus to demonstrating the powerful impact communities have across the UK. It is essential that you are a Welsh-speaker.

As we build a new, integrated approach to communications across the UK, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape how we tell our story. Playing a strategic leadership role, you will be the vital bridge between our grant makers and communicators, working in a matrix manner with the senior leadership team in your country and our wider communications team to solve problems and generate successful communications and engagement campaigns.

You will provide strategic leadership on communications and external affairs, working across two areas of responsibility: a specific country within the UK and one of our four missions. Your ability to create powerful alignment between these areas will be essential to success.

Your deep understanding of the devolved context and stakeholder landscape will help build the Fund's influence with regional decision-makers and opinion formers while advancing UK-wide objectives. You will also be an ambassador for the Fund's work, maintaining a strong network in your country.

We are looking for an experienced communications strategist with extensive knowledge of the local political, media and stakeholder landscape. You should bring a sophisticated understanding of how communications can drive organizational objectives and a proven track record of leading integrated campaigns. Your background might include senior communications roles in government, the VCSE sector, or complex organizations operating across devolved administrations, where you've demonstrated ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments and translate strategic goals into impactful communications activity.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications for one Funding portfolio and one mission area, ensuring integration with business planning
• Build and lead matrix teams to deliver integrated communications campaigns
• Develop and implement communications plans that drive engagement with key stakeholders
• Provide senior counsel on reputation management and crisis response
• Act as senior regional point of contact for communications and external affairs
• Ensure consistent messaging across all customer journey touchpoints
• Represent the Fund with key external stakeholders and opinion formers

Location: You will be expected to be based in the country you will be supporting. We have a hybrid approach to working with work pattern and exact location agreed with the successful candidate. Our offices are in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Newtown.

Interview date: Friday 11th July

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below

Essential criteria

• Extensive experience in developing and delivering strategic communications and engagement in support of organisational priorities, including planning and executing media, marketing and external affairs
• Strong influencing skills with both internal colleagues and external partners
• Significant experience in building and leading high-performing teams in a matrix-management setting
• Demonstrable understanding of public affairs in devolved governments
• Experience providing strategic communications counsel to senior leaders including at times of reputational risk
• Experience in leading crisis communications
• Excellent project management skills in a complex organisation with competing deadlines
• Demonstrable experience in using data and insight to inform and deliver communications campaigns.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working across multiple regions or countries
• Track record of developing innovative communications approaches
• Experience in one or more of our mission areas

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)