Head Of Policy Advocacy Jobs in Flexible Location

Reports to: Head of External Affairs
Directorate: Practice and Quality
Salary range: £37,501-£39,000
Location: London – EC4Y 8EE (Hybrid) , flexible working options available
Contract: Full-Time, Fixed-term Contract (12-months)

Job Purpose

The successful candidate for our Policy Manager (Maternity cover) position will be joining BSR’s high performing and dynamic External Affairs team, which is promoting excellence and driving up the standard of Rheumatology care across the four nations of the UK by affecting public policy change. In 2023 our External Affairs team were nominated for an industry wide Public Affairs award for hugely impactful Homecare Medicines Campaign, so it is a fantastic time to join the team and we continue to work on the cutting-edge of policy and public affairs.  

The role of the Policy Manager is to work closely with our members to give a voice to the society within emerging health policy discussions, public consultations and to play an important role in the development of our integrated departmental campaigning approach. The Policy Manager also plays a leading role in the development of our pro-active policy work and helps to shape the direction of the society’s lobbying. In the last year the Policy Manager has played a crucial role in producing expert advice and guidance, as well as groundbreaking health economics research, which are improving the delivery of Rheumatology care across the country – and 2024/25 is going to be another exciting period for the team.  

Main responsibilities

• To develop the Society’s pro-active policy agenda by conducting research, writing policy papers and managing research contracts in-line with of our goal to improve the quality of care in Rheumatology services.
•  To drive excellence in all aspects of rheumatology by managing BSR’s member-led Clinical Affairs Committee and supporting the committee to deliver on their work plan. 
• To co-ordinate BSR’s response to health policy developments and in regular public consultations, for example technology appraisals, guidelines in development and quality standards.
• To support the development of the Society’s leadership voice in the public policy space by working closely with the Head of EA and Public Affairs Manager to deliver our integrated campaign approach to influencing change.
• To build and maintain stakeholder relations with internal and external stakeholders and to engage with relevant bodies to represent the society as and when required on emerging policy issues.
• To lead on growing awareness amongst the BSR membership of the impact of our policy work on improving Rheumatology care by delivering planned communications and contributions to regional and national member bodies. 

Person Specification

Experience 

1.  A demonstrable interest in helping people with rheumatic conditions to receive the highest quality outcomes and live well, championing the specialty, influencing change and building a thriving community of best practice. 
2.  Experience working in a policy role within a political, governmental or not-for-profit environment, or other experience which you can demonstrate matches suitability with the role responsibilities. 
3.  A demonstrable interest in health policy or a strong working knowledge of the current NHS and health policy landscape. 
4.  Experience working with or management of committees and/or within a membership organisation. 
5.  An academic or professional understanding of the use of different research methods and their application in conducting research and writing papers. 

Abilities and Skills 

1.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex issues succinctly to different audiences.  
2.  Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop stakeholder relationships.  
3.  Good analytical skills with a demonstrable ability to digest public policy and communicate its key outcomes.  
4.  Excellent organisational and record keeping skills, with project management being a bonus.  
5.  The ability to work with a high degree of independence as a part of a small team.

Inclusion and Diversity

BSR is committed to encouraging inclusion, equity, and diversity in our workforce. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our staff team. We try to reduce as many barriers as we can for those with a disability. We know that everyone is an individual, so please always tell us what we can do to support you. 

We welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including those from minoritised communities, and those with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Benefits of working at BSR

We offer a wide range of benefits, most of which start from day one of joining us. Our benefits fall into four main areas: Wellbeing, Time- based, Learning and development, and Financial. Just some of them include:

Wellbeing: 

• Free period products in our office
• Free flu vaccinations 
• Mental Health First Aiders 
• BUPA healthcare scheme- we offer a cash plan, which you can add children or partners to 
• Employee Assistance Programme. This is a free, confidential counselling service to all staff, as well as a general advice service provided by BUPA 
• WeCare offers access to a 24/7 virtual GP, as well as a mental health support service, a get fit programme and an online portal with lots of helpful resources 
• Our enhanced sick pay offer is: 
  • Up to two years’ service: 4 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay 
  • After two years’ service: 12 weeks full pay and 12 weeks half pay 
• We work in a social environment with a range of activities, both virtual and in person, run by our Social Squad. This includes an organisation- wide volunteering day. 

Time-based: 

• We offer 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays 
• All staff can request sabbaticals at any point, which are considered on a case-by-case basis 
• We also offer an extra day for moving house 
• Bank holiday swops- you can swop a bank holiday day for another day’s leave (entitlement remains 1:1 days) 
• We’re a 4 day week employer, which at BSR means working your fulltime hours (31.5 each week) over 5 days

Learning and development

We will help you develop your career by supporting your personal development and encouraging internal progression. This includes recognising individuals’ achievements through our internal staff awards. We offer a huge range of learning opportunities, both in-house and externally. This includes a thorough induction programme when you join us, as well as development opportunities aimed at line managers, and wellbeing-based learning sessions. And if professional membership is a required part of your role, we’ll cover the cost of that.

Financial: 

• We offer a performance related pay incentive scheme 
• Income protection scheme 
• You’ll be enrolled on our pensions scheme with Aegon (via Second Sight). Our current pension match is 5% employer contribution if you contribute 4% (9% contribution in total). 
• Our life assurance policy pays three times your basic salary 
• Interest free season ticket loans 
• Ride-to-work scheme 
• Interest-free loan scheme 
• We also provide generous enhancements within our parental and family leave policies. 
  • Our maternity/shared parental/adoption offer is 6 weeks at full pay, 33 weeks at half pay, followed by 13 weeks at the statutory rate. 
  • Our paternity leave offer is 6 weeks at full pay

Job Description

Job Title: Head of School Programmes

Reports to: Director of Programmes

Location: Quantum House, 22 – 24 Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, London, EC4A 3AB The role is open to hybrid working but the candidate would be expected to be in the office one day per week

Purpose: This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a team supporting and engaging thousands of state schools nationally to effectively use the Inspiring the Future and Primary Futures programmes to improve outcomes for children and young people. These programmes leverage technology to raise the aspirations and broaden the horizons of children and young people by connecting them to a huge range of volunteers from the world of work via career related learning activities. Alongside staff management and delivering a strategy for general programme engagement, the role manages the delivery of several funded projects.

Remuneration: £36 - £40k per annum FTE depending on experience

Additional Terms: 30 days paid holiday, exclusive of Statutory Holiday plus competitive pension scheme and a volunteering allowance of up to 5 days – pro rata in accordance with the length of contract. Additional family friendly benefits including enhancements to Statutory Payments.

Appointment Terms: Permanent and full time. We are open to part time working of a minimum of 4 days per week (0.8 FTE).

Job purpose

Working closely with the senior management team and deputising for the Director of Programmes where necessary, the successful candidate will have responsibility for developing and delivering a strategy to support the increase in successful school engagement with the charity’s main programmes Inspiring the Future and Primary Futures. This will include managing and leading a team to deliver effective school support, building strong relationships with key stakeholders including local authorities, unions and school networks and ensuring appropriate marketing, resources and guidance to support effective school usage. The role will be responsible for managing several key funded projects and contracts for the charity.

The schools team are responsible for both delivery of key funded projects and contracts as well as driving up awareness and effective engagement with Inspiring the Future and Primary Futures from schools. We now have over 11,000 teachers from state schools and colleges registered on Inspiring the Future and want to see a significant increase in those successfully using the platform and its related services over the next five years. In particular, we are looking to engage significantly more primary schools as well as continue our strong links with secondary and college staff.

The successful applicant will be expected to quickly pick up delivery of key projects and review, and where appropriate improve, existing strategic plans to engage and support state schools through our programmes and therefore a good understand of career related learning activities is essential. They will be supported by the Director of Programmes and senior management team and an excellent schools team of passionate staff.

The ideal candidate will be able to lead and manage a small and dynamic team and will be able to absorb key information quickly, working across a number of varied projects and programmes.

Key Accountabilities

Schools Engagement

• Working with the Director of Programmes to review, improve and implement strategic plans to increase the charity’s engagement with primary schools and secondary/colleges for Inspiring the Future and Primary Futures programmes
• Reviewing and updating KPIs around the number of schools registered, engaged and school satisfaction levels and monitoring these, adapting approaches as appropriate and utilising our salesforce CRM as a basis for reporting
• Utilising feedback mechanisms to monitor impact of programmes and projects, for children, young people, teachers and parents / carers as appropriate, working closely with colleagues across the team
• Developing and maintaining key relationships with careers providers, the Careers and Enterprise Company, local partners, teaching networks and unions and across various types of schools
• Presenting at virtual and face to face conferences and network events to school/college audiences about our programmes with a view to improving engagement and awareness,
• Leading the review and enhancement of resources and marketing materials for school engagement and ensuring these (including on our websites) are up to date
• Ensuring we have a strong teacher ambassador network that help drive the quality of our programmes and who act as advocates for the charity
• Working with the Communications Officer to support engaging content and newsletters for schools audience
• Input into the development of the team’s budget and forecasting.
• Keeping up to date with current education sector issues, research and trends particularly related to careers support and employer engagement.

Project Management and Delivery

•  Funded projects – leading the overall management and delivery of several projects which seek to engage schools to use Inspiring the Future and Primary Futures including funder relationship, project design, reporting, managing operational delivery and evaluation
• Supporting the charity to develop funding bids and identifying opportunities for future funding

Team Leadership / Line Management

• Line management of the Schools Engagement Team – currently 5 staff members
• Fostering a strong team environment including regular team meetings
• Supporting the recruitment of new staff including the development of any job descriptions
• Ensuring appropriate training is delivered for staff necessary for their roles

Other

• Attending and delivering virtual or face to face activities with schools and colleges
• Other ad hoc administrative tasks to support the team as needed

Person specification

Skills/ Knowledge/ Expertise

Essential

• A strong understanding of career-related learning at primary and secondary level
• Proven track record in delivery of programmes in primary and secondary schools
• Experience in successful project and programme management, including managing funder relationships and reporting.
• Experience in managing and leading a team, including line management, recruitment and performance reviews
• Knowledge and first-hand experience of effective use of client relationship management databases; preferably Salesforce
• Ability to engage confidently, articulately and sensitively with stakeholders and partners at a range of levels of seniority up to and including board level
• Polished presentation skills, adapting to different audiences and opportunities and including the ability to speak to research finding and create effective presentations.
• A passion for supporting young people in realising their potential
• Excellent, planning, prioritisation, time management, and organisational skills in order to effectively manage multi-faceted projects to agreed timescales, deadlines and budgets
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk management and data protection
• Excellent knowledge and practical application of Microsoft office tools
• Excellent written communication skills. Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable

• Experience of delivering funded projects in the education sector
• Experience of working with both primary and secondary schools
• Specialist knowledge of the education and employment sectors and the policy environment and delivery models which underpin relationships
• Experience of working in a small team
• Understanding of risk management and data protection
• Experience of running education campaigns

Personal Attributes

• Uphold our charity’s values - Inspiring, Inclusive, Innovative, Impactful, Integrity
• Flexible – responsive to changing operational context and new opportunities
• Team Player: working collaboratively and flexibly to achieve outcomes and is keen to add value to the organisation’s culture and ethos
• Able to undertake some occasional work in the evenings and at weekends
• Able to travel in the UK if required

Application process

The Education and Employers charity values having a diverse workforce.  We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. We offer a range of inclusive employment and family friendly policies as well as flexible working arrangements in order to support staff from different backgrounds.

The closing date for applications is 5pm Monday 22nd April.

Interviews will take place online  in the week commencing 29th April

Please note we will only consider applications with both a CV and covering letter and applications will only be accepted from those with the right to work in the UK with a valid passport/visa. 

The Charity is fully committed to safeguarding those in our care. We plan our recruitment processes to ensure effective timelines for any required vetting processes such as enhanced DBS, qualification, reference and identity checks. The Charity also ensures that each staff member is appropriately trained for their duties with a comprehensive induction process on commencement. 

About the Education and Employers charity

Education and Employers is an independent UK based charity launched in 2009 with the vision of “providing children and young people with the inspiration, motivation, knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to help them achieve their potential”. It aims to achieve this by working with schools, employers, the national bodies that represent them and a wide range of other partners including the government and third sector organisations. The charity also works with partners internationally.

The charity runs Inspiring the Future, a free service which uses innovative match-making technology to connect volunteers with state schools and colleges, quickly, simply and at scale. Schools can very easily search a massive database of willing volunteers, filter against a wide range of criteria – e.g. subject, sector, career route and send them a message. It enables young people, wherever they live, whichever school they attend, the opportunity to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds doing jobs from across the whole world of work.

Nearly 85,000 people have already volunteered in the UK - people from all levels: apprentices to CEOs and all sectors: apps designers to zoologists and over 85% of English secondary schools have registered. People can volunteer from an hour a year in a local primary or secondary school to chat informally about their job and career route, take part in career speed networking session, give careers insights, provide mock interviews or feedback on CVs through to serving as a governor or trustee.  There is also the opportunity to link up with schools for workplace visits, job shadowing and mentoring.

Inspiring the Future operates on a technology platform kindly developed in partnership with Deloitte, Salesforce and Ordnance Survey. It allows the charity to run national campaigns others focused on specific geographic areas or economic sectors such as engineering, science, health and arts and culture. The campaigns have secured high profile support across government, business and teacher associations and ongoing corporate partnerships including our lead corporate partner Bank of America.

In partnership with the National Association of Head Teachers the charity has developed a version for primary schools called Primary Futures and over 6,500 primaries have already signed up. Te.  All campaigns run through Inspiring the Future share a common objective: to broaden young people’s horizons, raise their aspirations and show them the range of opportunities and careers routes e.g. apprenticeships and university open to them. Over 3.5 million interactions between young people and volunteers from the world of work have already taken place.

The charity runs Inspiring Governance the free governor recruitment and support service. This Department for Education funded service aims to get highly skilled volunteers to serve as governors in some of the most disadvantaged schools in England and in so doing help raise educational achievement.

Since the Charity’s launch it has sought to understand what difference employer engagement in education makes to young people and the economy. It works with academics and researchers from around the world and its own research is regularly cited by government and international organisations like the OECD. The research, which has informed and influenced a range of government policies, shows that employer engagement helps improve social mobility, reduces the likelihood of young people becoming NEET (not in education, employment of training), increases the amount they earn in adult life, helps them make better informed career choices and leads to improvements in educational attainment.

We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to increasing the diversity and numbers of young people entering engineering and technology to meet the future workforce needs, as well as promoting roles that help us work towards net zero and drive environmental sustainability.
 

We are looking for a Head of Engagement Projects.  Reporting to the Director of Engagement Programmes, the Head of Engagement Projects will have a breadth of responsibility that is critical to delivering our 2023-28 strategy. Over our strategic period we are seeking to double the reach of our more intensive activities and increase our portfolio of programmes.  As a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) you will provide strategic oversight and lead the design, development and iterative delivery of our portfolio of projects to inspire young people into engineering and technology careers, responding to both evidence and need.
 

About EngineeringUK

Our purpose is to drive change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers.

Our vision is that the UK has the workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive, to improve sustainability and to achieve net zero.

Our mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired and progress into engineering and technology.

In the UK, we don’t have enough engineers and demand is going up. So, we need more young people to realise there could be a future for them in engineering and technology. To really thrive, we need a stronger, more diverse and representative workforce and for that we have to do things differently to make engineering more appealing.

We are a not-for-profit working with hundreds of organisations across business, education, professional institutions and the third sector so we can all grow the future talent pool together. We drive that collective effort through research and evidence, leadership, activities for schools and advocacy, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

We guided by a series of values that we apply to all our activity:

• We are inclusive and care about diversity. We understand that we have different needs and create opportunities for everyone's voice to be heard
   
• We are collaborative. We listen, share and work in partnership to achieve our vision
   
• We are curious and keen to learn. We challenge ourselves and others to innovate and experiment
   
• We are insightful. We evaluate what we do and draw on research to make decisions and to improve our collective understanding
   
• We are driven by a strong sense of purpose. We are determined to make an impact and achieve our goals
   

About the role

You will be responsible for the design, development and iterative delivery of a portfolio of projects to inform, inspire and support 11-14 year olds to ultimately progress into engineering and technology. Currently, these projects are Energy Quest and Climate Schools Programme which provide in-school workshops, teacher materials and resources for school clubs. You will ensure that these projects and newly developed projects have career messages embedded and respond to both evidence and need ensuring our work responds to the changing needs of young people, schools and industry and specifically has an impact on those currently underrepresented in the industry. You will ensure that the work in your portfolio aligns and links to all EUK’s products and services for schools and build strategic partnerships with external organisations to enhance the design and delivery of the programmes.
 

The engagement projects delivered by your team are dependent on external fundraising, so you will work closely with our Business and Industry team who lead on fundraising, supporting the bid writing and pitch process. You will also work closely with colleagues from across the rest of EngineeringUK, including our evaluation, communications teams, and oversee the management of external partners responsible for delivering the projects.
 

The role is London based at our office at 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN and may involve some travel in the UK. We believe that hybrid working has many benefits and are pleased to offer flexible working with a minimum of 2 days (or 40%) a week in the office and the option for a flexible start and end to the working day in our vibrant central London office overlooking the Thames. Further details on our flexible working practices can be discussed at interview or you can reach out to a member of our HR team.
 

Further details of the role can be found in the job description and person specification.
 

Person specification

Essential Skills / Competencies

• Excellent programme management and budget management skills
• Excellent leadership skills and ability to motivate and influence others including those outside of own team
• Excellent communication, relationship building and networking skills; able to work effectively at senior levels and influence others’ priorities
• Ability to work independently and flexibly within a rapidly changing environment
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills and knowledge
• Commitment to our mission and values, you will be able to engage with our values and work in a way that supports our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability.
   

Education / level of experience

• Experience in developing and delivering complex projects for young people that meet stakeholder, funder and participants’ needs, taking an evidence and needs based approach to delivery, and iterating to maximise impact
• Experience of partnership development and management and having worked with funders as a key stakeholder in programme development.
• Experience of managing staff, leading strategic projects and influencing key stakeholders
• Understanding of schools and/or STEM engagement sector, its challenges and impacts, and its educational context
   

EngineeringUK is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where everyone feels they belong.  This is supported by the dedicated work we are doing to ensure our policies and practices are inclusive and that our staff are trained to be able to fulfil this commitment.
 

We value the benefits of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.  Our recruitment process is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible and to ensure people are individually assessed regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics. We are an equal opportunities employer and are open to flexible working, including job share.
 

Applying for this role

Applications

If you would like to request to submit your application in an alternative format to support accessibility, please let us know.
 

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 26th April.
 

Interviews

Applications will be assessed against the requirements for the post as set out in the Role Profile and Person Specification.
 

We are a Disability Confident committed employer. We guarantee an interview to any disabled people who meet the minimum requirements of the role. Additionally, if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to make this process easier for you then we are happy to do so. Just complete the relevant sections of the online application form. 
 

We aim to notify candidates who have been shortlisted on 31st April If you have not heard from us after this date, please assume that you have not been successful.
 

First interviews will be held week commencing 6th May.
 

What can we offer you?

• Competitive salary
• 28 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), in addition we normally close for the Christmas week
• Competitive pension (10% employer contribution)
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Flexible working
• A vibrant office with terrace overlooking the Thames embankment and Tower Bridge
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Insurance (4 x salary)
• Long term illness/incapacity insurance cover (permanent health insurance or PHI)
• Annual private health check for all employees over 40 once they have completed their probationary period and to employees over 35 after 3 years’ service
• Discounted gym membership
• Yearly flu vaccination

About Us:  At Refugee Resource, we are dedicated to relieving distress, improving wellbeing, and facilitating the integration of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in Oxfordshire.

Our mission is to provide psychological, social, and practical support to those in need.

Key responsibilities:

Work closely with the Chief Executive and team to maintain effective services for our clients.

• Lead the team to ensure the services are delivered to a high standard
• Implement new service delivery opportunities
• Act as Safeguarding Lead
• Effective collaboration with partners

Join a Thriving Team:

In a rapidly changing landscape, Refugee Resource is committed to delivering top-quality services and expanding our training initiatives for organisations working with refugees.

Are you passionate about ensuring everyone can engage effectively with the digital world? Are you a brilliant influencer who relishes harnessing great policy and research to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering initiative with impact at its core?

Then this could be the role for you. At the Digital Poverty Alliance, we are looking for our new Policy & Insights Manager. You must be able to inspire us and our partners and spearhead our public affairs work, including through our National Delivery Plan to unite action to end digital poverty by 2030.

We bring together charities, corporates and government to address the underlying issues stopping families gaining full access to digital services such as education, healthcare and employment. We seek social change through our National Delivery Plan, whilst also delivering solutions in local areas that help real people and provide evidence for change. 

This is an exciting, high profile and fast-paced role, joining our small team and working alongside partners, National Delivery Committee members and our wider stakeholders to effect real change for people. You will report directly to the Chief Executive, working alongside our Head of External Affairs.

A big part of our social change ambition is delivered through our public affairs work; influencing policy makers so that our ambitions are shared with government, companies and with everyone able to deliver to our vision of a world where everyone is able to connect successfully with the digital world where and when they want to.  You will also be responsible for drafting white papers, analysing trends and data, and identifying new insights.  You will support our Industry Forum, working with existing and new members to broaden the group.

The DPA aims to work through partners in delivering to our core mission and, as such, we retain only a small core team with support from our PR agency. As such, you’ll lead on delivering our policy and public affairs work, from briefing MPs to developing our policy positions.

Whilst the role is remote based, you will regularly need to attend in-person meetings and events in central London (daytime and evening), as well as undertaking travel across the UK. Given the need to attend meetings in Westminster and Whitehall, you will need to live within commuting distance of London.

Key focus areas

• Building relationships with public, private and third sector organisations, including the wider DPA community.
• Working to convene and collaborate with organisations and individuals committed to ending digital poverty.
• Work with colleagues across local, regional and national governments and across political parties to advocate for policies to promote digital inclusion.
• Undertaking research and analysis to understand digital poverty and the impact of policies to address it.
• Managing policy and research projects including the ongoing development of the national delivery plan and supporting ‘proof of concept’ projects.
• Developing commercial and research partnerships with organisations and supporting the development of the industry forum.
• Communicating the DPA vision and perspective through verbal and written communication.

First interviews will be held w/b 6th May 2024 via Microsoft Teams.  Second interviews will be held soon after.  The role is to start as soon as possible.  Please note this role will be subject to a DBS check.

Unfortunately, due to the expected volume of applications and our small team, we will not be able to acknowledge every application.  If you have not heard from us by 6th May you have not been successful on this occasion.

Salary: £52,000 per annum + generous benefits

Contract: Full time, permanent

Location:  Victoria, London (hybrid working with one to three days in the office each week)

Closing date: at 12 noon, Friday 26 April 2024

Interviews: w/c 13 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 people.

We are recruiting for a policy advisor to join our busy, supportive and high performing team. The current focus of this role is to analyse and influence the national policy agenda on NHS funding levels, financial performance, payments systems and contracting. This portfolio is one of the most high profile and reactive areas of work in our organisation and carries with it the opportunity to develop and lead projects, working closely with directors of NHS trusts and foundation trusts, and with the senior management of NHS Providers, including working closely with our media and public affairs teams.

The postholder will also support our policy work on other priority areas, such as ‘operational performance’ by which we mean access standards, progress against national targets, planning and prioritisation.

The NHS is in a significant period of reform, due to the legislative change establishing integrated care systems (ICSs) as statutory organisations in 2022. It is also in a uniquely challenging period due to ongoing operational and financial pressures, rising demand, workforce challenges, and the need to recover care backlogs. The reform agenda and operational context both mean trusts need to find new ways to work in their local systems and deliver for patients.

This role is an exciting opportunity to support trust leaders as they respond to this challenging and changing environment. This role will require the postholder to be flexible, adapt to a rapidly changing external landscape, responsively manage parts of a wide-ranging portfolio, and contribute to media, public affairs and board development work. The focus of the role may change over time, dependent on the needs of our members. 

We actively support equality of opportunity for all our staff and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief. We particularly encourage applications from those from underrepresented communities.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter setting out why you are interested in the role and how you meet the person specification to HR Team. 

Country Trust Head of Programmes

Employed contract   

• Hours: 21 per week  
• Salary/contract rate : £43-45,000 FTE depending on experience
• Location: Ideally within easy reach of Chelmsford. Hybrid/homeworking 
• Employed contract – benefits 
• Annual leave: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE) 
• Benefits: Workplace pension
• Reporting to: CEO 

Possible combination with the Impact and Learning Lead role also being advertised.

About The Country Trust 

As a nation we've lost our connection with the land that sustains us all, with big and urgent ramifications for health, sustainability and equality. The Country Trust is changing this through high quality food, farming and countryside experiences that empower children in the most disadvantaged communities across the UK. For 45 years, we've worked with farmers to bring the countryside alive for over 600,000 children least able to access it. Our impactful programmes include the Food Discovery Programme, Countryside Discovery Residentials, Farm Discovery, Farm in a Box and Plant Your Pants. 

About the Role 

As the Head of Programmes, you will take on a strategic leadership role, managing the team of Programme Managers and deputising for the CEO when required. You will ensure each programme flourishes while encouraging collaboration across teams and with external partners to meet our ambitious objectives. This is a hybrid role, allowing you to work from home and travel to see our programmes in action nationwide. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Line managing senior programme staff, including a dispersed workforce 
• Overseeing operational demands and change management 
• Financial management - budgeting, forecasting, invoices, embracing fundraising 
• Actively promoting equality of opportunity and being a powerful advocate for our cause 
• Confident communication and stakeholder engagement across sectors 
• Supporting strategic direction and deputising for the CEO when required 

You will work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team of 10, and a delivery team of around 40 colleagues. 

About You 

We are seeking an exceptional communicator and versatile senior leader committed to providing quality opportunities for disadvantaged children. You must have: 

• Proven success line managing senior programme staff and a dispersed workforce 
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting 
• Working with the Impact and Learning Lead to ensure broad and deep understanding and implementation of our Theory of Change and our values, that evaluation and learning are embedded throughout the organisation and that we are known for the quality of our reporting, with all our activities and reporting informed by meaningful data. 
• To identify and develop key partnerships to enable us to extend our reach and our impact. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Confidence and competence to act at Board level and deputise for CEO 

Additionally, you should have: 

• Strategic thinking abilities to balance priorities and find solutions 
• A collaborative approach suited to a dynamic team environment 
• A desire to support colleagues' growth and development 
• The ability to build successful, effective partnerships – our 5 Year Plan goals are dependent on working with and through others 
• An understanding of the reality of the lives of disadvantaged children and the barriers they face in developing a first-hand connection with the land. 
• Passion for food, farming, and the countryside 

This is a fulfilling opportunity to play a vital role in an organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with the land and creating a sustainable, equal future. 

Closing date: midnight 5th May 

Shortlisting: w/c 6th May 

Interviews: w/c 20th May (to be confirmed) 

Due to our safer recruitment policy, we cannot accept CVs for this position.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy to join our team in Birmingham, with hybrid working (two days a week in our Birmingham office and three days working from home). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £40,560 - £45,000 per annum depending on experience.

NGA is an independent, not-for-profit national membership organisation for state school governors, trustees and governance professionals in England. Our work aims to improve the educational standards and wellbeing of young people by increasing the effectiveness of governing boards and promoting high standards. As expert leaders in school and academy governance, we provide information, advice, guidance, professional development and e-learning.

About the role:

The role of Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy would suit candidates who are visionary leaders, passionate about transforming education and governance across England. NGA are looking for a candidate who will be able to innovate and enhance our current outreach and influence at national level, maintaining NGA’s reputation as the go-to authoritative voice on school and trust governance. As the role is new to the organisation, the ideal candidate will have considerable experience of developing an external affairs programme and leading on parliamentary work, harnessing the voice of NGA members to develop the advocacy strategies. Excellent project management and communications skills and the ability to work to strict deadlines are essential.

Benefits of working for NGA:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days (FTE) increasing to 27 with continuous service, 8 days bank holiday and 3 days Christmas closure, with the ability to buy and sell annual leave
• Employer contribution pension scheme at 7%
• Hybrid working (between our Birmingham office and home working) and other flexible working arrangements on request
• Wellbeing support through our employee assistance programme
• A healthy training and development budget (CPD) with a wide range of learning and development opportunities
• A commitment to environmental sustainability includes a cycle to work scheme and encouragement to use public transport, including railcards

Key responsibilities of our Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy:

• Development and delivery of programme of advocacy and influence 
  • Craft and implement effective strategies to influence national education and governance related policy and practice, working closely with NGA’s chief executive and Deputy chief executive 
• Maintain effective oversight of NGA’s PR activity
  • Ensuring NGA positions, research findings and recommendations are well defined and effectively articulated through impactful messaging
  • Ensure invitations to address external events are taken by and used to their best extent to further governance practice and our policy positions
• Oversight and development of NGA’s campaigns
  • Lead of the development and, with the Senior Policy Officer, the delivery of NGA’s specific campaigns to influence policy and practice for example NGA’s Visible Governance, Funding the Future 2024 and Everyone on Board campaigns 
• Managing NGA’s parliamentary work
  • Establish a strategy for NGA’s parliamentary focus, driving NGA’s political engagement and related activities 
  • Monitor parliamentary business on a weekly basis to identify issues arising and opportunities to engage parliamentarians in discussion and debate about education policy and school governance
• Oversight of NGA Member voice and events
  • Working with NGA’s Event Coordinator and SLT to ensure plans are in place, implemented effectively to budget and events evaluated to ensure member voice is both heard and acted upon
  • Oversight of NGA’s webinar and podcast programme, ensuring these engage members and the wider sector on NGA’s policy and practice priorities and messaging 
• Contributing to NGA’s policy, information and research work

What we’re looking for in our ideal Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy:

• Experience in public affairs, developing and implementing impactful external affairs strategies
• Experience of influencing public policy and/or parliamentary business 
• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or similar ability gained through work experience relevant to the role
• Excellent understanding of local and national government, political and legislative processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a proven ability to write confidently and concisely for a variety of audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders including members, partners and officials
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and metrics 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media and media monitoring tools

Closing date: Wednesday 24 April at 9am

Interview Date: Wednesday 8 May 
We will aim to offer alternative dates if shortlisted candidates are unavailable on this date.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

If you feel that you are the right candidate for the role as our Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy or would like to find out more information about the role, then please click ‘apply’ now.We’d love to hear from you.

Salary:  £45,000 - £55,000 (dependent on experience), plus generous pension scheme, flexible working culture     

Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probation period  

Hours: 35 per week full-time. Applications for job shares, part-time and flexible working will also be considered.  

Location: London/Hybrid. In person attendance for certain meetings is required (including all staff/team meetings and governance/committee meetings that take place in person). Limited travel within the UK and internationally may be required.  

About the RSS and this role  

The Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is one of the world’s leading organisations advocating for the importance of statistics and data - and statistics and data have never been more vital. We’re looking for an exceptional, experienced writer, editor and communicator to deliver and lead our range of key platforms and publications.

Working with staff and members across the RSS, you will oversee and support projects that advance the science of statistics, bring data scientists together to share real-world problems and solutions, and make statistical tools, methods and applications understandable to journalists, policymakers and the wider public.  

Head of Content is a new role for the RSS and is designed to enable a more strategic approach to the editorial work we deliver. You will coordinate content across the Society, ensuring outputs and derivative products are tailored and targeted to meet the different needs and interest levels of different audiences. Our membership and wider audiences are expanding, and the Head of Content will develop a content strategy that sets a framework for content that is aligned with RSS policy objectives and strategic goals, and targeted at and adapted for different audiences to ensure the widest possible reach. 

The post will require a mix of hands-on content creation and editorial leadership. One of your first tasks will be to transition Real World Data Science, our publication for data science practitioners, to new editorial arrangements to ensure its continued growth as a platform for knowledge sharing across academia, industry and the public sector. This will also provide you the opportunity to work alongside key members and stakeholders who are leading our response to the challenges and opportunities posed by recent developments in artificial intelligence. 

This is an especially exciting time to work at the RSS as we embark on a new five-year strategy. Our vision is of a world where data is at the heart of understanding and decision-making. Join us and help make this a reality. 

Our Head of Content will: 

• Work with wider RSS staff to develop our understanding of the preferences and needs of key internal and external audiences to better align content to those preferences and needs. 

• Lead the creation and delivery of a fully-costed plan for content development, maintenance and review that aligns with key strategic goals and activities. 

• Create or commission accurate, engaging, up-to-date and challenging content that fulfils particular editorial briefs, establishing and liaising with editorial boards to ensure technical integrity of published content. 

• Identify relevant experts within the RSS membership and engage them in content creation initiatives, formalising a network of contributors and providing editorial support and advice. 

• Liaise with third-party organisations and funders to identify topics/areas of mutual interest to provide additional sources of support/funding for new content initiatives. 

• Convene and lead a cross-RSS content group to share and review content plans and outputs and identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration.  

Your skills and experience will include: 

• Significant experience working with different forms of content at a strategic and operational level. 

• Experience of editing publications and leading and managing staff and contractors. 

• Excellent organisation and planning skills – ability to identify and respond to changing priorities. 

• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to persuade, inspire, influence, and achieve results through others. 

• Demonstrable ability to innovate and think creatively. 

• Ability to lead a small team with great flexibility and imagination to achieve short-term and long-term business objectives. 

• Ability to work on own initiative within corporate and RSS guidelines/directives. 

• Knowledge of current website practices, industry trends, and editorial opportunities. 

• Excellent skills in written English (writing, editing, sub-editing and proofreading) and excellent oral communication skills in English 
    

Full job description and person specification is available to download on our website. 

How to apply  

Please submit your CV with a supporting statement/letter telling us about: 

• Why you should be considered for the role 

• How your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and person specification 

• How this role fits with your career plan  

To arrange an informal discussion regarding the post, please contact the email address provided on our website. 

Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations. 

Who we are looking for:

Autism Know How helps transform lives and change attitudes by delivering autism best practice, knowledge and professional development products for professionals, autistic people and families. This role is key to the success of the department. The successful candidate will lead the commercial development function in Autism Know How in:

• Developing and delivering a strategy to increase the sales of our products and packages and expand our reach
• Enabling a framework and culture of continual quality improvement
• Creating a culture of team-work, structured innovation, commerciality and collaboration

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a passionate, dedicated team and play an instrumental part in further shaping this successful department.

The role is full-time permanent role working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, part time hours will be considered.

To view the job description please click here 

What we can offer you:

• Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
• A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
• Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
• Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family members for free!
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card

Where you will be working:

This role is home-based with some national travel. 

About our application process: 

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role. 

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Are you passionate about driving real change and making a positive impact on society? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your ideas can shape policy and influence decision-making at both national and local levels? If so, join Samaritans and lead our Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team, at the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity.​

• £56,000-£58,000 per annum

• Permanent, full-time role (35 hours per week)

• Hybrid working: Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with home working and the option to work from our London office in EC3R

• In office working -  we'd love to see you in person at least twice a month

• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences

​

The Team

The team of seven works alongside people with lived experience, our campaigners, supporters and volunteers to push for the public policy and legal changes that will help us achieve our vision. We work to achieve system change with the Westminster parliament, and influence every government department to play their part in suicide prevention, alongside our offices in the nations.

​

Why Samaritans?

Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by suicide, all whilst working in a supportive and inclusive environment. As the Head of Policy, Public Affairs, and Campaigns, you'll play a pivotal role in leading our efforts to drive meaningful change to help prevent suicide. 

​

Your Role

​You'll lead a dedicated team focused on shaping public policy, influencing decision-makers, and driving advocacy campaigns.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Providing exceptional leadership and support to your team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.

• Crafting ambitious strategies to advance our policy priorities, leveraging evidence-based approaches and best practices.

• Ensuring the development of impactful advocacy campaigns and public affairs work, engaging both internal and external stakeholders to amplify our message.

• Ensuring the voices of those with lived experience of suicide and self-harm are central to our advocacy efforts.

​

What You'll Bring:

We're looking for a strategic thinker with a track record of successfully managing advocacy work. You'll have:

• Great people management skills.

• Proven experience in developing and executing impactful influencing strategies.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.

• Experience in developing inspiring advocacy campaigns that drive change.

• A deep understanding of the current health and public health political landscape in England and the UK

​

What’s in it for you – our benefits 

So, you want to work for us? Good choice. We like it here too. We offer competitive salaries, flexible and hybrid working to suit your needs, family-friendly policies, 28 days annual leave inclusive of wellbeing days and a matched pension contribution up to 5%. You’ll have a structured induction and ongoing projects, secondments & learning opportunities. We also have colleague-led affinity groups made up of people with shared identities. 

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a staff community of Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Cash Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme. You’ll have free subscriptions to Headspace (your personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, focus, movement, and more) & Perkbox (an employee benefits platform with online exercise classes). That’s not all. We listen to your ideas and have staff forum and social committee networks.

​

Hybrid and flexible working 

We are a flexible organisation, and we embrace hybrid working – a mix of connecting in person and remotely. We’re aware that the world is changing, and we all want and need different things from our work and home lives. So, if you need to walk the dog, go to the gym, or have commitments outside of work, we’re open to talking through flexible working options that work for you and us. 

​

Being Inclusive 

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

​

Application 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and answer three application questions. Applications close at 9 am on 22 April. Video interviews likely to be w/c 29 April. ​

If you're ready to lead impactful change and contribute to our mission that fewer people die by suicide, apply today. 

Background:

Street Child believes that every child deserves the chance to go to school and learn. Our projects focus on a combination of education, child protection and livelihood support to address the social, economic, and structural issues that underpin today’s education crisis. We partner with local organisations and communities to deliver our locally rooted programmes, using evidence to drive learning and the refinement and scale up of programmes to create maximum impact for the most children at the lowest cost. We pride ourselves on being willing to go to the world’s toughest places where others won’t, including remote, hard-to-reach areas and fragile, disaster-affected states across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Street Child have helped over 148,000 children and families through education, child protection and food security programming. In 2022, 1 in 10 Community Based Classes in Afghanistan was run by Street Child, reaching over 60,000 Out of School children.

Part 1: Role Purpose:

The Head of Program position, reporting to the Country Director in Afghanistan, is responsible for leading a diverse programme portfolio across multiple provinces and partners in Afghanistan. The primary objectives of this role are to secure additional resources to support our work across the country and lead the design and implementation of Street Child’s programme in Afghanistan. Specifically, the postholder will lead the programmes team (including food security, child protection and education project managers and localisation advisor); lead our partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders; drive our resource mobilization; ensure effective programme implementation; provide strategic technical expertise in Education programming; and provide capacity building to staff and partners as required. Additionally, the Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for external liaison with national and international partners, government officials, and donor community, deputising for the Country Director as required. Ideally, the Senior Programme Manager will have technical expertise in education programming and/or child protection.

Part 2: Key Responsibilities:

(40%) Programme Management and Coordination:

• Provide matrix management oversight for the successful delivery of projects; including technical input, activity planning and day-to-day liaison with the team and implementing partners to ensure quality implementation within timeframe and budget.
• Provide technical support in areas of own expertise (ideally education programming), including programme development, quality assurance, technical backstopping, and capacity strengthening and coaching for education team and partner staff.
• Lead on the delivery of consortia programmes that CIC are part of.
• Coordinate the identification of partner capacity development needs and the provision of targeted support.
• Ensure all donor, internal and external reporting requirements are met in a timely manner, and are in compliance with donor requirements of project/ program allocation.
• Ensure comprehensive and professional M&E practices are in place.
• Ensure project reviews and the financial health of all projects by supervising expenditures within each project monthly and ensuring that well-structured corrective action is initiated and tracked where required.
• Maintain regular links with the operational teams to facilitate the provision of logistic, administrative and security support to facilitate program implementation.
• Establish meaningful working relationships with projects stakeholders and represent CIC at Education Cluster, ACBAR, Ministry of Education, UN agencies, and other international organizations working in education sector.

(40%) Programme Development and Resource Mobilization:

• Provide context analysis on the humanitarian/development context in the country.
• In close coordination with the Regional Representative and Country Director, identify and analyse new funding opportunities in Afghanistan in which Street Child can add value to the humanitarian and development response.
• Develop, implement, and review sector strategies and support the Country Director in identifying strategic opportunities for strengthening Street Child’s work in the country.
• Articulate strategic approaches, partnerships, management/ staffing plans, M&E and budgets.
• Cultivate partnerships, establish links and closely coordinate with relevant government stakeholders, UN agencies, INGO’s, L/NNGO’s, clusters, donors for programme development, including opportunities for consortia.
• Lead the project proposal development (budget, log frame, theory of change etc.) within the framework of the country and global strategy, with support from the programme teams.
• Support Country Director in formalizing a country strategy that aligns with global/regional strategies, priorities and programmes.

(20%) Leadership and Staff Management:

• Managing programme staff including field staff and ensuring direct reports have clear and realistic performance-based management goals
• Ensure that Street Child programme teams comply to Street Child’s security and other relevant operational, financial, logistics, admin, HR, safeguarding, and code of conduct regulations.
• Ensure that any risk to Street Child programming, projects or staff is communicated as soon as possible to and understood by the Country Director.
• Deputise for the Country Director as required.

Generic Responsibilities:

• A strong commitment to Street Childs vision, mission and values.
• Adhere to all Street Child’s policies and procedures.
• Able to represent Street Child appropriately both internally and externally.
• Carry out all reasonable requests that are within the broad remit of the role.

Part 3: Professional and Behavioural Competencies:

Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in field of international development, social science or related field.
• Master’s degree in international development, humanitarian studies or related field.
• Accreditation or certification in education or child protection.

Experience and Knowledge:

• At least 5 years of experience in the humanitarian/development sectors.
• Proven track record in successful development and implementation of programmes in Afghanistan or comparable contexts including successful management of teams in humanitarian contexts.
• Significant experience of management in humanitarian/development programming.
• Technical knowledge and proven experience in delivering education programming.
• Experience of developing successful proposals to institutional donors in education, child protection and/or livelihoods.
• Fluency in both oral and written English, with experience in report writing at a graduate or professional level and excellent drafting skills
• Comprehensive understanding of sectoral trends and targets.
• Experience of delivering inclusive education programmes including EIE.
• Experience/knowledge of child protection or gender programming is highly desirable.
• Experience in delivering integrated programming that supports outcomes for children and their needs is highly desirable.
• Experience of in-country aid architecture, coordination and cluster groups.
• Working knowledge of Dari/Pashto is desirable (not required if international).

Competencies:

• Proven ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and strong capacity to work in intercultural teams.
• Excellent team working and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and public presentation skills.
• Reflective, responsive and respectful towards communities and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is a leading voice on dementia and research, and this postholder will develop a credible and comprehensive policy base for the charity and maintain strong external stakeholder relationships activity with civil servants, researchers, clinicians and decision makers. They will lead a team covering policy across our whole portfolio: prevention and Brain Health, early detection and diagnosis, dementia research, access to new treatments and clinical engagement.

The Senior Policy Manager plays a vital leadership role in the team management and delivery of ARUK’s influencing strategy. The role leads a highly engaged and high-performing policy team that brings Alzheimer’s Research UK’s influencing priorities to life. Through our deep expertise and understanding of what needs to change for people with dementia, we advocate for greater investment in dementia research, greater government action to protect Brain Health and better pathways and practice in the NHS to ensure people with dementia can benefit from breakthroughs. We have a strong reputation for identifying solutions as well as raising awareness of problems.

The Senior Policy Manager brings expertise in developing policy positions, producing compelling and influential policy publications and leading the team to develop new thinking and solutions on dementia and dementia research. Their broad remit will also lead our work to engage the dementia clinical community to build our understanding of care pathways within the NHS and new models of care including Brain Health Clinics.

The Senior Policy Manager reports into the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and works closely with colleagues across our Communications, and Information and Involvement teams to ensure that Alzheimer’s Research UK continues to be positioned as the go-to organisation on dementia and dementia research. The postholder will be experienced at managing people to achieve impact and working across multiple projects.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

· Leadership of the Policy team, line managing four Managers and a team of around 9 people.

· Manage the day-to-day budgeting and reforecasting process with an expenditure budget of circa £200,000 ensuring that the team operates cost effectively in meeting its objectives.

· Provide a high level of expertise on dementia and dementia research across the organisation and externally, through leadership of the policy team.

· Develop, manage and deliver a substantial programme of high-quality policy analysis and proposals for change.

· Lead the delivery, from conception to launch, of influential policy publications of the highest quality that have significant external and media impact.

· Leadership of working groups to deliver the strategic and influencing priorities for ARUK.

· Responsible for producing and maintaining policy briefings for senior colleagues, often at short notice, to support their attendance at meetings with key stakeholders.

· Representation of ARUK on external working groups, at events, and in the media.

· Provide strong leadership and support to the Policy team, through coaching, mentoring and developing individuals to create a thriving policy function.

· Facilitate team building and collaborative working to deliver the strategic and operational plans.

Policy development

· Lead the team to keep abreast of the policy environment, building and maintaining a deep understanding of current issues and trends and producing insight and analysis for the organisation.

· Work with policy managers to develop and implement a structured programme of policy work that identifies the key factors that need to change in order to ensure that the Government is taking action to ensure a pioneering and protective dementia research ecosystem, protect Brain Health, ensure people receive an early and accurate diagnosis of dementia, and new treatments are made available without delay, bringing new innovative policy ideas and solutions to make this happen.

· Identify policy areas in which ARUK is seeking greatest action and develop strategies to influence and effect positive change, ensuring a coherent narrative and strategy sitting across our various programmes of policy work.

· Commission strategic research projects or commission analysis to further the aims of the organisation.

· Responsible for working closely with the Information and Involvement team to ensure the involvement of people affected by dementia in the development of ARUK’s policy priorities and positions.

· Overseeing the timely delivery of effective and credible policy outputs of the highest quality – including reports, briefings and discussion papers.

Stakeholder relations and influencing

· Support the development of the department’s influencing strategy and deliver policy work that provides a strong evidence base and clear recommendations for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

· Work across the organisation to develop good forward planning and stakeholder management processes and mechanisms that help us to manage and derive insights from key organisational relationships and maximise the impact of our influencing work.

· Represent ARUK to a range of decision-makers and stakeholders; this will involve participating in public events, making presentations and acting as a media spokesperson.

· Build relationships with civil servants, academics, dementia organisations, think tanks and other key stakeholders, establishing opportunities for partnership working and commissioning new insights

· Work with the Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to develop a synergistic Public Affairs and Campaigns strategy that embeds and exploits our policy work

· Work across Policy and Public Affairs department 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.

· Work closely with colleagues across the charity to ensure that ARUK’s external messaging and activities reflect our policy priorities and positions.

· Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Head of Policy and Public Affairs in line with the responsibilities of the post.

What we are looking for:

· Experience working in a policy role in a national organisation in the private, public, or voluntary sector.

· Experience working with the policy makers, including managing complex health, science or policy issues.

· Experience developing and delivering a range of policy publications, with a track record of influencing policy change.

· Experience commissioning think tanks and other research agencies and using insights to shape policy outputs and framing.

· Experience working with clinicians or expert professionals to inform policy activity and for influence.

· Experience working with people affected by dementia, and ensuring policy outputs reflect their experiences.

· Knowledge of how to develop inclusive communications, particularly producing accessible resources.

· Detailed understanding of the medical research environment.

· Exemplary leadership with both short- and long-term strategic vision.

· Excellent policy development skills and an understanding of how to influence through thought leadership and in the media.

· 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.

· Strong accountability, making decisions collaboratively with colleagues and clearly communicating the reasons for these decisions.

· Excellent communicator with an ability to build relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels. Demonstrates strong negotiation and decision-making skills.

· 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.

· Focus on impact and keen ability to prioritise.

· An eye for detail, able to write compelling accurate content for a variety of policy outputs.

· Ability to spot opportunities and develop them for the benefit of ARUK and its beneficiaries.

· Ability to explain complex information to all stakeholders.

· A confident speaker, able to represent the charity to the highest level in meetings, at conferences and in the media.

· 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.

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

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!