5 Head of policy jobs

Head of Policy and Communications

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Head of Policy and Communications 

Location England

£58,212 per annum (pro rata for part time) 

Ref: 114REC 

Part Time - 21 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working 

Base: Home based/hybrid, in or commutable to London 

Contract: Maternity Cover 

Disclosure: Basic/Enhanced/ DBS is not required for this position as the post holder will not be working with school and community groups in the region. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Team: Strategy and Engagement/ Policy and Communications 

As the Head of Policy and Communications you will lead our policy, communications and influencing work in England, helping to increase support for walking, wheeling and cycling. As a key member of the Policy and Communications leadership team, you will raise the profile of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, strengthen engagement with supporters and influence decision-makers to create positive change. 

Working closely with senior leaders, you will shape political strategy, develop clear and compelling messages, and build strong relationships with policymakers, partners and stakeholders. You will use evidence, insight and collaboration to influence national policy and help deliver our UK-wide goals. 

This is an exciting opportunity to drive real change by championing healthier, greener and more accessible journeys for everyone. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead our influencing work with the UK Government and coordinating that with our influencing work with the other three nations, government agencies, mayors and regional policymakers.

• Build trusted relationships with UK Government policymakers and partners who share our goals. 

• Provide strategic advice to the charity’s senior leaders on communications and political risks and opportunities. 

• Lead our UK-wide and England focused media and communications team, building and protecting the charity’s reputation. 

• Working with the Head of Brand and Marketing to plan and implement our supporter engagement campaigns. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading both communications and public affairs for a cause, working with others internally and externally to achieve positive change. 

ABOUT YOU 

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. 

• Extensive experience influencing the UK Government, and the ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders on political and communications risks and opportunities. This is the most important experience to be successful in this role. 

• Experience working in coalition with other external partners to achieve policy and communications goals. 

• Ability to build positive profile in the media and protect reputation in a crisis. 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills. 

• Successful leader of a multi-disciplinary policy and communications team. 

• The ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk.

LIVING OUR VALUES 

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values‑driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are: 

Always Learning – curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement. 

Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed. 

Taking Ownership – proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better. 

Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success. 

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life. 

WellbeingSupport 

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees 

• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees) 

• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about 

• Free, confidential support service available 24/7 

• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme 

FinancialBenefits 

• Up to two extra days of paid leave (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) when travelling sustainably for holidays. 

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust 

• Bike, computer and season ticket loans 

• Discount benefits 

• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum, pro rata for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London). 

• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family FriendlyPolicies 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Application deadline: 23:59, 13 September 2026 

• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week of 05 October 2026. To apply, please complete our online application form. 

• We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in our workforce, including people of colour and candidates with disabilities. Adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. 

• Adjustments are available throughout the application process. 

The Bevan Foundation is seeking a Head of Policy (Poverty) to lead its high impact team and to deputise for the CEO whilst the current post holder is on maternity leave.

Could you lead the Bevan Foundation in its mission to end poverty in Wales?

About the Bevan Foundation

The Bevan Foundation is Wales’s most influential think tank. We create insights, ideas and impact that help to end poverty and inequality. Over recent years the Foundation has helped secure real and lasting change for people across Wales, from universal free school meals for primary pupils to increases in Education Maintenance Allowance. We’ve built a reputation for trusted, evidence-based insights and ideas that influence decision-makers and improve lives.

About the role

The Bevan Foundation has an exciting opportunity within its high impact policy and research team. This is a unique opportunity to make a contribution to our programme of work and to develop ideas to solve poverty. The post holder will also deputise for the CEO providing an opportunity to contribute to the development of the organisation’s strategic direction.

About you

You will have expertise in Welsh policy and politics, as well as an excellent research and analytical skills, superb communications skills and an ability to develop innovative solutions.

Key terms

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position for an anticipated period of 12 months.

The current post holder works four days a week. The Foundation may consider appointing someone for a full working week and this is something that could be discussed at interview.

The full time equivalent salary for this post is £51,519 – £57,980. The expectation is that the candidate would normally be appointed at the bottom of the scale.

We work in a hybrid way, with staff expected be office-based for two to three days a week and to attend monthly in-person team meetings. The Foundation’s offices are in Merthyr Tydfil. We are also open to discussing remote working within Wales for the right candidate.

We would also welcome applications from individuals seeking a secondment opportunity, subject to agreement from their current employer.

Application information can be found in the Job Specification added below.

I’m looking to hire a new Head of Policy, with strong communications expertise, to shape, lead and work with others, to deliver a membership organisation’s policy agenda and priorities as part of an innovative team environment.

This role delivers policy activity that must be visible to members and non-members, including publications, events, media engagement and expert convening, while building the relationships and credibility that enable the organisation to influence decision-makers (government, Parliament, Parliamentarians, public stakeholders and industry) on issues of strategic importance.

As Head of Policy you will be the expert within the organisation, you’ll manage a small team and own the policy and communications strategy. You’ll benefit from working closely with internal stakeholders and the CEO, as you help integrate policy into the wider organisation. You will see the importance of both engaging with government, and communicating this impact too.

Your experience:

• Significant experience of developing and delivering policy positions, briefings, recommendations, reports or campaigns that influence external audiences.
• Excellent understanding of UK Government, Parliament and policymaking processes, including how to engage effectively with decision-makers.
• Significant experience of developing and overseeing multi-channel communications plans that raise profile, demonstrate impact and support organisational reputation.
• Experience of building, managing and strengthening strategic relationships with senior external stakeholders
• Experience of working with technical experts, members, committees, special interest groups or professional communities to gather evidence and develop credible policy outputs.

Please apply today to receive the Job Description, and more information on the application process.  

• Full-time, permanent opportunity
• Salary- £51,000- £57,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits which includes an excellent pension scheme and 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Location- Hybrid working in the London office (Farringdon), and working from home. Also, every other Tuesday you will meet as a team in Rugby (expenses covered).
• Closing date- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a firm closing date of Sunday 13th September 

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

 

About the team

We have big goals over the next few years.

We're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before.

Together we'll be working to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Ynglŷn â'r tîm

Mae gennym uchelgeisiau mawr ar gyfer y blynyddoedd nesaf.

Byddwn yn ymgyrchu dros iechyd meddwl mewn ffordd fwy uchelgeisiol nag erioed o'r blaen.

Gyda'n gilydd, byddwn yn gweithio i sicrhau bod pawb sy'n wynebu problem iechyd meddwl yn cael y gefnogaeth a'r parch y maent yn eu haeddu

Team information

Will you join us?

Mind Cymru's Policy and Campaigns Team works to improve mental health policy, services and public attitudes across Wales. We seek to influence changes to the mental health system in Wales by developing evidence-based policy, responding to consultations and advocacy. We use research and lived experience insight to shape recommendations and campaign priorities. The team also leads public campaigns, builds partnerships with other organisations and supports Mind's wider network to amplify key issues. Its goal is to create a Wales where everyone can access the mental health support, rights and opportunities they need.

Gwybodaeth am y tîm

Hoffech chi ymuno â ni?

Mae Tîm Polisi ac Ymgyrchoedd Mind Cymru yn gweithio i wella polisïau iechyd meddwl, gwasanaethau ac agweddau'r cyhoedd ledled Cymru. Rydym yn ceisio dylanwadu ar newidiadau i'r system iechyd meddwl yng Nghymru drwy ddatblygu polisïau sy'n seiliedig ar dystiolaeth, ymateb i ymgyngoriadau a chynnal gwaith eiriolaeth.

Rydym yn defnyddio ymchwil a mewnwelediadau o brofiad byw i lywio ein hargymhellion a'n blaenoriaethau ymgyrchu. Mae'r tîm hefyd yn arwain ymgyrchoedd cyhoeddus, yn meithrin partneriaethau â sefydliadau eraill ac yn cefnogi rhwydwaith ehangach Mind i godi ymwybyddiaeth o faterion allweddol. Ein nod yw creu Cymru lle gall pawb gael y gefnogaeth iechyd meddwl, yr hawliau a'r cyfleoedd sydd eu hangen arnynt.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder willl:

-Provide strategic leadership, planning and insight on Welsh policy, campaigns and senior stakeholder engagement to achieve Minds strategy in Wales, including providing advice and guidance to senior management and trustees, representing the organisation at the highest level on complex policy issues and engaging lived experience in the work of Mind Cymru

-Maintain an inclusive approach that reflect Mind's values and behaviours in how work is delivered and how team-level outcomes are measured. Ensure diverse voices and experiences are sought, engaged and reflected in Mind Cymru's policy and campaigning

-Develop relationships to enhance Mind Cymru's influencing in Wales providing a strong voice on behalf of the federation and our beneficiaries, including with elected politicians, Ministers, Welsh Government and UK Government officials, NHS Wales and other key decision makers

-Build and maintain constructive working relationships with colleagues across the organisation to ensure the needs of Welsh audiences are taken into account on policy and campaigning activity

-Represent Mind Cymru internally or externally, acting as a credible spokesperson and advocate for our work, including in the media and through speaking opportunities.

-Maintaining and applying knowledge across the policy and political environments in Wales and the UK

Prif ddyletswyddau a chyfrifoldebau

Bydd deiliad y swydd yn:

-Darparu arweinyddiaeth strategol, cynllunio a mewnwelediad ar bolisi Cymru, ymgyrchoedd ac ymgysylltu â rhanddeiliaid uwch er mwyn cyflawni strategaeth Mind yng Nghymru. Bydd hyn yn cynnwys darparu cyngor ac arweiniad i'r uwch dîm rheoli ac ymddiriedolwyr, cynrychioli'r sefydliad ar y lefel uchaf ar faterion polisi cymhleth, a sicrhau bod profiad byw yn rhan greiddiol o waith Mind Cymru.

-Cynnal dull cynhwysol sy'n adlewyrchu gwerthoedd ac ymddygiadau Mind yn y ffordd y caiff gwaith ei gyflawni ac wrth fesur canlyniadau ar lefel tîm. Sicrhau bod lleisiau a phrofiadau amrywiol yn cael eu cynnwys a'u hadlewyrchu ym mholisi ac ymgyrchoedd Mind Cymru.

-Datblygu perthnasoedd i gryfhau dylanwad Mind Cymru yng Nghymru, gan ddarparu llais cryf ar ran y ffederasiwn a'r bobl rydym yn eu cefnogi. Bydd hyn yn cynnwys gweithio gyda gwleidyddion etholedig, Gweinidogion, swyddogion Llywodraeth Cymru a Llywodraeth y DU, GIG Cymru a phenderfynwyr allweddol eraill.

-Adeiladu a chynnal perthnasoedd gwaith cadarnhaol gyda chydweithwyr ar draws y sefydliad er mwyn sicrhau bod anghenion cynulleidfaoedd Cymru yn cael eu hystyried wrth ddatblygu gweithgareddau polisi ac ymgyrchu.

-Cynrychioli Mind Cymru yn fewnol ac yn allanol, gan weithredu fel llefarydd ac eiriolwr hygred dros ein gwaith, gan gynnwys yn y cyfryngau a thrwy gyfleoedd siarad cyhoeddus.

-Cynnal a chymhwyso gwybodaeth am yr amgylcheddau polisi a gwleidyddol yng Nghymru ac ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig.

Mind's equity statement

Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please refer to the Job Description while completing your application as candidates will be shortlisted based on how closely they match the criteria in the personal specification.

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We retain the authority to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date and without prior notice, once an adequate number of applications has been received. Applications will be assessed on a continuous basis, and we respectfully advise prompt submission to ensure consideration.

Datganiad Cydraddoldeb Mind

Mae Mind wedi ymrwymo i sicrhau cyfle cyfartal i bob aelod o staff, ac rydym yn croesawu ceisiadau gan unigolion beth bynnag fo'u hoedran, anabledd, rhyw, ailbennu rhywedd, cyfeiriadedd rhywiol, beichiogrwydd a mamolaeth, hil, crefydd neu gred, neu statws priodasol a phartneriaeth sifil.

Cyfeiriwch at y Disgrifiad Swydd wrth gwblhau eich cais, gan y bydd ymgeiswyr yn cael eu rhoi ar y rhestr fer yn seiliedig ar ba mor agos y maent yn bodloni'r meini prawf a nodir yn y fanyleb person.

Mae'r swydd hon yn gofyn am wiriad gan y Gwasanaeth Datgelu a Gwahardd (DBS).

Rydym yn cadw'r hawl i gau'r swydd wag hon cyn y dyddiad cau a hysbysebwyd a heb rybudd ymlaen llaw, unwaith y bydd nifer ddigonol o geisiadau wedi'u derbyn. Caiff ceisiadau eu hasesu'n barhaus, ac rydym yn cynghori ymgeiswyr i gyflwyno eu cais cyn gynted â phosibl er mwyn sicrhau y cânt eu hystyried.