Head of policy jobs in belfast

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission? 
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. 
At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. 
Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for. 

About the Opportunity
We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to join our People Directorate Leadership team as the Head of Involvement at Alzheimer’s Society. This pivotal role will focus on deepening our understanding of the lived experiences of those affected by dementia and driving the development and delivery of our Involvement Strategic Plan. You will empower people affected by dementia, co-producing initiatives, and sharing their invaluable experiences, ensuring inclusion and equity in all aspects of our work. 
 
As Head of Involvement, you’ll lead a dynamic team, collaborating across the organisation and with external partners to influence the wider dementia sector. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact, shaping policies and practices that directly affect the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. You will have the chance to be a thought leader, promoting and raising the profile of involvement activities that truly make a difference.

What You’ll Focus On

- Leadership, Culture Transformation & Strategy: Lead the development and execution of Alzheimer’s Society’s Involvement Strategic Plan, ensuring meaningful, impactful, and inclusive involvement of people affected by dementia.
- Inclusion & Diversity: Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, creating opportunities to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and people affected by Dementia.
- Team Leadership: Provide day-to-day leadership to the Involvement team, building a high-performing culture prioritising wellbeing, learning, and accountability.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Foster and maintain trusted, high-impact relationships with stakeholders across health, social care, and the third sector.
- Collaboration & Influence: Collaborate across directorates and with external partners, ensuring that involvement is embedded in all organisational and strategic initiatives.
- Impact Measurement: Use data and insights to clearly articulate the impact of involvement on operations, strategic direction, and culture change.

About You
We’re looking for a dynamic individual who brings a wealth of experience in involvement work, with a proven track record of embedding inclusive practices and developing sustainable initiatives. You’ll be an excellent communicator, capable of building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels. You will also possess the ability to inspire and lead a team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
You should be a trusted expert who demonstrates compassion, determination, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. The ideal candidate will also have:

- Significant experience in developing involvement models across sectors and organisations.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams towards shared goals.
- Strong communication skills, both internally and externally, with the ability to act as an ambassador for the Society’s involvement work.
- A passion for inclusion, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with dementia and their families.

About Alzheimer's Society

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging 
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  
 
We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 
 
Our hiring process
During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team careers at alzhemers . org . uk for application support or any adjustments you might need.
  
To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

Do you have a proven track record of leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams and a strong commitment to tackling housing injustice in Scotland? Then join Shelter Scotland as our new Head of Community and you could soon be at the forefront of driving transformational change across our Community and Training Teams. Our new strategic plan offers a unique opportunity to shape and deliver strategic initiatives that empower local communities, improve service delivery, and ensure that the voices of those impacted by the housing emergency are heard and acted upon.

About the role 

This post is responsible for the management and development of the Community Function, comprising of three Community Teams (North, East and West) and the Training Team. The post shares joint responsibility with the Head of Services for the wider leadership and development of all functions and teams across Community & Services.

Flexibility is vital to effectively support the continuous development of our activities, aligned to the delivery of the Shelter Scotland Strategic Plan. This may necessitate changes to the teams or activities the role will manage.

Role specifics 

We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to help drive the development and delivery of Shelter Scotland’s annual operational plan. This role plays a key part in managing internal projects, ensuring quality and compliance, and contributing to income generation through donor engagement and insight sharing. The successful candidate will manage teams and budgets, uphold high standards in service delivery, and support our campaigns by leveraging evidence and lived experience. A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, and Shelter’s values is essential, as is the ability to lead by example.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

Shelter Scotland is a one of six Directorates of Shelter. Led by the Director of Shelter Scotland, the Directorate comprises two departments: Community & Services and Communications & Advocacy. Both of these departments are led by an Assistant Director (AD).

The services and community work we deliver responds to individuals and households directly affected by the housing emergency. We deliver these activities in pursuit of the changes we seek to practice, culture and policy.

About Shelter Scotland 

Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement 

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter Scotland does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Do you have experience in generating and sustaining charitable giving from individuals and nurturing a Friends scheme in the Arts education sector? Are you passionate about choral singing and its power to change the lives of children and young people and can you successfully advocate on our behalf to potential major donors?

The primary focus for the new role is to generate sustainable charitable giving from individuals, maintaining and growing our Friends memberships and developing significant income from major donors. We will also welcome input on stewardship of trusts and foundations if this is also your area of expertise.

We are a leading choral singing organisation and run residential summer courses for children and young people. Our artistic director, Ralph Allwood, founded the organisation 45 years ago, since when over 10,000 young people have benefited from our life-changing courses. Nowadays, around one third of students receive generous bursary support to attend a course and we also work with a range of partner organisations to encourage even more young people from diverse backgrounds to take part in our choral singing courses. We want to secure the future of the organisation and increase the number of students we can support by significantly growing our individual  giving.

We are looking for an experienced fundraiser to work up to 2 days per week on a freelance basis to help us move up a gear or two in terms of our fundraising, specifically to develop private giving from our extensive alumni network and the many successful individuals who feel music education at a young age made them the person they are today.

We have an office in central London but the job can be done remotely with occasional meetings with the General Manager, either in person or virtually.

Key information

Position: Head of Development, Friends and Major Donors

Reports to: General Manager

Key relationships: Artistic Director, Operations Manager, Assistant Director Rodolfus Choir, Communications Manager & Artistic Adviser, Chairman and Trustees

Location: Working from home with occasional visits to the office at King’s Place, London and meetings with donors c. weekly

Main goal: To launch our 45th anniversary year development appeal and manage fund raising through individual giving, Friends memberships and legacy donations and pledges, growing our charitable income in line with our strategy. 

About this role:

The main duties and responsibilities for the Heads of Development role are as follows:

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

· Maintain and build relationships with our donors, and identify new individuals who would like to see the Rodolfus Choral Foundation thrive

· Use our extensive alumni list to source and maintain donors

· Use contacts from the artistic director and trustees to generate new donors

·  Ensure that our top and potential donors are well looked after and researched, passing on key information to the Artistic Director and, where appropriate, arranging meetings between him and our donors

· Organise and co-host special donor events in unique venues

· Plan and help organise membership events for donors

· Help establish a legacy giving scheme for Rodolfus

· Have overall responsibility for reaching individual giving targets

· Ensure that data is accurately kept in our database in line with GDPR, and is harnessed to support our fundraising efforts

STRATEGIC PLANNING & REPORTING

· Develop a five-year Fundraising Strategy

· Set ambitious but achievable targets for each year, within the overall Rodolfus budget

· Contribute new ideas and find new opportunities for fundraising

· Produce quarterly fundraising updates for the Trustees

· Produce a fundraising report for the annual accounts, identifying strengths, weaknesses and areas for development in the Fundraising Strategy

TRUSTS AND GRANT-MAKING BODIES

· Liaise with the General Manager to ensure a coordinated fundraising plan and targets, in keeping with the artistic vision for Rodolfus

· Proof and submit applications and be the point of contact for Trusts and Foundations (this work is currently supported by the General Manager and a fundraising consultant)

GENERAL

· Attend Team and Board meetings as required

· Be a passionate advocate at all times for Rodolfus

· Adhere to all legal requirements relating to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as well as all other company policies and procedures

· Create a positive work environment, underpinned by the organisation’s values

· The list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time by the Trustees.

· The appointee may be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Board.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who:

· Is able to foster excellent relationships with major donors

· is positive, proactive, hard-working, innovative and ambitious

· is numerate, analytical, organised and has attention to detail

· is friendly, approachable and collaborative

· happy working in a small but dedicated team

· happy to travel regularly when required for donor and team meetings

Essential Criteria:

· excellent interpersonal skills

· experience of developing positive relationships with donors

· proven success in securing major donations

· experience of prospective donor identification and initial approach

· outstanding communication skills, both spoken and written

· experience in budget management

· good attention to detail

· excellent personal organisation and time management

· experience of working efficiently and effectively on their own as well as in a team

· understands the arts sector

Closing date: Midday on 23rd June 2025

Interviews: First round interviews will be held online on w/c 30th June 2025

Second round interviews will be held w/c 7th July 2025

We are looking for a committed, highly organised Head of Operations to join us and support JustMoney Movement's Executive Director and the wider team in turning our vision of a fairer, greener future into reality.

Background to the organisation and the role 

The JustMoney Movement is a Christian charity, with longstanding relationships across the Catholic, Anglican, Nonconformist and Pentecostal denominations. We have a vision of a fairer, greener future, and we believe money is integral to shaping that future. As Christians we believe our use of money should flow from our faith and values such as justice, compassion, the dignity of all, and the importance of caring for creation.

Our work is mostly online and our team work largely remotely, with some team members coming together in a shared office space in London regularly. We are a very small team, punching above our weight and seeking to have a significant impact on economic and financial system change. We are a values-led organisation putting a high store on the wellbeing of our staff, the quality of our relationships and collaborations, and the integrity of our ways of working.   

Our vision, strategy and activities 

The financial system and wider economy are harming people and planet, leading to crises in our climate and nature and to huge economic inequalities. We rebranded from ECCR to the JustMoney Movement in 2022 to reflect our aim to build a movement of people seeking a more just use of money. Our theory of change is that we need to draw together a diverse range of Christians, churches and Christian networks, as part of a broader movement, to help create political space for financial and wider economic system transformation.

Our current strategic priority is to increase the reach, depth and diversity of engagement of Christian individuals, congregations and networks in the UK with the JustMoney Movement, in order to have a meaningful impact on policy and practice for a fairer, greener future. We do this through a range of activities including: 

• Education and training on finance and economics e.g. our Money Makes Change hub, to harness churches’ large ‘financial footprint’ for social and environmental impact. 

• Communications and campaigning e.g. via our Church Action for Tax Justice campaign and on green and fair banking, channelling the churches’ grassroot scale, reach and influence to maximise public pressure. 

• High level influencing and thought leadership, convening faith leaders and organisations, to resource a credible, distinctive voice on economic transformation. 

This role: Head of Operations (part-time 14 hours a week) 

The Head of Operations will work closely with the ED and support the team in the smooth running of the organisation. 

Role Requirements 

​​The role would assist the ED in identifying and implementing operational processes to help turn the organisation’s vision into reality and measure its impact.​  This grade of role is expected to have a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy, including responsibility for whole areas of work, the work of others and the allocation of resources. ​​ ​​​ ​​ 

​​​Particular areas of work include:​​ ​​​​ 

• ​​​​​​​​As part of the staff team, contribute to organisational strategic planning and action planning.​ 

• ​​​With the ED, maintain a strong governance framework for the organisation including working with the ED, trustees, and contractors to ensure a robust and well-functioning ​​Board  and the meeting of regulatory requirements such as around GDPR, risk assessment, and charity law. 

• ​Ensure effective financial management and processes, working with our finance contractors.​​ 

• ​​Ensure effective ​​HR​ support, including work with line managers on recruitment and induction, ​EDI, ​and liaising with our HR contractor to review existing and develop new policies and procedures. 

• ​​Ensure effective IT provision, ​​working​ with our ​IT ​contractors to support functioning of our IT system (Microsoft 365). 

• ​​​​​Support JustMoney Movement’s team in the delivery of their work e.g. helping organise team meetings and away days, ensuring good online filing and record keeping, effective planning tools and monitoring mechanisms, and effective procurement and replenishment of resources. ​​ 

• Support stakeholder relationships through oversight of our CRM and developing donor reporting tools. 

• Carry out discrete operational tasks e.g. arranging insurance and dealing with Companies House and Charity Commission queries as necessary.  

• Shared contact point for organisation with other team members, via info@ inbox.   

• Assist the Executive Director with ​​any other operational priorities as they arise. 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Empathy with JustMoney Movement’s vision and work. 

• Experience of operations responsibilities within a charity. 

• Exceptional organisational skills, including attention to detail and the ability to multi-task. 

• Ability to grasp operational complexity and yet communicate clearly to non-specialists. 

• A creative approach to problem solving and a strong “can-do” attitude. 

• Ability to work collaboratively within a small team, as well as working independently, largely on a remote and therefore digital basis. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Teams, Sharepoint and Outlook. 

• An understanding of and demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.

• As the charity is a Christian organisation, the successful applicant will be expected to be in sympathy with the Christian faith and demonstrate a commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices of the organisation. 

Ideal 

• Experience of working in a Christian charity or church setting. 

• Experience of charity management and/or governance. 

• Experience of one aspect of operations in more depth, e.g. HR, IT or finance. 

• Familiarity with economic justice (e.g. banking, finance or tax justice) issues, especially within a Christian framework. 

Grade 3 on our salary scale: For roles involving a broad range of complex and technical tasks, carried out in a variety of contexts. There is a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for whole areas of work, the work of others and the allocation of resources is often required. Staff at this level are expected to input into organisational strategy, represent the organisation externally, and safeguard our culture and values. 

• Grade 3.1 expected FTE salary £36,771 pro-rated to 0.4 FTE/ 14 hours a week = £14,708.

• Remote based: this role will be based from home, with occasional travel to meetings in London or elsewhere in the UK. This role is equivalent to 2 days a week but hours can be worked flexibly through the week. 

• This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the UK.   

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the person specification above, via Charity Jobs by 9am on 16 June 2025. Interviews (via Zoom) are provisionally set for 23 June 2025. 

The National Lottery Community Fund is seeking a Head of Media. In this new role, created as part of our newly restructured and ambitious communications function, you will be growing and developing a team of 10 (5 direct reports) to lead the external communications in support of our Strategy, It starts with community.

You'll have the chance to shape this critical leadership position in ways that will define our external voice and influence for years to come. In this strategic role, you will increase public understanding of the Fund as a champion of community power, bringing to life how we strengthen society and improve lives across the UK, directly advancing our strategic objectives in each of the four nations.

As a member of the communications leadership team, you will:

• develop compelling value propositions and campaigns for our four missions designed to resonate with decision-makers, policymakers, and communities of all kinds.
• ·oversee our comprehensive content calendar and planning processes across earned, owned and shared media.
• use data and analytics effectively to provide actionable insights and performance analysis to continuously refine our approach
• act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on media relations and building our reputation
• work in close collaboration with funding officers, grant holders and partners to anticipate and mitigate risks in a structured way, handling sensitive media issues when they arise.
• build a strong reactive and proactive media and social media operation that supports the Fund’s wider strategic objectives.

We're looking for a strategic communications leader with significant experience at senior level in media, social media and external communications. The ideal candidate will bring:

• a sophisticated understanding of the UK media landscape, including national, regional, devolved and trade media
• a track record of building influential relationships
• understanding of the impact of the changing traditional and digital media environment and the challenges that presents to reaching diverse audiences.
• experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and balancing diverse priorities.

Your background might include communications leadership in government, non-profit, or large mission-driven organisations where you've demonstrated the ability to translate organisational objectives into impactful communications campaigns.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of our external communications strategy across the UK
• Drive high-impact media and social media campaigns that advance our missions and elevate community stories
• Oversee our content strategy across all platforms, ensuring consistent messaging and compelling storytelling
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, serving as the Fund's principal media spokesperson
• Provide strategic counsel on reputation management and crisis communications to senior leadership
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of communications professionals across the four nations
• Manage resources effectively, ensuring communications activities deliver maximum impact within budget

Location: We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Newtown.

Interviews: 16th June - Virtual

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

Essential criteria

• Substantial experience in developing external communications strategies across shared, earned and owned media
• Substantial experience in leading media relations for a complex organisation with demonstrable understanding of UK and relevant sector press
• Strong understanding of social and digital media and experience in using them to build engagement with audiences
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams and effective project management
• Understanding of the evolving media landscape, including emerging digital platforms and technologies
• Experience providing strategic counsel to senior stakeholders including during times of reputational risk and crisis management
• Ability to draft, edit and commission exceptional content for different audiences in multiple formats
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills, able to navigate complex organisational dynamics

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of the UK-wide and devolved policy context in which the Fund operates, potentially gained in the public sector, among voluntary, community and social enterprises, or in one of our mission areas
• Relevant professional qualification with evidence of continuing professional development

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

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

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

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

Our vision is of a world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.

Our mission is to address the negative consequences of ever more people using ever more of the planet’s resources and to inspire and engage with others to find, share and promote ways to make our vision a reality as quickly as possible.

You

Are you an experienced Chartered Financial Accountant, with extensive experience working in Financial Operations (FinOps) within international charities? Are you looking for a role that gives you the autonomy to shape and develop the FinOps function, as well as a role within the Senior Leadership Team?

We have just entered a new five-year strategy period and are looking for someone to take a strategic, long-term approach to developing our FinOps capabilities, further developing an increasingly professionalised function. We are a growing organisation and will be further expanding internationally over the strategy period.

If your application is successful, you will form part of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team, helping Population Matters to continue to build on recent successes and increase its focus on impact.

How we’ll do things

Population Matters is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age and all other categories protected by law.

If you require any adjustments to make the process more accessible, or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact our switchboard.

Please apply by sending a CV (no more than two A4 pages) and covering letter (no more than two A4 pages), addressing the Job Description and, in particular, the Person Specification.

We will use blind recruitment practices to minimise unconscious bias.

The deadline for applications is midday on 6th June. We will hold first interviews on the 12th June remotely, with Joshua Hill, Chief Research & Operations Officer, and Sho Nair, Director of Fundraising & Engagement. We will hold second interviews on the afternoon of the 17th June, in person, with Joshua Hill and Amy Jankiewicz, Chief Executive.

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: Starting at £55-62,000, negotiable within this range

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: We promote and encourage flexible working all types, in line with our flexible working policy

Location: Home-based in the UK, with occasional travel and access to our London office space. We are afraid that we can not accept international applicants for this role. 

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave pa; additional three days’ closure over Christmas; employer pension contribution 6-8%, employee matching contribution min 2%; Employee Assistance Programme; we fund and encourage CPD.

Thank you for your interest in Population Matters.

One of our fantastic clients is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of External Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy. This pivotal role will be instrumental in strengthening societies and changing lives, working closely with senior leadership to lead government relations across the UK and cultivate relationships with elected representatives, the Civil Service, and key partners within the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sectors.

The successful candidate will lead a team of public affairs, policy, and influencing professionals, contributing to the wider communications strategy. They will leverage an extensive network of stakeholders and a deep understanding of policy and public affairs to stay abreast of significant developments, ensuring the organisation remains proactive in its positioning and sensitive areas.

This role requires a leader who can inspire and develop a team of External Affairs professionals, devising and executing projects in a fast-paced environment while ensuring alignment with strategic goals. The External Affairs mandate is exceptionally diverse, spanning devolved governments across the UK and increasing regional devolution within England. Regular travel to attend meetings and spend time with colleagues across the UK will be required.

The Head of External Affairs will provide a professional, consistent, and expert service, supporting strategic activity across the organisation. They will oversee tailoring outputs to effectively reach key external affairs stakeholders and play a senior role in assessing areas of reputational risk.

Key responsibilities

• As a member of the communications leadership team, take ownership of, create, and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy to deliver the organisation's missions and strategic objectives, including significant activity in the national portfolios, integrated and aligned to its communications strategy.

• Provide strategic oversight of government relations, public affairs, and strategic engagement across the UK, including relationships with sponsor bodies, working closely with the CEO Office and Portfolio Directors. Offer strategic guidance, sound judgement, and advice to senior leadership and other teams, driving a consistent organisational approach to relationship management.

• Take responsibility for strategic horizon scanning for external affairs activity across the mission areas, ensuring information and advice is shared directly with the CEO and senior colleagues, and opportunities for stakeholder engagement and influencing are maximised.

• Devise and lead a programme of external engagement with key policy, political, and mission-related stakeholders for the Chair, CEO, Board Members, and other senior leaders. This includes owning and coordinating key messages and briefings, attending meetings as appropriate, and ensuring actions are followed up.

• Oversee the design and delivery of engagement programmes that measurably increase engagement with key political and other audiences. Identify and manage risks, trends, or opportunities to protect and enhance the organisation's reputation and ensure successful influencing among key stakeholders.

• Plan and deliver a continuous review and evaluation of activities, including external benchmarking, measurement of engagement levels, and performance standards to ensure effective delivery of the External Affairs strategy across the four nations.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, delegating work effectively, ensuring appropriate use of resource across the team, and providing and commissioning external suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality plans.

Person Specifications

• Substantial experience leading government relations, public affairs, policy, and advocacy in a large, matrix organisation, ideally interacting with devolved administrations (national and mayoral).

• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with senior political and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration across diverse communities and perspectives.

• Experience of planning and executing strategic engagement across a range of high-profile audiences and activities, including responsibility for Chair/CEO/Board-level engagement.

• Experience of strategic planning and decision-making at a local, regional, and national level, including with peer organisations and local governments.

• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences with clarity and inclusivity.

• Experience of briefing and working with senior leaders in support of organisational and engagement objectives, often at short notice, including providing counsel in times of reputational risk and navigating complex organisational dynamics.

• Demonstrable leadership and project-management ability, with experience developing high-performing teams, resource management, and working in a matrix-management and collaborative environment.

• Experience commissioning agencies and third-party suppliers to work with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality plans.

• Experience of continued professional, managerial, and personal development within the relevant discipline.

• If this role is based in Wales, or supports customers or colleagues in Wales, an understanding of Welsh language legislation and the Welsh Language Standards of the organisation is required.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary of £54,277-£60,000 outside London or £59,000-£66,500 inside London 

• Full time role 

• 12 month contract

• Immediate start 

How to Apply: To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the “apply now” button via our website.

The process: If your experience aligns with what we're looking for, a member of our team will be in contact to discuss the role with you in more detail before presenting your profile to the client. We will also ensure that all applicants receive an email to inform them of the outcome of their application.

To avoid any potential delays or your application being missed, please apply solely via the 'Apply Now' button.

Commitment to Diversity: The Talent Set and our partner organisation are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and thoughtful communicator to lead our communications and advocacy work during a period of maternity cover. 

At Martin James Foundation, we work alongside a network of committed partners who lead change for children and families in their contexts. Our role is to contribute where we can, granting funds, sharing learning, supporting campaigns, influencing systems and amplifying the good work already happening. You’ll lead on implementing our communications and advocacy strategy, manage key partnerships, and strengthen our presence across digital platforms. You’ll also support internal communications projects.

This role is central to how we tell our story, build meaningful collaboration, influence change and ensure the voices of those with lived experience are prioritised, listened to and able to lead change.

About Martin James Foundation

The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable organisations working with a shared vision: a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.

The Foundation is made up of:

· MJF Global – our programmes team, which uses the Foundation’s technical and financial resources to support locally rooted partner organisations around the world. Together, we work to strengthen families and reduce reliance on orphanages, contributing to global efforts to reform children’s care.

· Key Assets – a group of independent, non-profit fostering agencies operating in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. With over 30 years’ experience, they provide foster care, family strengthening, and support for people with disabilities. Their trauma-informed approach is built on strong partnerships and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of those they serve.

The Need

Millions of children are separated from their families, not because they have no one to care for them, but because of poverty, crisis, or a lack of support. Many end up in orphanages, yet removing a child from a struggling family does not solve poverty. It can deepen harm, sever vital family bonds, and leave children more vulnerable to instability, trafficking, and lifelong inequality. Our mission is to reduce the reliance on institutional care by supporting proven alternatives and advocating for systemic change.

What You’ll Do

 Advocacy & Policy Influence

• Lead the delivery of advocacy strategies to raise awareness about the benefits of family-based care and the harms of institutions, including orphanages
• Manage MJF Global’s advocacy partnerships, supporting joint campaigns and influencing initiatives
• Oversee project-based public affairs and PR efforts, coordinating with agencies, consultants and media stakeholders where needed
• Represent MJF Global in key coalitions, working groups, and sector events as required
• Strategic communications

Implement the communications strategy that aligns with our organisational goals

• Manage our editorial calendar across digital and offline channels, highlighting awareness days, partner updates and sector milestones
• Write and curate content for social media, newsletters, campaigns, and reports
• Oversee relationships with our design and web partners, ensuring consistency and quality

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Support MJF’s global marketing working group by co-coordinating with marketing leads across Key Assets
• Strengthen relationships with internal teams and external collaborators, ensuring alignment on messaging and values
• Provide guidance to global partners, as requested/required, developing and implementing their own communications plans

Operational Comms & Tools

• Manage CRM platforms (e.g., MailChimp), website updates (WordPress), and file sharing (SharePoint and Google Drive)
• Use project management tools to track campaign and content workflows
• Lead quarterly reporting on communications and advocacy performance

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is not only an excellent communicator but also a values-led leader, someone who can work with sensitivity across contexts and cultures, while keeping an eye on strategy and detail.

Essential

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or your country equivalent certificate (can be obtained upon appointment)
• Experience leading and implementing communications and/or advocacy strategies in the charity, NGO, or development sectors
• Strong understanding of care reform, family strengthening, or children’s rights issues
• Ability to manage relationships and partnerships, particularly in advocacy, policy or public affairs work
• Excellent communication skills across formats including written, verbal and visual. Fluency in English is required.
• A collaborative, curious and proactive mindset, with the ability to work independently and across cultures
• Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and decolonising approaches in communication and advocacy

Desirable

• Experience working in or with organisations in the Global South
• Familiarity with digital tools like Canva, WordPress, MailChimp, or Adobe Suite
• Experience in journalism, media relations, or public policy advocacy
• Confidence using communications to support locally led, ethical storytelling and systems change

What We Offer

• Fully remote working with flexible scheduling
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Meaningful work with a passionate, globally distributed team
• Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organisation that centres lived experience and ethical partnership

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply.

The National Lottery Community Fund has two exciting opportunities available—we are looking to recruit one Public Affairs and Policy Manager each for Northern Ireland and England to join our newly restructured communications function.  

Please be clear which role you are applying for when writing your supporting statement.

• Public Affairs and Policy Manager (Northern Ireland)
• Public Affairs and Policy Manager (England)

This role is part of our ambitious transformation as we implement a significant pivot in our communications approach – building on our support for grant-making to demonstrate the powerful impact communities have in strengthening society and improving lives.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape our political engagement during a time of exciting change. You will build the Fund's influence with government and political stakeholders, advancing community priorities through evidence-based advocacy and public affairs that demonstrates how our funding strengthens communities and delivers policy objectives.

Your insight into the political landscape will help shape both regional funding decisions and national policy positions, as you drive engagement with elected representatives, ministers, and officials. By providing timely intelligence and analysis of policy developments affecting our work, you will position the Fund as an authoritative voice on social change. Your understanding of devolved politics will be crucial in helping colleagues navigate distinct policy contexts while maintaining a coherent UK-wide approach.

Working with colleagues across communications and funding teams, you will identify and act upon opportunities to demonstrate the impact of our funding on communities and how it aligns with government priorities.

The ideal candidate will bring strong political analysis skills combined with practical experience of public affairs and stakeholder engagement. You should have a solid understanding of parliamentary processes and government structures in either Northern Ireland or England and be able to translate complex policy into actionable communications strategies. Your background might include roles in public affairs, policy analysis, or government relations, ideally with exposure to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. You should excel at building relationships with diverse stakeholders and be adept at navigating complex political environments.

Key responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with elected representatives and political stakeholders in your country
• Develop effective influencing strategies to advance the Fund's aims through stakeholder mapping and coordinated political engagement
• Create policy and positioning papers tailored to your country's context that drive positive change
• Provide high-quality briefings and messaging for senior stakeholders
• Monitor policy and political developments, providing actionable insights to colleagues
• Lead consultation responses that articulate the Fund's positions effectively
• Organise events that promote our objectives and celebrate community power
• Manage relationships with external political monitoring and specialist agencies

 

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

Interview Date: Week commencing 23rd June - Virtual

On application, please be clear which role you are applying for and align your supporting statement to the criteria below

 

Essential criteria

• Significant experience working with elected representatives, officials and other public affairs activities
• Evidence of ability in political analysis with parliamentary and legislative knowledge
• Experience in analysing policy developments and horizon-scanning to identify relevant opportunities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that influence audiences
• Experience in writing public affairs and policy briefings for senior stakeholders  
• Demonstrable experience of project management
• Experience working in a matrix organisation with competing deadlines
• Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable criteria

• Relevant professional qualification
• Understanding of VCSE sector in relation to public affairs
• Experience working in a devolved administration and/or with regional stakeholders
• People management experience 

 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

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

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

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

Job Title: Policy & Research Officer
Location: Remote (with UK and international travel, candidate must be UK-based)
Hours: Full-time  
Salary: £30,000 - £33,000 
Reports to: Head of Insight & Advocacy 

About Us 

Metabolic Support UK is the leading organisation for people living with inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) and their families. We provide expert support and advocacy, champion research, and work with health services and policy-makers to ensure people with IMDs and their families get the care they need and deserve. 

The Role 

We are looking for a curious and committed Research & Policy Officer to help us build the evidence base to improve the lives of people affected by IMDs. Reporting to the Head of Insight & Advocacy, you will play a key role in delivering our research projects, keeping tabs on relevant policy developments, and helping shape our responses to consultations. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research (under supervision of the Head of Insight & Advocacy): 

• Support the design, planning, and delivery of qualitative and quantitative research projects 

• Conduct literature reviews, stakeholder mapping, and data analysis 

• Contribute to survey development, focus groups, and interviews with people living with IMDs, families, clinicians and other stakeholders 

• Assist with analyses and write up findings in accessible and engaging ways for different audiences 

• Ensure all research is ethical, inclusive, and relevant to the needs of the IMD community 

Policy Monitoring and Response: 

• Track developments in policy relevant to rare diseases and inherited metabolic conditions 

• Summarise key policy updates for internal and external audiences 

• Support the drafting of consultation responses, position statements, and policy briefings 

• Contribute to campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and policy influencing activities 

• Help ensure the voice of the IMD community is reflected in national and local policy discussions 

About You 

We are looking for someone who is: 

• Organised, analytical, and enthusiastic about improving lives through research and policy 

• A strong communicator – able to write clearly and concisely for different audiences 

• Comfortable working with data, both qualitative and quantitative 

• Keen to learn, with some experience in research or policy (academic, charity, health, or public sector settings) 

• A team player who enjoys collaborating and supporting others 

Desirable experience: 

• Background in public health, health policy, social research, or similar 

• Experience working with or for people living with a disorder, carers, or people with rare or long-term conditions 

• Familiarity with the NHS, health inequalities, or rare disease policy 

What We Offer 

• A chance to make a meaningful difference in a growing, agile charity 

• A friendly and supportive team culture 

• Flexible working arrangements 

• Opportunities for learning and professional development 

We are looking for a person to bring their skills, enthusiasm, and personal credibility to the team and support administration across both our volunteer staff and employed workforce.

This role is key to ensuring the Army Cadets can communicate well with the volunteer community and that national level events are correctly supported.

This position is a permanent full-time post (40 hours per week) which will be home-based. However, regular travel across the UK attend events and meetings will be required.  The starting salary for the post will be £29,644.00 per annum.

Essential Skills

§  Experienced and skilled administrator and planner, who can work under own initiative in both office and remote environments.

§  Demonstrable success in establishing effective working relationship across a range of organisations at all levels.

§  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

§  IT literate; experienced user of Microsoft office with experience in using document management systems, such as SharePoint.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

You will enjoy being part of our small team who work very happily together. By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description along with a CV by Sunday 15th June 2025. Please note, AI should not be used to produce either the covering letter or CV.

Interviews will be held on Monday 23rd June 2025.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo both a Disclosure and Barring Service check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

In alignment with SPANA's 2023-2027 strategy and the Global Programmes Department 2025 business plan, the Programme Quality and Delivery (PQD) team is focused on the development of a high quality, innovative portfolio that delivers immediate and lasting change for working animals. 

We are looking for an experienced senior consultant to provide interim strategic support and continuity to our PQD team during a transitional period whilst we recruit for a permanent Head of PQD. 

This is an interim consultancy role focused on delivering key outcomes, offering expert guidance, and ensuring ongoing progress against departmental priorities. The consultant will work closely with the Director of Global Programmes and other team members to contribute to shaping the team’s direction. 

The consultant will be expected to: 

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance across the team’s work; 

• Ensure continued focus on key outcomes and monitor progress; 

• Work with the director of Global Programmes to ensure progress in alignment with SPANA’s strategy and the Global Programmes Department Business Plan. 

Please see the terms of reference for full details. 

 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. 

Please note that this is an interim consultancy assignment and not a salaried role. The consultant will be engaged on a self-employed basis or via a limited company, with a clear scope of work and deliverables. There is a separate recruitment process for the permanent Head of PQD, and consultants engaged on the interim assignment are welcome to apply for the permanent position should they wish to be considered.

Venn Group is delighted to be working with a leading membership organisation to recruit a HR Advisor on a 4 month interim contract. This role will play a key role in reviewing and updating HR policies and procedures aligned with best practice and employment law.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Draft and revise HR policies and procedures in line with UK employment legislation and best practice, collaborating with key HR stakeholders.
• Identify, prioritise and update outdated policies based on significance and time since last review
• Work with the Governance team to keep the policy register current and compliant
• Engage with staff representatives in the consultation process for all new and revised HR policies, and complete equality impact assessments as required
• Prepare documentation for policy approval and ensure timely scheduling for review by the Risk Management Board and other relevant decision-making groups
• Work alongside the Head of HR to present policies for approval at senior leadership or committee level
• Communicate policy updates across the organisation, share them with the HR team, and publish final versions on the staff intranet
• Support managers and HR business partners in applying new policies in practice and help develop a regular review schedule

Ideal candidate profile:

• CIPD Level 3 or equivalent qualification (desirable)
• Proven experience in generalist HR roles with a solid understanding of UK employment law and diversity and inclusion practices
• Strong written communication and interpersonal abilities to build relationships and produce professional documentation
• Skilled in conducting research and applying findings to inform HR practices and policies

Agency reference number: J88726

Duration: 4 month interim contract, subject to further extension

Pay rate: £22-£25 per hour

Working hours: Full time

Working pattern: Remote

Start date: ASAP

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

The National Lottery Community Fund is seeking a Senior Government Relationship Manager to lead our relationships with governments across the UK as part of our newly restructured communications function. This role represents a significant opportunity in our new function as we implement our ambitious communications strategy that shifts from traditional grant-making support to demonstrating the powerful impact that communities have across the UK.

As a senior member of the External Affairs team and a key part of our wider communications team, you will lead our relationship with DCMS as our sponsor department and build a coherent approach to government relations across the UK that recognises the needs of all of the devolved administrations.  You will build connections with relevant government departments, acting as the key coordinator and source of knowledge and insight for all government-related activity at the Fund.

Your role as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on government relations and building our reputation will be critical to our success. Your political insight will help the Fund maintain its identity as a champion of community-led change while providing senior counsel on engaging with ministers and officials.

You will work in close collaboration with communications and funding colleagues to anticipate and mitigate risks in a structured way, handling sensitive issues when they arise. Your strong understanding of the political landscape and ability to build strong relationships will support the Fund’s wider strategic objectives.

We're looking for a government relations professional with significant experience who can build influential relationships across all levels of government and who can provide expert analysis of policy developments. The ideal candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of the UK political landscape and the workings of government. You will be politically astute with experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and balancing diverse priorities. Your background might include policy development, stakeholder or government relations or public affairs in a government department, a public body or a large mission-driven organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Design and deliver a consistent approach to government relations across the UK, maintaining systems and processes for ensuring effective delivery
• Lead our sponsor relationship with DCMS and build relationships and connections with relevant departments, managing and co-ordinating responses to departmental requirements and identifying opportunities to demonstrate our value.
• Provide strategic horizon scanning and expert policy analysis, disseminating information and advice to senior leaders
• Coordinate the Fund's interactions with governments across the UK
• Develop engagement plans for ministers and senior officials
• Create high-quality briefing materials for senior leadership for meetings with government ministers and senior officials, attending meetings as appropriate
• Lead on policy positioning papers on key issues
• Support Communications colleagues to ensure country and regional government relations are aligned

Location: We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Newtown.

Interview dates: Week commencing 30th June and 7th July

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

 

Essential criteria

• Significant experience in government relations, policy and public affairs, working with government departments, ministers and officials
• Understanding of DCMS and its broader universe, particularly related to VCSE sector
• Strong background in political analysis skills, parliamentary and legislative knowledge
• Demonstrable success in influencing policy outcomes
• Experience advising senior leadership
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidence of ability to turn complex policy into useful briefings at short notice
• Ability to engage diverse political and other stakeholder audiences
• Project and matrix management experience, particularly in complex organisations managing competing deadlines.

Desirable criteria

• Experience with devolved administrations
• Background in non-departmental or arms-length public bodies
• Relevant professional qualification

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

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

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

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