Public affair officer jobs in Cardiff, wales

The Friendly Trust is a Wales-based registered charity providing specialist information, advice, and financial administration for disabled people and other vulnerable adults, and for families planning for the future of someone who may lack capacity. Our work is centred on the individual. We aim to protect people's rights, promote independence and ensure that financial arrangements support people to live the lives they choose.

Purpose of the Role

Trust Officers play a key role in delivering The Friendly Trust's services. 

The postholder will manage an allocated caseload, providing practical support, advice and financial administration to Service Users and their families. 

The role combines person-centred casework with welfare benefits, financial management, advocacy and multi-agency working. Trust Officers develop professional relationships with Service Users and use their knowledge, judgement and problem-solving skills to ensure that people's financial affairs are managed appropriately while promoting choice, independence and individual rights. 

Where a person may lack capacity to make a particular financial decision, the Trust Officer will ensure that their work reflects the principles and requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and any other relevant legal authority under which The Friendly Trust is acting. 

Key Responsibilities

Service User Support and Casework 

• Manage an allocated caseload of Service Users, taking responsibility for progressing work and responding appropriately to changing circumstances. 

• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with Service Users, recognising their individual wishes, communication needs, abilities and circumstances. 

• Provide clear and accessible information, advice and practical support to Service Users, carers and family members on matters including welfare benefits, financial management, trusts and related issues. 

• Support Service Users to understand and participate in decisions about their finances wherever possible. 

• Promote choice, independence and control while ensuring that appropriate safeguards are maintained. 

• Meet with and visit Service Users and their families as required, including home visits and meetings with other professionals. 

• Identify concerns affecting a Service User's financial or wider wellbeing and take appropriate action, including raising safeguarding concerns where necessary. 

Welfare Benefits 

• Support Service Users to identify and access welfare benefits to which they may be entitled. 

• Assist with benefit claims, reviews and related correspondence. 

• Liaise with the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities and other relevant organisations. 

• Identify apparent errors, underpayments or adverse benefit decisions and take appropriate action to resolve or challenge them. 

• Maintain and develop an appropriate working knowledge of the welfare benefits system relevant to the Trust's Service Users. 

Financial Administration and Appointeeship 

• Manage Service Users' day-to-day financial affairs where The Friendly Trust has been authorised to do so. 

• Act on behalf of The Friendly Trust in carrying out its responsibilities as a DWP Corporate Appointee where applicable. 

• Ensure that benefits and other income received on behalf of Service Users are used appropriately and in their interests. 

• Work with Service Users to create, implement and regularly review individual money plans and budgets. 

• Monitor income, expenditure, account balances and financial commitments. 

• Arrange payments and other financial transactions in accordance with organisational procedures and the authority under which The Friendly Trust is acting. 

• Identify and respond appropriately to changes in a Service User's financial circumstances. 

• Take reasonable steps to protect Service Users from financial abuse, exploitation and avoidable financial loss. 

• Ensure that financial decisions are properly authorised, recorded and capable of being accounted for. 

Mental Capacity and Decision-Making 

• Apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in relevant aspects of their work. 

• Recognise that capacity is decision-specific and should not be assumed solely because of a person's disability, diagnosis or circumstances. 

• Support Service Users to make their own decisions wherever they are able to do so. 

• Where a person lacks capacity for a particular financial decision, ensure that actions are taken in accordance with the appropriate legal authority and best-interests requirements. 

• Maintain clear records of significant decisions and the reasons for them. 

• Seek guidance from managers where a decision raises significant legal, financial, safeguarding or ethical concerns. 

Record Keeping and Compliance 

• Maintain accurate, clear, up-to-date and timely case records. 

• Use The Friendly Trust's case management and financial recording systems, including CasparGov, to record actions, decisions, financial information and outcomes. 

• Ensure that records meet organisational, legal, regulatory and UK GDPR requirements. 

• Handle personal and financial information securely and maintain appropriate confidentiality. 

• Work in accordance with relevant legislation, guidance, policies and procedures, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding requirements and, where applicable, Court of Protection guidance. 

Communication and Partnership Working 

• Communicate clearly, sensitively and professionally with Service Users, families, carers and professionals. 

• Adapt communication to reflect an individual's needs and level of understanding. 

• Prepare professional correspondence, including letters, emails, case records and reports. 

• Liaise effectively with organisations including the DWP, local authorities, health and social care professionals, housing providers, banks and other financial organisations. 

• Attend meetings concerning Service Users where appropriate and contribute relevant financial information and professional observations. 

• Advocate appropriately for Service Users where financial, benefit or related matters require resolution. 

Team Working 

• Work collaboratively with Trust Officers, administrative staff, managers and other colleagues. 

• Participate in the office duty rota, responding to telephone and face-to-face enquiries during designated duty sessions. 

• Provide reasonable cover for colleagues during periods of absence. 

• Share relevant knowledge and contribute positively to team discussions and problem-solving. 

• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings and organisational activities. 

Organisational Contribution and Development 

• Represent The Friendly Trust professionally when dealing with Service Users, families, external organisations and members of the public. 

• Participate in training and continuing professional development relevant to the role. 

• Maintain and develop knowledge relevant to their work, including welfare benefits, mental capacity, safeguarding and financial administration. 

• Contribute to the development and improvement of organisational policies, procedures and services. 

• Support The Friendly Trust's commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding and environmental sustainability. 

• Undertake other duties reasonably required by the Team Manager which are consistent with the nature and level of responsibility of the role.

Hybrid working

Following successful completion of probation, Trust Officers are able to work on a flexible hybrid basis, subject to the requirements of the service. 

Trust Officers are normally required to attend the Cardiff office for 2 x  two-hour duty sessions each week. 

Outside these duty sessions, staff have considerable flexibility regarding where they work, subject to Service User visits, meetings, training, team requirements and other operational needs. 

Person Specification

The Friendly Trust recognises that this is a specialist role and that candidates may bring relevant skills and experience from a variety of backgrounds. 

We do not expect every successful applicant to have detailed experience of every aspect of the role before joining us. Training, supervision and opportunities to develop specialist knowledge will be provided. 

Candidates should therefore consider how their transferable experience, knowledge, skills and values relate to the criteria below. 

Essential

Experience 

• Relevant experience of working with or supporting people in social care, welfare benefits, advocacy, housing, financial inclusion, community services or another related setting. 

• Experience of working with disabled people, vulnerable adults, carers or people requiring additional support. 

• Experience of managing competing tasks, responsibilities or a caseload/workload with an appropriate degree of independence. 

• Experience of maintaining accurate records and handling confidential information. 

Skills and abilities 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive professional relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively, both verbally and in writing. 

• Ability to explain potentially complex information in an accessible way. 

• Strong organisational and time-management skills. 

• Ability to prioritise work and respond appropriately when circumstances change. 

• Confidence working with figures and financial information, including budgets, income and expenditure. 

• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement. 

• Ability to work independently while recognising when advice, guidance or management involvement is required. 

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and with external professionals. 

• Competent IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and learn case management and financial recording systems. 

• Level 2 qualification, or equivalent competence, in literacy and numeracy. 

Values and approach 

• A commitment to treating Service Users with dignity and respect. 

• An understanding of the importance of promoting choice, independence and individual rights. 

• An empathetic and non-judgemental approach. 

• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding and accurate record keeping. 

Other requirements 

• Full driving licence and access to a car for work purposes. 

• Ability and willingness to undertake Service User visits and attend meetings as required. 

• Ability to attend the Cardiff office as required, including participation in the office duty rota. 

Desirable 

The following would be advantageous but are not required in every successful candidate: 

• Knowledge or practical experience of the welfare benefits system. 

• Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its practical application. 

• Experience of financial administration, budgeting or managing money on behalf of another person. 

• Experience of DWP appointeeship. 

• Experience of advocacy or rights-based work. 

• Knowledge or experience of Court of Protection Deputyship, Lasting Powers of Attorney or other arrangements for managing another person's financial affairs. 

• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, cognitive impairment or communication difficulties. 

• Experience of working with families and carers. 

• Experience of multi-agency working across health, social care, housing, benefits or other public services. 

• Experience of safeguarding adults. 

• Knowledge of CasparGov or comparable case management/financial administration software. 

• A relevant qualification in social work, health, social care, welfare rights, advocacy, finance or another related discipline. 

What We Offer

· A supportive, values‑driven working environment.

· Annual leave entitlement of 29 days plus bank holidays

· 6% employer contribution, with a minimum 2% employee contribution

· Opportunities for training and professional development.

· Flexible and hybrid working options (subject to service needs and probation).

· Employee wellbeing support.

Appointment and pre‑employment checks

• All offers of employment are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references. Two references will be requested, one of which should be from a current or most recent employer.
• You will need to demonstrate that you have a right to work in the UK.
• The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, due to the nature of the role and contact with vulnerable adults.
• Having a criminal record will not automatically prevent appointment. Any disclosures will be considered fairly, confidentially, and proportionately, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the DBS Code of Practice.

5Rights is seeking to recruit a Junior UK Affairs Officer on a six month fixed term contract, to support the Foundation's advocacy and policy work across the United Kingdom. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual interested in children's rights, politics and the tech industry. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most important policy challenges of our time - how we ensure the digital world is built with children in mind. They will gain practical experience across policy development, stakeholder engagement, legislative processes and campaigning, playing an active role in projects that are influencing how governments, regulators and industry protect and uphold children's rights online.

About 5Rights

5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations.We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse developments in UK digital policy, online safety, privacy, AI governance, and children's rights.
• Conduct research on parliamentary activity, government consultations, regulatory initiatives, and emerging technology issues.
• Prepare policy briefings, stakeholder summaries, background notes, and advocacy materials.
• Support the drafting of consultation responses, position papers, speeches, and external communications.
• Assist with stakeholder mapping and engagement activities involving policymakers, regulators, civil society organisations, academics, and industry representatives.
• Help coordinate meetings, events, roundtables, and workshops.
• Track media coverage and public discourse related to children's digital rights and online safety.
• Maintain advocacy databases, contact lists, and project documentation.
• Contribute to campaign planning and outreach activities where appropriate.
• Provide administrative and project support to the advocacy and policy team.

Person specification

This is an ideal opportunity for someone at the start of their career who is looking for meaningful work with real-world impact. We are looking for someone with the following attributes:

Essential skills and attributes

• A proactive, enthusiastic problem-solver with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing tasks, meet deadlines and consistently follow through.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging communications for different audiences.
• Sound judgement, professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Curious, adaptable and eager to learn, with the resilience to thrive in a changeable environment where priorities can change.
• A collaborative team player who can build positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Confident using Microsoft 365 (including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and comfortable learning new digital tools.
• A genuine commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation and an interest in improving children's experiences in the digital world.

Desirable skills and attributes

• A degree in a relevant discipline, such as public policy, politics, law, social sciences, international relations or communications.
• An interest in technology policy, children's rights, digital regulation or public affairs
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise briefings.
• An interest in current affairs and confidence monitoring and summarising policy developments.
• Experience (through study, work experience or volunteering) of research, communications, campaigning or stakeholder engagement.
• An enthusiasm for learning and developing within a small, ambitious and collaborative team.
  
  Practical details:
  Location: Remote position in the UK. Ability to travel to London for regular meetings is an advantage. Occasional international travel required.
  Salary: Starting salary of £27,040 per annum pro-rata, with some flexibility for candidates with exceptional skills and experience.
  Contract: 6 months fixed term
  Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for weekend-engagements and work across time-zones.
  Statutory pension contribution.
  Annual leave: 25 days per annum pro-rata
  Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.
  Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.
  Reporting line: Head of UK Affairs, based in UK

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

This strategically important role will provide global leadership for advocacy across the Open Doors ministry, helping local and regional teams to shape advocacy priorities, strengthen alignment across international teams, and ensure the experiences and voices of the most persecuted Christians continue to inform decisions at every level of our organisation.

The role also oversees Global Integrated Campaigns and plays a key role in strengthening Open Doors’ voice and influence amongst external partners, institutions, governments and decision-makers. As the global context continues to evolve, advocacy remains an essential part of our mission. We believe God is calling us to speak courageously, act wisely and work collaboratively on behalf of those whose voices are often unheard.

This is a role for a courageous and servant-hearted leader who can bring together diverse stakeholders, develop and execute strategic priorities, and strengthen advocacy’s contribution to the mission of Open Doors worldwide.

Purpose of the Position

The Global Advocacy Director is a strategic leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and responsible for providing direction, alignment and influence for advocacy across the Open Doors organisation. Working closely with field regions, fundraising bases and international leaders, the Director ensures that advocacy priorities remain connected to the needs of persecuted Christians and contribute to the wider mission and strategy of Open Doors.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

• A servant leader with humility, wisdom and integrity.

• A strategic thinker who can see both the wider picture and the practical steps needed to achieve it.

• A relationship builder who can unite people around a shared purpose.

• A courageous and resilient leader, comfortable operating in complex and sometimes challenging environments.

• An excellent communicator, able to inspire, influence and engage a wide range of audiences. 

Working for Open Doors

Open Doors International offers a unique opportunity to combine professional expertise with meaningful ministry impact. As a global Christian organisation serving persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries, we are committed to attracting and developing exceptional leaders who are passionate about our mission and values.

The Director of Global Advocacy will join a diverse international organisation working across cultures, regions and functions to strengthen the persecuted Church and advance the mission of Open Doors worldwide.

Location: The successful candidate must live in an African, European or Asian time zone. Applicants must be able to work effectively across international teams and time zones.

International Travel: The successful candidate should expect a significant amount of international travel to engage with colleagues, partners, advocacy networks and ministry stakeholders.

Salary and Benefits: A competitive salary package will be offered, commensurate with the seniority and international scope of the role.

Additional benefits and employment arrangements will be discussed with shortlisted candidates and will be tailored to the successful candidate’s location and circumstances.

Faith Requirement: As a Christian ministry, Open Doors requires the Global Advocacy Director to demonstrate a mature Christian faith and full alignment with the organisation’s Christian beliefs, values and statement of faith.

Lead change. Shape policy. Amplify the voices of bereaved families.

Child Bereavement UK is looking for an accomplished Head of Policy & Research to lead our evidence and policy agenda at a pivotal time for the charity.

You'll bring a strong track record of leading policy and research activity, developing influential partnerships, and translating evidence into meaningful change. With an established understanding of the policy landscape and the credibility to engage senior stakeholders across health, social care, government and the voluntary sector, you'll play a key role in shaping policy and practice for bereaved families across the UK.

You'll lead our research programme, develop evidence-based positions, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are reflected in policy and practice across the UK.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience and established networks in policy and research.
• Can translate complex evidence into compelling recommendations for change.
• Is an exceptional relationship-builder, communicator and strategic thinker.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents.

This is a rare opportunity to shape national conversations, influence decision-makers and ensure lived experience is at the heart of policy and practice.

Please note, the role will involve regular travel to London based conferences, events and network meetings as required, plus occasional travel to team meetings in Birmingham.

Join us and help create lasting change for bereaved families across the UK.

Community Fundraiser – East Midlands

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser – East Midlands, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Midlands region (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack attached below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 06th September 2026

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Community Fundraising Assistant – East

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - East, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Region (which includes Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 30th August 2026 

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.