Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Bring your energy, creativity and expertise - and help us impact young people positively.
Location: Sherborne House, London (hybrid)
Salary: £52,535 per annum
Closing Date: 29 March, 2026
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours per week: 37.5
About the Role
Step into a role where your policy expertise drives real change. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll lead an ambitious strategy to influence national decision‑makers, shape legislation and ensure the voices of people affected by homelessness are impossible to ignore. You’ll turn insight into impact, championing our values while strengthening our political presence and public profile
You’ll build powerful relationships across Westminster, Whitehall and the wider sector, producing sharp briefings, commissioning research and delivering high‑profile events that elevate Depaul’s influence. Confident in the media and skilled at simplifying complex issues, you’ll work across teams to anticipate policy change, spark innovation and help drive forward our mission to end homelessness. If you’re driven, strategic and ready to make national change happen, this is your platform.
Key deliverables:
• Develop organisational policy positions on key strategic issues for Depaul UK, focusing on policy areas that matter for our client group including homelessness, housing, welfare, health and care leavers.
• Working with the Director of Development and External Affairs to deliver a multi-year policy and public affairs strategy, you will own its delivery, having demonstrable impact on policy through influencing legislation, as well as securing funding and commitments from the government .
• Work with the Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications and their team to improve Depaul’s public profile by giving us a louder political voice.
• Work with the Executive Director of Operations and their team to ensure Depaul is well positioned to respond to changes in policy and regulation.
• Work in partnership with Depaul UK’s Head of Data and Insights on research projects designed to influence policy.
• Monitor, analyse and report on policy developments which may impact on the work of Depaul UK.
• Provide high quality written and verbal briefings, reports and submissions to consultations.
• Work with senior colleagues to develop positive relationships for Depaul UK with ministers, senior officials, elected Mayors, Parliamentarians and with other policy influencers including our peers in the homeless sector.
• Ensure that the voices and experiences of clients are heard and understood to improve and change services delivered by Depaul, commissioners and policy makers.
• Give interviews to the media.
• Organise and coordinate events and meetings.
• Strengthen Depaul’s links with other voluntary sector organisations in the homelessness, youth and faith sectors.
• Contribute to Depaul International’s global influencing work.
What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)
When completing your application form please address all the areas below. Try to provide clear examples in your supporting statement that clarify how and when you gained the experience or knowledge as well as your level of capability.
To carry out this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and competencies:
Knowledge
• Strong knowledge of the homelessness sector and policy context is desirable but not essential, it is essential that you have developed strong, specialist knowledge of a UK policy area or areas.
Experience and skills
• Having had demonstrable impact on government policy.
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with Parliamentarians and officials
• Organising or helping to organise events, it is desirable but not essential that you have organised events in Parliament
• Leading projects with colleagues from different internal or external teams
• Delivering high quality verbal and written policy briefings and presentations to senior stakeholders
• Working with colleagues to secure media coverage
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and with low levels of supervision
• Ability to prioritise key tasks and manage conflicting priorities
• Ability to deliver to deadlines, sometimes at short notice
• Desirable - drafting and delivering policy and/or public affairs plans/strategies
• Desirable - representing organisations in the media and at events
You will need to be able to travel throughout the UK and on occasions work out of hours.
You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.
What You’ll Receive
• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support
Safer Recruitment
Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.
About Depaul UK
In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.
What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.
As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
Location: Hybrid working - Part London office-based (E14) and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office.
Salary: £80,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing date: Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 10.00am
Interview date: The interviews will take place in the afternoons of Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 April 2026 in person at our London office. There will be a final interview stage during week commencing 27 April 2026.
This is a permanent role.
Who we are looking for
Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Director of Finance and IT to help us build on this momentum.
We are seeking an experienced leader to join Breakthrough T1D’s Senior Management Team, in playing a critical role in the delivery of our ambitious 10-year strategy and ensure we are set for future success and ultimate impact towards our mission.
A qualified accountant, you will lead the finance team in ensuring Breakthrough T1D is financially strong, providing sound financial stewardship, thoughtful investment, and values-led decision-making through a sustainable financial model that enables delivery of strategic objectives.
You will be experienced in leading an IT strategy that works to strengthen our digital maturity, improving operational efficiency, enhancing cyber resilience, and enabling innovation across Breakthrough T1D.
This is an exciting time to be joining BreakthroughT1D and an opportunity to the shape the Finance and IT functions to enable us to deliver to our mission
Experience required
- Senior level finance experience including developing, delivering and communicating financial strategy
- Experience overseeing IT or digital functions at a strategic level · Understanding of cyber security risk management and data protection obligations (including GDPR and AI)
- Significant experience of working with financial accounting software, word processing and spreadsheet packages
- A thorough understanding of voluntary income fundraising
- Knowledge of VAT and direct taxation as they affect charities and associated subsidiary trading arms
- Experience of using Sage accounting software
About Breakthrough T1D
Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia.
You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1.
Employee benefits
As an employer we offer:
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Flexible working and will consider compressed hours
- Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service
- Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment
- Season ticket and cycle loan
- Pension scheme
- Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates
- Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development
Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age.
Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure T1D and its complications
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Role
Reports to: The Clerk
Direct reports: Porters, Receptionist and Housekeepers
Place of work: The Hall (City of London)
You are required to live in (a one-bedroom apartment is provided on site for the Beadle and his/her partner/spouse).
Who We Are
Merchant Taylors’ Company is a membership organisation whose members share a passion for community, education and philanthropy. As a result, our activities span across London and the United Kingdom where members give their time and skills as well as donate to empower and progress charities, local organisations and schools. As a community body, we support our members by providing a rich atmosphere for them to grow and expand their horizons. To meet our ambitions, we provide an engaged and driven workplace for staff to reach their full potential.
Merchant Taylors’ Company began as a medieval organisation in 1327. Once linked to the tailoring industry, we are also a grand events venue with fascinating links to London’s history and civic life to this day. We blend together our unique history with an ambitious forward-looking plan to take us into many future centuries.
Our Vision
To be a flourishing Livery company that makes a lasting difference, improving lives through education and philanthropy.
How you add value:
The Beadle is a ceremonial position rooted in medieval history playing a key role as the outward face of the Company. You’ll support the Master, Wardens, and Clerk in the conduct of ceremonial occasions, including those away from the Hall. You’ll also be is responsible for coordinating all Health, Safety and Environmental activity. You’ll lead a team which prepares the Hall for events. You will be required to work adhoc outside of core hours.
You are expected to live on site at the Hall in a one bedroom flat. Our onsite flat is for the sole use of the Beadle and their partner.
Ceremonial
- Attend external events at venues including City Guildhall, Mansion House, and St Paul’s Cathedral
- Supervise all aspects of the management of the Company’s “Apprentices”, and the conduct of the Bindings and Admissions ceremonies in liaison with the Membership Officer and Communications Manager and maintain oversight of the publications offered to new Freemen or Apprentices
- Liaise as necessary with the office of the Chamberlain of the City, and especially on matters concerning Freemen and Apprentices and the obtaining of the Freedom of the City of London
- Oversee the maintenance of the Company’s Robes and Badges
- Act as an imposing and diplomatic Toastmaster when required
- Be fully conversant with the programme of all Company activities, both within and outside the Hall on a day-to-day basis to advise the Master and Clerk, and other members of the Company, keeping the Catering Company informed as appropriate for meal planning
Security
- Be the first responder for any alarms raised or security breaches at the Hall.
- Continually work alongside the Company Surveyor to ensure the safety of the Hall, its contents, employees, and visitors
Health & Safety
- Be the Health & Safety Emergency Co-ordinator, and fulfil all the responsibilities, including record keeping, working closely with the H&S Advisor on this
- Maintain and co ordinate the Training Matrix on the dashboard ensuring all training is up to date. Organise external trainers to the hall for the specialist training
- Complete accurate and timely accident/incident investigations reporting to the HSEC and the Company.
- Take full ownership of all risk assessments, ensuring they are completed, reviewed, and updated regularly, reporting any concerns to the Health, Safety Environment Committee
- Through close and regular personal inspection and monitoring, ensure the highest standards of Hall presentation, keeping a Defects Book and insisting on thorough hygiene and cleanliness throughout the Hall.
- Communicate any health and safety concerns to staff in a timely fashion, avoiding panic and provide clear instructions as and when needed
- Ensure that health and safety issues/concerns are dealt with swiftly
- Ensure H & S inductions are carried out for all new staff
External partners/affiliates
- Be familiar with City Police and Corporation officials on official matters
- Maintain regular contact with City churches prior to Company Church Services
- Liaise as necessary with the office of the Chamberlain of the City, and especially on matters concerning Freemen and Apprentices and the obtaining of the Freedom of the City of London
- Outside core operating / working hours
- Respond to the Fire and Security alarms
- Respond to the Digitrack fridge alarm system, notifying the Facilities Manager if a fault is identified and immediate action is needed.
- Facilitate weekend access for contractors undertaking planned maintenance works, liaising with the Company Surveyor on planned works
- Check heating system/s during period of excessive low temperatures
- Check the basement drainage for flooding during period of excessive rainfall
Team Management
- Responsible for the day-to-day management of your direct reports, which includes (and not limited to) wellbeing, recruitment, health and safety, regular feedback, quarterly check-ins and training.
- Hold regular team meetings and briefings to update the team on Company and Corporate events and all other relevant information.
- Ensure that team communication is open, two-way and always respectful
- Be a model example of the service delivery you expect from your team.
- Recommend and encourage measures for improving work procedures and team performance
- Take responsibility for training and development of your team
- Delegate, manage and distribute the workload amongst those you manage
- Make sure that your direct reports are always GDPR compliant
Other duties
- For Court members, be helpful in the coordination of the use of Court bedrooms, transport arrangements and the onward billing of the same
- Ensure correct layout of rooms for Court and Company Committee meetings, and for all Company Events involving ceremony
- Assist with inquiries from the public, liaising with the Events team, including arranging guided visits to the Hall
- Attend at, and report to staff meetings as appropriate
- Occasional evening presence at Company functions, and very occasional travel to schools and elsewhere in the UK.
- Undertake watering of plants during prolonged dry periods, including weekends.
- Purchase Merchandise and carry out annual stock audit
The qualities you bring:
- Experienced in managing H&S
- NEBOSH - General certificate plus
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs including minimum grade C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
- IT proficient
- Have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of different people
- Be a good listener and relay information to other staff members in a concise and clear manner
- Have a willingness to continually learn new skills
- Have excellent leadership skills
- Able to remain calm in unprecedented situations
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.