Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Bring your energy, creativity and expertise - and help to 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 the charity’s values while strengthening 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 the charity’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 the mission to end homelessness. If you’re driven, strategic and ready to make national change happen, this is your platform.

  In this role, you will:

• Lead the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy, shaping positions on homelessness, housing, welfare and health.
• Influence government policy through targeted political engagement, evidence‑based advocacy and strategic communication.
• Build strong working relationships with ministers, Parliamentarians, elected mayors, senior officials and sector partners.
• Produce high‑quality policy briefings, analysis, consultation responses and research‑informed insights.
• Represent the charity in the media and at key events while ensuring client voices inform policy and public messaging.

About You

You will bring your policy expertise, strategic edge and confident communication skills to a role where you’ll shape national decisions, strengthen the charity’s political voice and make the experiences of people facing homelessness impossible to overlook. You’ll analyse fast‑moving policy issues, build influential relationships across government, craft compelling briefings that cut through complexity and drive change through evidence‑led advocacy. If you’re proactive, values‑driven and thrive in high‑pressure environments where innovation and collaboration matter, this is your opportunity to deliver real influence and meaningful national impact.

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

The charity 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 The Organisation

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 the charity 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, the charity provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.