Policy and Campaigns Officer

The Policy and Campaigns Officer will develop policy positions and campaigns that will help ensure that the needs, rights and priorities of those living with DMD are understood and acted on by decision makers, policy makers, parliament and government. The Officer will work closely with colleagues in the Policy and Communications team to support a cohesive and impactful approach to policy, engagement and communications.

Job Description

• To ensure that the charity’s policy and campaigning work is firmly grounded in the views and experiences of the DMD community and to ensure that they are consulted and involved in the development (and delivery where appropriate) of Duchenne UK’s policy positions and campaigns.
• To maximise the benefits of our existing relationships with civil servants, parliamentarians, policy makers, relevant organisations (such as NICE) and charity sector professionals and to create new relationships which help us to achieve our aims.
• To organise events and parliamentary activity working with parliamentary supporters and the DMD community.
• To devise low-budget campaigns aimed at creating positive change in policy, practice or attitudes that will improve the lives and outcomes of those living with DMD. 
• To create campaign assets such as digital and social media content in collaboration with the communications team.
• To draft consultation responses, policy positions and occasional short reports summarising the findings of research we have conducted or commissioned.
• To monitor relevant government proposals and initiatives, identifying those likely to have a major impact on the lives of those living with DMD, and to seek to influence their development.
• To stay abreast of relevant academic research, build relationships with key academics and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Person Specification

Essential experience:

• Experience of working in a policy and/or campaigning role.
• Experience of writing for a range of audiences and using different channels to produce convincing, clear and succinct content across a range of platforms such as blogs, web and print.
• Experience of working with civil servants and parliamentarians.
• Experience of using digital and social media for influencing and campaigning purposes.

Desirable experience:

• Project management experience including initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating campaigns and organising events.
• Experience working in health and social care space, with pharmaceutical industry and/or a highly regulated industry and engaging with regulators.

Essential knowledge:

• Working knowledge of the healthcare system, regulatory framework and the social model of disability. 
• Knowledge of how policy and legislation are developed in Westminster and Whitehall.
• Knowledge of campaigning techniques.

Essential skills and attributes:

• Highly motivated with a passion for improving the life outcomes of people living with DMD.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with people of all ages and backgrounds. 
• Ability to draw out the most salient features of complex issues and debates.
• Ability to analyse large amounts of information and produce easy to digest summaries and position statements.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to build excellent working relationships both internally and externally.
• Good organisational and workload management skills.
• Proficient with all main Microsoft Office packages.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave + 8 days of public holidays (both pro rata)
• 3 days of office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Summer Fridays – half days on Fridays in July and August (pro rata)
• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid working
• Standard Employer Pensions contributions after 3 months
• Team wellness day and team away day
• Training and development opportunities

Terms and conditions

The appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an initial six-month period of probation, during which performance will be regularly reviewed.

The applicant must have the right to work in the UK and provide relevant ‘right to work’ documentation.

Relevant training will be provided during induction as well as opportunities to develop your career through experience of different aspects of the charity’s work and working with colleagues on new initiatives.

The organisation’s hybrid working policy is at the discretion of the line-manager during the first three months of employment, to support the induction process.