Policy and public affairs officer jobs

Are you a creative Marketing Officer with a passion for digital communication and engagement?

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will play a key role in supporting our digital strategy, with responsibility for implementing our social media strategy to help the CoSRH meet its business objectives.

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Social Media and Marketing Officer to join our small but dynamic marketing team. In this role, you will manage our digital communications to members and prospective members, working alongside the Digital Team.

You will be responsible for creating original copy and multimedia content, managing our email newsletters, and paid and organic digital communications. You will manage our social media accounts (e.g. LinkedIn, Instagram) and ensure activities are aligned to our campaign and brand goals. You will focus on tailoring our communications for our range of audiences – from doctors and nurses, to midwives, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. You will ensure our brand identity is applied in a consistent and cohesive way. You will have excellent communication skills and be able to express our messages and values accurately and creatively.

You will have experience of working with a content planner, and you’ll be able to work across teams to create and deliver communications solutions to support the achievement of their strategic objectives. This includes our suite of qualifications, courses and assessments, our dedicated events programme, and the advocacy work of our External Affairs team.

You will have proven experience in delivering multi-channel digital activity, including paid advertising, to optimise digital impact and maximise audience engagement. You will also have experience of understanding data and using analytics to measure activity and increase impact.

This role is offered on a full-time, 12month fixed-term contract, 35 hours per week, and we are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

We value diversity, promote equality, and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Read on to find out more information about the role, the benefits of working for us and how to apply.

Who we are

We are the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH). We are the largest UK multidisciplinary membership organisation working at the heart of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), supporting 14,000 healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care.

We offer:

1. Evidence-based clinical guidance and standards.

2. A range of qualifications, education and training in sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH).

3. Membership benefits, including our BMJ SRH Journal, member CPD diary, and exclusive discounts.

4. A Community Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare specialty programme that trains future consultants in SRH.

We provide an important voice for SRH professionals. We influence policy and public opinion working with local and national governments, MPs, commissioners, policymakers, the media, patient groups and other decision-makers.  

Role Overview

Job title: Social Media and Marketing Officer

Department:   Membership Engagement Team

Band: Band 2 (£30,444)

Reports to: Marketing and Communications Manager

Hours/week:   Full-time (35 hours per week)

Contract: Fixed term, 12 months (with potential for extension)

Location: Hybrid, with the ability to flexibly spend time at the CoSRH offices in London Bridge and working from home.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the following link:  Social Media and Marketing Officer job - Hybrid - College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

The deadline for applications is 9am on 29th January 2026, with interviews likely to take place w/c 9th February 2026.

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are working hard to minimise unconscious bias and your application will be anonymised to support this.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.

This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.

Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
• Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
• Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
• Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a  strong track record of delivering impact.
• Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.

Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.

Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.

To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: South Wales Skylight to work hybrid in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy, with an expectation to work a minimum of one day a week from the Skylight more as per business requirements

Contract: Permanent

About the role

The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Wales role at Crisis is an exciting opportunity to make a big difference in our mission to end homelessness. Through collaborating with colleagues, our frontline services, our members with lived experience of homelessness, key partners, civil servants and Members of the Senedd, you will help to develop and push for impactful policy change in Wales.

With the next Senedd term fast approaching and new homelessness legislation expected, you will be joining the team at a critical time in our calls for bold action to end homelessness in Wales. The postholder will be passionate about achieving fairness and equity, advocating for others, and achieving social justice through policy change.

About you

· Excellent knowledge of national and local government structures across Wales, with a proven track record for  effectively influencing policy

· Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and concisely to a range of audiences

· Dedication to seeking effective policy change to help end homelessness, valuing the importance of lived experience in policy development

· Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, collaborating with colleagues and building a network across key partners

· Experienced in working in a busy environment, prioritising workloads and working to deadline

· While not essential for the role, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.  

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

· A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.

• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy. 
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm 
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly 
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview and a written task

Interview date and location: Friday 6th February 2026 (in-person) at Crisis Skylight, South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team will contact you to discuss how we can help. 

For more information about our work please visit

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.

Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.

ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.

You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people.  You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance.  This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.

Key responsibilities

· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.

· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.

· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.

· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.

· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.

· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.

· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.

· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.

· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.

· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.

· First rate written and verbal communication skills.

· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.

· An interest in health policy.

· Alignment with our vision and values.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.

5Rights is seeking to recruit an exceptional, UK-based Policy and Public Affairs professional to take forward our ground-breaking digital policy and corporate accountability work.​
​
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).​

Role Purpose​

We are seeking to recruit an ambitious and driven Public Affairs Officer to support the delivery of our advocacy strategy in the UK. Reporting to the Head of UK Affairs, you will play a vital role in analysing policy and political developments, crafting engaging briefings and reports, and nurturing relationships with essential stakeholders in civil society and politics.​​

Key Responsibilities​

The core responsibilities and tasks are:

• ​To lead on analysis of UK policy and political developments and legislative and regulatory materials.
• ​To support on drafting briefings, position papers, consultation responses and reports in line with 5Rights positions.  
• ​To support in building and maintaining relationships important to the UK team’s work with key partners, political stakeholders, and stakeholders in civil society and beyond, both individually and as part of coalitions. 
• ​To support on briefing political stakeholders, senior colleagues, or external partners on 5Rights positions and take the lead on arranging events for a range of different audiences.   
• ​To support with the organisation of the UK team, including arranging internal and external briefings, creating, and maintaining stakeholder lists, research depositories and other databases as are relevant.  
• ​To support on creating content for social media and external channels. ​​

Person specification

• ​You will have at least two years’ experience in a public affairs, UK parliament or other relevant role.  
• ​You will have an understanding of the UK parliamentary system and an interest in UK politics.  
• ​You will be a confident and clear communicator, both verbally and in writing.  
• ​You will be well organised with the ability to manage competing tasks and projects at the same time.  
• ​You will be looking to develop new skills and be comfortable working independently on certain projects.   
• ​You will have a commitment to our values and mission.  
• ​You will have an interest in children’s rights, the tech industry and digital services and products.  ​​

Practical details

​Location: This is a remote-working position based in London, with access to a co-working office space two times per week.

​Salary: £34,500 per annum. The final offer will depend on skills and experience.

​Working hours: Full time (38 hours per week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones. 

​Statutory pension contribution

​25 days annual leave + 1/day per year worked

​Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.

​Starting date: ASAP, depending on notice period.

​Reporting line: Head of UK Affairs, based in the UK​​

5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard. ​

How to apply​

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter via the link on our website by 11th January 2026. Please include where your heard about this role. ​

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is a Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and is the representative body for Directors of Public Health (DPH) in the UK. It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice.

The Association has a rich heritage, its origins dating back more than 160 years. It seeks to improve and protect the health of the population through collating and presenting the views of DsPH; advising on public health policy and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level; facilitating a support network for DsPH; and providing opportunities for DsPH to develop professional practice

We are seeking a dedicated Public Affairs Manager to join our small and supportive team. In this role, you will utilise your expertise to shape strategies to help influence legislation and government policy, making a meaningful impact in the public health sector. You will be responsible for developing and implementing effective public affairs strategies, building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers, and crafting tailored communications, including letters and briefings, that resonate with diverse audiences. Staying informed about the UK political landscape will be essential for driving successful initiatives.

To excel in this role, you should possess a degree or equivalent experience, complemented by a solid background in public affairs. A proven ability to navigate political systems and employ tactics for effective advocacy is crucial, as is exceptional writing skill paired with excellent IT and interpersonal capabilities. Strong organizational skills are necessary, along with a commitment to meeting deadlines with precision.

While experience in local authorities or the public health sector is desirable, we are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate resilience, confidence, and a keen attention to detail. We value a flexible and pro-active self-starter who is enthusiastic about ensuring positive change and can adapt to evolving challenges.

The Association offers hybrid and flexible working and welcomes applicants from across the UK, though attending meetings in London will be a feature of the role. Full details can be confirmed ahead of any application if required by contacting Mark Hamblett at the Association. The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

To be considered for an interview in addition to an up to date CV applications must include a covering letter outlining why you feel you would be a suitable applicant for the role.

We do reserve the right to arrange interviews ahead of the quoted closing date so would urge candidates to apply as soon as is possible.

Do you want your work to influence Parliament, shape public debate and make a tangible difference to people’s lives?

We are looking for a driven, curious and politically savvy External Affairs Officer to join an excellent team that delivers for our members every day. This role offers a genuine opportunity to help build and strengthen our parliamentary engagement and wider external affairs activity at a pivotal time for social care.

You will join a supportive, intelligent and ambitious team that values evidence, collaboration and impact. We invest in our people, encourage professional development and give you real responsibility and exposure from day one. Your work will help shape national conversations and support a sector that matters.

About us

We are the UK’s membership body for over 2,200 homecare providers. Together, we work to ensure society values and invests in homecare so people can live well at home and flourish in their communities. We support our members with practical tools, trusted insight and strong representation, and we speak with authority to government, Parliament, the media and the wider public.

About the role

As External Affairs Officer, you will sit at the heart of our communications and parliamentary work. You will work closely with colleagues and members to raise awareness of the value of homecare and advance the interests of the sector.

You will help grow our profile in Parliament and the media, support campaigns, and strengthen relationships with MPs, journalists and stakeholders. You will also play a key role in translating member experience into compelling external messages and ensuring members feel heard, supported and represented.

This role suits someone who enjoys joining the dots, spots opportunities quickly and wants to build a career in external affairs, public affairs or communications within a respected, mission-driven organisation.

What you will do

• Track parliamentary activity and political developments, summarising key issues for colleagues and members
• Support parliamentary engagement, including drafting briefings, communications and Parliamentary Questions
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, parliamentary staff and external stakeholders
• Monitor media coverage and help shape proactive and reactive media opportunities
• Draft clear, engaging content for press releases, member communications and external channels
• Plan and deliver social media activity that strengthens reach, engagement and influence
• Work closely with members to capture case studies, insights and lived experience
• Contribute to blogs, publications, events and conferences, including party conferences
• Support the team with coordination, reporting and continuous improvement

About you

You are bright, motivated and organised, with a strong interest in politics, policy and communications. You enjoy writing, relationship-building and working at pace. You take initiative, think critically and care about delivering high-quality work.

You will bring:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor messages to different audiences
• Experience in public affairs, media, communications or campaigning, or a closely related field
• An understanding of UK parliamentary processes and political engagement
• Confidence using social media to inform, engage and influence
• Strong planning skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• An interest in social care, health or public services, or a desire to build expertise in this area

Why join us

If you want a role where your ideas count and your work makes a difference, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a 2-page covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification.

The Homecare Association is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

For the full role profile, and person specification, please go to our website and the 'About Us' page.

Closing date for applications

Monday 26 January 2026 at 11.59pm. We reserve the right to close applications early.

Please note that we are not accepting speculative approaches or CVs from recruitment agencies or third-party recruiters.

Interviews

First stage interviews will be w/c Monday 2 February 2026.

These will be held in person, at our office in London. The closest train station is Waterloo.

Public Affairs Officer

Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Reporting to Head of Policy Campaigns and Impact

Permanent

London/Hybrid with 2 days in office in London (London Bridge/SE1 3GN)

Full time, 35 hours per week with flexible working hours

£35,708.40 + £6000 London Weighting

Benefits include: 25 days AL + Bank Holidays, a Salary Sacrifice Scheme for Pensions where JRF puts in 6% with a 3%+ minimum from the employee, cycle to work, employee assistance programme, gym discounts, eye-care vouchers, a health cash plan, and season ticket loans. You can also buy and sell a week of leave.

Charity People are proud to be partnering with Joseph Rowntree Foundation to recruit a Public Affairs Officer.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent social change organisation, working to support and speed up the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, where people and planet can flourish.

The Public Affairs Officer will work closely with the wider Campaigns and Public Affairs Team which is responsible for JRF's policy influencing and cross organisational influencing strategies. The role will also involve close work with JRF colleagues in Policy, Research, and Communications and Public engagement.

You will help to identify new relationships with key MPs, Peers, and Staffers, assisting with regular political monitoring and horizon scanning, and ensuring that planning and content management systems are regularly updated. It will also help to ensure that JRF are connecting the dots across all areas they influence on including social security, work, housing, family and care, housing, and energy.

The first six months would focus on relationship building, getting to grips with JRFs processes, laying the groundwork for regular reporting updates. This would include:

• Work across broader JRF teams to offer support to the different 'Stretch Policy Groups' on mapping potential MPs to influence.
• Taking ownership of the system for tracking impact and measuring progress against our organisational influencing objectives.
• Looking for potential opportunities in parliament to make use of JRF's policy proposals.
• Work closely with the Senior Public Affairs Officer to ensure we are co-ordinating political engagement effectively.

Key responsibilities

• Public affairs support: Assist in the delivery of policy and advocacy activities, including parliamentary events, building our presence at party or sectoral conferences, written briefings and MP engagement.
• Horizon scanning: With a focus on the Westminster parliament, UK government departments and the main city regions (England), keep a running watch for suitable opportunities for JRF to advance its arguments with key audiences and ensure that relevant colleagues are alerted well in advance to be able to respond.
• Stakeholder mapping: Identify parliamentarians who may be interested in working with us, build detailed profiles of the issues that matter to them, and maintain a core list of public affairs stakeholders.
• Stakeholder engagement: Support colleagues (by gathering information through desk top research or other methods) to prepare for their interactions with high value targets and record top level details of any contact between them and JRF.
• Network building: Build an effective network of contacts among the support staff in political offices and/or opposite numbers in other organisations with a view to identifying opportunities for collaboration between JRF and their employers.
• Representation and insight gathering: Observe speeches, conferences, and select committee hearings and report any noteworthy points.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working (either in a paid or voluntary capacity) in a public affairs/policy/political team and demonstrating initiative and flexibility to deal with a range of tasks.
• Experience of networking and using interpersonal skills to develop and promote excellent relationships.
• Experience of analysing information, conducting research and finding positive solutions to challenges.
• Confidence managing multiple projects to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience of tracking political engagement across a project / campaign (desirable)
• Experience working with people who have lived experience of poverty and hardship campaigning for change (desirable)
• A strong understanding of UK Government and Parliamentary procedure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including engaging with parliamentary audiences.
• A good understanding of the issues facing low-income households in the UK and how political developments may affect them.
• An understanding of JRF's mission and work, and the context behind our policy aims.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and how this can be best applied to the role.

The successful candidate will be based at JRF's London office. Additionally, the Campaigns and Public Affairs Team find being in the office beneficial to their work and team building, therefore hybrid working at JRF means staff are encouraged to attend the office at least twice a week. The role is subject to satisfactory references.

How to apply:

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. For more information about the role, and for the full job pack, please share your CV via the link below. The closing date is 9am on Monday 19 January. Interviews will take place w/c 26 January. We will be hosting a webinar on Thursday 8 January at 1pm for candidates interested in the role (this will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend).

As part of our commitments under the Disability Confident Scheme, Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust operates a guaranteed interview scheme. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria set out in the job description and person specification will be offered an interview.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.  

Are you passionate about driving change in government, promoting British Heart Foundation's (BHF) mission to fund life-saving science, and advocating for the millions of people living in the UK with a heart and circulatory disease?  
 
If so, you may be the Policy Officer we need! 
 
About the role 
 
BHF's Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst decision makers so we can address key issues relevant to cardiovascular research, health and care, public health, and the wider charity environment. 

As our Policy Officer for Health and Care you’ll research, develop and disseminate policy positions to support BHF’s strategic aim to achieve the best health outcomes for those living with cardiovascular disease.

Acquiring a solid understanding of topics relevant to our health policy portfolio in England, particularly those aspects most directly tied to improving the detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, you’ll be responsible for researching and drafting new policy positions, proactively identifying gaps and opportunities, and working closely with colleagues in Public Affairs and Communications to drive change based on policy positions.

Working arrangements

This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
 
About you

With experience working in policy development, health and care, or a related field, you’ll have knowledge of healthcare systems in England, health and care policy and/or experience of working in a research environment.

You’ll have the following skills and experience: 

• A proactive approach to planning your own workload, ensuring effective time management and meet deadlines
• Excellent research and analysis skills
• A desire to work as part of a team and contribute to team activities
• Able to take a flexible approach to work within a matrixed team 
• A willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Able to develop good working relationships with senior managers and colleagues

With an excellent technical grasp of policy portfolio, seeking to continually develop the portfolio further, you’ll have relevant stakeholder engagement experience and will be able to identify other partners within/outside the sector to engage with to drive policy change.

About us

Every single one of us is vulnerable to the heartbreak caused by heart and circulatory diseases – they are the world’s biggest killers. But the research we fund represents hope. And nothing matters more than finding cures and treatments that give us more time with the people we love.

We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

What can we offer you

As an organisation we're open to flexible working arrangements. In return we offer a generous holiday allowance, an excellent working environment and a welcoming supportive group of colleagues.

Interview process 

The interview process will be held in person, at our London offices, w/c 26th January 2026 and will involve a pre-prepared task, details for which will be provided when interviews are arranged. 

How to apply 

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click through to our careers site to apply. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with AdviceUK to recruit for an interim Head of Policy, Programmes and Media. Joining the organisation as a maternity leave cover contract, this is a role where you will have the opportunity to achieve significant impact across some key priority areas.

Since 1979, Advice UK has been supporting advice organisations by helping them to be efficient, competent and effective, and by campaigning for a policy environment that supports advice agencies and people needing advice. A small but mighty - and growing! - charity that supports its members to provide advice to upwards of 2.5 million people each year. The organisation is working towards a world in which every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need in order to exercise their rights and address any legal and social welfare challenges they may face.

Contract: Interim maternity cover role, nine to 12 month contract

Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum

Location: Hybrid role which will be predominantly home-based with travel to London for either office days or meetings expected around one day per week

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week or part time, 28 hours per week considered with flexible working options fully supported

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 30th January
Interviews: Interviews will be held in person at the charity offices in London on the 11th and 12th of February

The Head of Policy, Programmes and Media position is a senior position within the organisation. Part of the SLT and reporting to the CEO the postholder will take the lead on all policy and public affairs initiatives to secure policy change and funding to benefit people seeking advice and the communities served by the organisation's members.

Core responsibilities within the role will include:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of effective strategies for policy and funder influence that enable Advice UK to achieve its purpose
• Identify new audiences and develop innovative approaches to sustain and grow Advice UK's stakeholder and funder network and achieve its strategic priorities
• Be accountable for Advice UK's policy, public affairs and funded activities, reporting to the Chief Executive and Advice UK Board
• Lead the development and coordination of clear, concise and authoritative policy positions on key issues
• Identify actionable and achievable policy influencing goals to achieve change on the highest priority issues and develop strategic influencing plans to achieve these goals
• Alongside the Chief Executive, be Advice UK spokesperson and representative at external events including policy roundtables, steering groups, conferences, meetings and other events
• Oversee and deliver a proactive public affairs strategy to achieve policy change on the issues of priority concern to members
• Identify and build effective relationships with key contacts across UK and devolved governments and parliaments, including Ministers, MPs, civil servants and local and regional decision makers
• Lead a stakeholder engagement programme for Advice UK working strategically to identify, develop and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including policy influencers, funders, sector partners and other organisations
• Oversee the development of effective press and media campaigns, mobilising support and leveraging media opportunities to raise awareness and drive action on priority issues
• Oversee the development and effective delivery of the #AdviceSaves campaign (including Advice Week), ensuring impact is measured and lessons learned
• Oversee development of research and analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities in support of our policy and campaign objectives, using this to provide evidence-based insights and identify specific policy solutions to inform advocacy efforts
• Lead the development of high-quality research and insight products, including research reports and commissioned surveys to support our influencing goals
• Oversee the delivery of Advice UK's funding strategy to open up funding opportunities for members and their advice services
• As the departmental budget holder, lead on all financial management for the department, including forecasting and measuring financial performance, setting and managing budgets, reducing waste, and taking action to ensure the department achieves its financial objectives
• Provide effective leadership to the Policy and Public Affairs department including line management of a team of four, ensuring their strong performance and supporting their learning and development
• Work with other members of the senior leadership team to develop and implement Advice UK's strategic plan in supporting of its overall strategic objectives and to establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)

We'd love to see applications from candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience of delivering within a complex policy environment, ideally within an organisation of similar size and complexity including of developing and delivering impactful policy and public affairs strategies that have led to demonstrable change
• Experience or an understanding of the social welfare advice sector; the issues faced by advice providers and the communities they serve
• Experience of working with suppliers and partners to deliver campaigns, research and funding proposals including tendering, negotiating and contracting, and of working in coalitions and partnerships to achieve shared objectives
• Experience acting as a spokesperson for an organisation
• Experience of strategic leadership of teams and working with CEO, Board and as part of a senior leadership team
• Ability to apply knowledge to new challenges and situations, and to devise solutions
• Strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills, with ability to translate data and evidence into actionable insights to inform decision-making
• Ability to think strategically; working in timescales of between one to three years
• Ability to manage and motivate staff to deliver complex or challenging projects
• Commitment to social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance. 

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Public Affairs Officer
Location: WWT Slimbridge, GL2 - Hybrid + Travel
Salary: £31,680 per annum
Contract: Permanent

About The Role

Are you passionate about building a political consensus for nature restoration? Are you able to translate public support into parliamentary will? Do you want to shift the political dial for one of our most superpowered habitats? 

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a well-respected and evidence-led organisation with an ambitious new strategy to restore 100,000 hectares of wetlands across the country. From providing homes for wildlife to protecting communities from flooding, we want to unlock the superpowers of wetlands so everyone can benefit.

Based in the Communications Team, you’ll work closely with our Senior Campaigns Manager and colleagues across the organisation to build and deliver a public affairs strategy that fits the ambition of our 2030 aims. With a keen eye on UK politics and an ability to build relationships with key decision-makers, you’ll help us translate widespread public support for nature into the political will for action, and the policies to follow it up.

With support from our team of experts, you will lead stakeholder engagement across government, Parliament and policy organisations, ensuring WWT’s research and strategic priorities are communicated effectively. Your work will include developing policy positions, producing briefings and reports, managing public affairs events, and gathering intelligence on the external policy landscape.

This hands-on role demands a strategic thinker with strong political insights, capable of building relationships, monitoring political environments and crafting plans and strategies that deliver the political change we need to see.

About You

We are seeking an individual with:

• Relevant experience working within a public affairs, campaigns, parliamentary or government environment. 
• Proven experience of developing and delivering public affairs and advocacy plans and strategies designed to influence Government, politicians and other stakeholders. 
• Experience of working closely with senior colleagues, offering strategic advice and briefings ahead of political events.
• Strong working knowledge of the UK Parliament’s political processes and an understanding of the current political environment, including parliamentary tools and processes. 
• Confidence building a network of strong and positive relationships with government officials, including politicians and civil servants to affect policy change. 
• Confidence representing an organisation and its cause with high-profile and political audiences. 
• Familiarity with campaigning to build political and public support that leads to policy change. 
• Strong writing skills, confident communicating complex issues clearly and succinctly, and adapting style for different audiences. 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

We are based in Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, but support hybrid working with an expectation for team members to be in Slimbridge at least once a week.  While this post is based at a WWT site with the opportunity for hybrid working, travel will be necessary for parliamentary purposes, including outside of normal business hours when required.

If you want to make a direct contribution to the conservation of wetlands and wetland wildlife at a critical moment for the natural world, then click apply.

Closing Date: 18th January 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

No agencies please.

Contract: Permanent, full time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £49,000 - £52,000 per annum

Location: Anchored to the Cardiff office. Minimum expectation of being present at least one day a week in the office.

The Head of External Affairs is a key role within the Carers Trust Wales team responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic external affairs strategy to ensure the issues impacting on unpaid carers and the services they rely on are a priority for Welsh Government, the Senedd and other key statutory partners.

A high-profile role, our Head of External Affairs is a credible spokesperson for the organisation working alongside the media, third sector and other key stakeholders to raise awareness of, and generate support for, the issues impacting unpaid carers and the services they rely on.

Through this role you will be central to advancing our mission by increasing the profile and influence of the Carers Trust Network in Wales, campaigning to make carers' rights a reality through the delivery of Wales-based and UK wide campaigns, and the production of high-quality content for a range of audiences.

To find out more about the role and Carers Trust, download the documents attached. 

Contract: Parhaol, amser llawn

Oriau: 35 awr yr wythnos

Cyflog: £49,000 - £52,000 y flwyddyn

Lleoliad: Wedi'i angori i swyddfa Caerdydd. Bydd disgwyl i chi fod yn bresennol yn y swyddfa o leiaf un diwrnod yr wythnos.

Mae'r Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn rôl allweddol yn nhîm Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr Cymru sy'n gyfrifol am ddatblygu a chyflawni strategaeth materion allanol ddeinamig i sicrhau bod y materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw yn flaenoriaeth i Lywodraeth Cymru, y Senedd a phartneriaid statudol allweddol eraill.

Mae ein Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn swydd uchel ei phroffil ac yn llefarydd effeithiol ar ran y sefydliad. Mae'n gweithio ochr yn ochr â'r cyfryngau, y trydydd sector a rhanddeiliaid allweddol eraill i godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw, ac i ennyn cefnogaeth ar eu cyfer.

Drwy'r rôl hon, byddwch yn ganolog i ddatblygu ein cenhadaeth drwy godi proffil a dylanwad y Rhwydwaith Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr yng Nghymru, ymgyrchu i wireddu hawliau gofalwyr drwy ddarparu ymgyrchoedd yng Nghymru ac ar draws y DU, a llunio cynnwys o ansawdd uchel ar gyfer amrywiaeth o gynulleidfaoedd.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y rôl ac am Ymddiriedolaeth y Gofalwyr, llwythwch y dogfennau sydd wedi'u hatodi i lawr.