Policy Jobs
We’re looking for someone with a passion for influencing positive social change and a drive for empowering others to advocate for change.
Alongside student leaders and staff, the Social Policy Lead ensures that the Guild is an expert on the issues that affect Exeter students, so that student leaders are empowered to advocate for change and help all students to Love Exeter.
You will lead research into issues impacting students during their studies, such as such as housing, finances, health, wellbeing and safety, and share insights and knowledge with colleagues and students that enables them to drive belonging, provide support and empower students to make change. The role also plays a key part in ensuring colleagues and students have the skills to interpret policies and influence change.
Who are we?
The Students’ Guild is the University of Exeter’s students’ union, led by students for students. We’re an independent charity, offering a wide range of opportunities, services and support to help students get the most out of their unique journeys at university. This includes everything from social activities to making sure things are going well on their academic course. We have over 100 student groups and all of our work is led by, and in the best interest of, our members.
The Guild is a truly rewarding place to work. Our talented and passionate staff make a real difference to the lives of students every single day, working together to achieve the Guild’s purpose: to shape an excellent student experience for all students at Exeter by empowering them to take their place in the world and make a positive difference. We are looking for people who recognise that the Guild is student-led and share a genuine passion for student engagement and empowerment. If you share a commitment to our values and want to be part of a radically inclusive organisation with a seriously exciting future ahead, we can’t wait to hear from you.
What will you bring?
- You’ll have some experience in scoping, initiating, and managing projects and/or campaigns. Also, to have knowledge in the key issues that are impacting students in Higher Education.
- You’ll be able to analyse and evaluate policies to be able to promote change for our members, and to be able to determine how policies effect different groups of people.
- You know how to work well as part of a team and collaborate effectively across multiple teams to achieve a shared outcome.
We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced pay for expectant parents, at least 6-weeks’ holiday, sustainable travel incentives and a confidential employee advice service and assistance programme. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy balance between your work and home life through a real commitment to flexible working. We also provide access to great development, helping you to gain valuable experience in the charity sector and beyond, and ensuring that you have opportunities to grow your career at the Guild and beyond.
Inclusion is central to the Guild. We approach our work collaboratively, empower our people and celebrate our uniqueness. If you’re driven to empower others and achieve great things, you’ll fit right in. Our people are proud of who they are and value each other’s differences, and we are committed to creating a diverse community that is radically inclusive of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Dates for your Diary
- Closing Date: 20 May 2024 at 10am
- Shortlisting: 22 May 2024
- Interviews: 28 May 2024
Helping students to Love Exeter.
Position
The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer to support our Policy Team in the London office.
Deadline: Monday 13 May, 9.00 am.
Location: London
Salary: Starting salary £31,350 rising to £35,381 plus £3,285 London Weighting.
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). We are currently trialling a 32-hour week until April 2025 on the same pay & conditions.
Contract type: Permanent
This exciting Policy & Public Affairs Officer role will lead on developing and influencing specific policy priorities identified by the Foundation as areas where change is most needed to improve the population’s mental health. Initially, the policy area of focus for this role will be the mental health of asylum seekers and refugees.
What does the role involve?
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and legislative developments affecting public mental health and particular priority policy topics for the Foundation.
- Carry out background research, developing influencing plans, responding to government consultations and providing briefings for politicians and other external stakeholders.
- Ensure the Foundation’s stakeholders, including people with lived experience of mental ill health, are involved in development of policy work and strategy.
Requirements
What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?
- In-depth knowledge of policy development systems and processes in the UK.
- Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write precisely and quickly for a range of audiences.
- Ability to critically analyse complex legislative, policy and research documents.
- Ability to work within and across teams to deliver results. This includes our policy, research, communications, fundraising and programmes teams.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s business: the Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post; you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.
Other information
If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application below. Please ensure you attach an up to date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 9.00 am on Monday 13 May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for the 23 and 24 May. There will be a short written test on the day of the interview.
We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.
If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010/Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Senior Policy Officer - Protected Areas & Nature Recovery
Reference: FEB20247208
Location: Edinburgh
Salary: £38,389.00 - £41,212.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
The successful candidate can be based remotely, and will be expected to travel to Edinburgh regularly (at least once per week, sometimes more) for meetings, and elsewhere in the UK occasionally.
Use your policy skills to help nature’s recovery!
This is a critical time for nature. Biodiversity is in crisis. More than ever, we need to keep rigorously protecting the best places for nature we have left. But we also need to do much more to restore nature and to help it recover within and beyond these places.
European sites, SSSIs and other protected areas have been vital strongholds for nature in Scotland.
This role will lead our work making sure these protected areas, our best places for birds and wildlife, continue to be properly protected, monitored, and managed.It will also lead our work to make sure these places are bigger, better, and more joined up in future, helping nature’s recovery and tackling climate change.
About this role:
This role will lead the development of RSPB Scotland policy positions and advocate them effectively to decision makers at a senior level, influencing government policies and legislation to strengthen and deliver better outcomes for nature through networks of protected areas across Scotland. You will also play a key role in protected sites policy development and advocacy, working directly with government, public bodies, and businesses, as well as with RSPB colleagues and our partners across the UK. You will have the opportunity to work closely with RSPB Scotland’s policy, campaigns, communications and on-the-ground conservation staff, putting policy into practice.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent ability through work experience.
- A good understanding of environment/biodiversity legislation, public policy and its implications for conservation practice in relation to protected areas and protected landscapes.
- A good understanding of Scotland’s governmental and political institutions relevant to protected areas and landscapes.
- A good understanding of the role of public facing communications/campaigns in supporting policy advocacy.
- Able to analyse complex issues in a fast paced environment coupled with well-honed political acumen.
- Effective negotiation and influencing skills relevant to role.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational), including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences, including those with opposing views.
- Strong time management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
- Able to form effective teams (both internal and external) and work effectively as a team leader and as a team player.
- Proven experience of operating effectively in a policy and or advocacy role.
This is a permanent post within the RSPB Scotland Policy Team and this will be a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and motivated person to develop expertise in this hugely rewarding area of work.
Closing date: 23:59, Sun, 26th May 2024
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from week commencing 10th June 2024.
Interested?
If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.
As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
No agencies please.
Assistance Dogs UK acts as an umbrella body for accredited assistance dog organisations. The Charity seeks to advance the education of the public and service providers about assistance dogs, and the rights of people who rely on them.
ADUK is a small but growing charity hoping to make a big impact for our already highly engaged members. Members work with us collaboratively to share their experience and knowledge, and this enables us to meet our charitable objectives and advance the industry.
ADUK is looking for an experienced and dedicated professional to be part of our ambitious team at a key time for the charity. In this new role, our Policy and Campaigns Manager will develop our policy positions and further our campaigning aims to promote standards-based approaches to the training and welfare of assistance dogs, and to facilitate better access for all those who rely on these highly trained dogs.
This is a new role so we are seeking someone who will be inspired by our work and be excited about making it a success.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POST IS 3RD JUNE 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the World Green Building Council
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is the largest and most influential local-regional-global action network, leading the transformation to sustainable and decarbonised built environments for everyone, everywhere.
Together, with 75+ Green Building Councils and industry partners from all around the world, we are driving systemic changes to:
● Address whole-life carbon emissions of existing and new buildings
● Enable resilient, healthy, equitable, and inclusive places
● Secure regenerative, resource-efficient and waste-free infrastructure
We work with businesses, organisations, and governments to deliver on the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs).
The Role
The WorldGBC is seeking a dedicated Advocacy and Engagement Manager to join our dynamic team. This role is critical in shaping and advancing our global advocacy efforts, influencing policy, and supporting our network of national Green Building Councils (GBCs) in their advocacy work. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing policy positions, conducting research, and engaging with key stakeholders to promote sustainable building practices and policies worldwide. The Advocacy and Engagement Manger will report to and work closely with the Global Advocacy Director.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● Support for the Global Advocacy Director: Work closely with the Global Advocacy Director to develop and implement WorldGBC's global advocacy strategy. Assist in coordinating the organization’s advocacy efforts across different regions, ensuring alignment with overall objectives. Provide analytical support, prepare briefing materials, and manage specific projects as directed by the Global Advocacy Director. Act as a liaison between the Global Advocacy Director and other team members, stakeholders, and national GBCs to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
● Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research on global and regional policy trends, regulations, and best practices in sustainable building. Analyze potential impacts on the green building movement and develop strategic responses.
● Policy Development and Advocacy: Work with Global Advocacy Director to develop and articulate clear policy positions on key issues related to sustainable building and construction and lead advocacy campaigns to influence international, regional, and national policy frameworks and regulations.
● Collaboration: Work closely with other teams within WorldGBC, including programs and communications, to ensure a coordinated approach to advocacy and policy engagement.
● Support National GBCs: Provide guidance and support to national GBCs in their local advocacy efforts, helping them to navigate policy landscapes and engage effectively with policymakers.
● Communication and Representation: Represent WorldGBC at policy forums, conferences, and meetings, presenting policy positions and advocating for sustainable building practices. Prepare a range of materials, including reports, briefings, and presentations, to support advocacy objectives.
● Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the sustainability, construction, and policy-making communities, including governments, NGOs, industry associations, and private sector partners.
Skills, experience and education:
● Minimum of 5 years' experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or a related role, preferably within an international context.
● Deep understanding of international climate diplomacy and national policy-making processes
● Experience managing relationships with policymakers and stakeholders and ability to lead discussions towards tangible outcomes.
● Experience in the design of built environment decarbonisation roadmaps for the public and/or private sectors and project development.
● Specific experience or interest in international work, ideally with a proven record for engaging with a geographically and culturally diverse network of stakeholders.
● Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
● Ability to work effectively in a diverse, international team environment.
● Fluent in English, with proficiency in additional languages considered an asset.
● Willingness to travel as required.
The ideal candidate is:
● Passionate Advocate: You are deeply passionate about environmental sustainability and have a strong belief in the transformative power of green building practices to address climate change and promote global sustainability.
● Strategic Thinker: You possess the ability to think strategically about complex policy issues, identifying key opportunities and challenges for advancing the green building agenda within different policy frameworks.
● Effective Communicator: You have outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling you to articulate policy positions compellingly, engage stakeholders effectively, and represent WorldGBC in diverse forums.
● Skilled Researcher: You have a proven track record in conducting rigorous policy research, analysis, and synthesis, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
● Highly Motivated: You are highly motivated to take initiative and accomplish tasks with ability to multitask and prioritise tasks independently
● Collaborative Team Player: You are a natural collaborator who thrives in a team environment, willing to share knowledge, support colleagues, and work towards common goals across cultural and geographical boundaries.
We are committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity in our workforce. In line with this commitment, we want to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to apply for positions within our company. Therefore, we encourage candidates to submit their applications even if they do not meet all of the stated criteria. We believe in considering each applicant's unique talents, experiences, and potential, recognising that qualifications extend beyond traditional checkboxes. Additionally, we embrace various working patterns and understand that individuals have different preferences regarding their work arrangements. Hence, we warmly welcome applications from individuals seeking diverse working patterns. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute, and we are excited to explore the possibilities each applicant can bring to our team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us.
It drives our award-winning Policy and Public Affairs team to shape law, policy and practice to ensure children can grow up free from abuse and neglect.
To help us achieve even more for children, we are recruiting six Policy and Public Affairs Officers across the UK. We are looking for:
- 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Northern Ireland
- 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Scotland
- 1 x Policy and Public Affairs Officer based in Wales
- 3 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers based in England, with one focused on online safety
These will be key roles in a high-performing team with an inclusive, supportive and empowering team dynamic. Post-holders will support the delivery of a range of policy-focused projects both within their respective nation policy team, and across our UK-wide team.
The successful candidates will be:
- committed to our mission to prevent child abuse;
- able to demonstrate good policy development and policy research skills;
- a strong communicator and effective network builder; and
- have experience of influencing policy change in England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales, as the specific role requires.
Join us and you'll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with. You'll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that'll bring the best out in you. And you'll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives.
About the role:
We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.
Our work helps thousands of people who are deafblind or who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential.
To see a world where this happens, our campaigning and influencing needs to change hearts and minds. The Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Research will be part of an engagement team that will think big and deliver life-changing work.
You’ll join our London-based colleagues working on a hybrid basis, and lead a high-performing Policy, Public Affairs and Research team.
The role is responsible for:
- Playing a senior leadership role in Sense’s Leadership Team and Engagement directorate, planning ahead to our 70th anniversary year in 2025 and beyond
- Ensuring Sense is seen by national decision makers and stakeholders as the foremost and most authoritative voice on the issues facing people with complex disabilities and their families.
- Ensuring that public policy in England meets the needs of people with complex disabilities and their families, whilst supporting similar work in Wales and Northern Ireland
- Providing the expertise and evidence base on the lives of people with complex disabilities and the changes they need to see.
- Ensuring that the organisation is seen as credible, influential and accurate by external partners.
To succeed in this role you will meet the following requirements:
- Relevant graduate level qualification, or equivalent experience
- Evidence of effective influencing of public policy
- Evidence of continuing development of relevant knowledge and skills in the field of public policy development and research
- Able to demonstrate a significant history of achievement at a senior management level
- Able to demonstrate significant achievement in influencing the development of public policy
- Able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the way that public policy and new legislation is formulated and developed
- Track record of successfully influencing MPs, policy makers and opinion formers to achieve improvements on behalf of disadvantaged groups within society through the use of evidence, information and data gathered from a diverse range of stakeholders
- A passionate commitment to people with complex disabilities and Sense’s vision and values; a willingness to learn communication skills and how to make activities, opportunities and work accessible for people with complex disabilities.
- A demonstrable commitment to delivering positive change in the lives of people with complex disabilities and their families.
- Evidence of effective consultation with stakeholders using a range of methodologies to gather evidence to inform the development of policies.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at a senior level.
To Apply
Please use the link below to complete your application.
Managers will use your supporting statement to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification (found at the base of this advert) before applying.
Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.
No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Your new company
I am working exclusively with a Royal College based in Central London, and we are looking for a part-time Policy and Research Officer to join the college on a 6-month FTC. If you are a recent Policy Masters with some professional Policy and Research experience, looking for a flexible role in a Public Sector organisation, then this is the role for you! This is a new role, as the team needs an extra pair of hands during a busy period of time.
Your new role
The successful candidate will be:
- Providing policy support across the college, leading in the delivery of consultations, and contributing to successful policy and campaign goals.
- Deliver project management and general support to the wider organisation in the coordination and delivery of consultations. This will include writing and drafting Project Management reports, consultation responses, attending external meetings, managing key stakeholders.
- Provide expert policy advice, guidance and briefings to key internal stakeholders.
- Assist in formulating responses to emerging issues.
- Work with colleagues across the devolved nations to facilitate relevant policy information sharing.
- Advise the Chair and other Officers to coordinate the input into policymaking.
What you'll need to succeed
This position is ideal for someone who has:
- Experience of delivering policy support and output.
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
- Able to draft and edit a range of policy documents.
- Good interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation at external events.
- (Desirable) An understanding of the UK Public Sector system
What you'll get in return
This role is available on a part-time, 6-month FTC basis. This role is amazing for someone who is looking to get sound UK policy experience, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle balance. This opportunity is available on a Hybrid (1 day a week in office) or Remote.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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Simon Community NI is looking for a dynamic and experienced public affairs professional to lead our policy and public affairs activity. You will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of influencing for change and an ambition to make a difference.
This role is part of our Growth & Engagement directorate and will work very closely with our CEO and Research & Development function. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of the political landscape in Northern Ireland, ideally with direct experience of working in homelessness/housing. This is a new position, and there is a huge amount of opportunity to build a movement of change for people experiencing homelessness across NI.
Job Purpose: Simon Community’s Public Affairs & Policy Manager will lead our efforts in advocating for policies and initiatives that end homelessness across NI. As part of our wider Growth & Engagement team, you will work collaboratively across the public, political and voluntary sectors to amplify the voices of the people we help and advocate for policy change.
The postholder will develop research-based policy positions, identify and deliver clear opportunities for public and political engagement, and mobilise support from a range of stakeholders. You will build a network of constructive relationships with decision makers, influencers and political parties, and engage with the media on a regular basis, acting as a spokesperson for Simon Community when required.
Essential Criteria:
- At least 3 years’ experience managing a public affairs, policy or media function.
- Experience of communicating complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.
- Experience of budget and project management.
Desirable Criteria:
- Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, an alternative means of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of Northern Irish politics and the policy making process in our devolved context.
- Proven track record of successfully influencing different audiences.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Ability to represent Simon Community in meetings, on the media and on public platforms
- Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate facts and statistics.
- Proven ability to innovate and grab new opportunities.
- Ability to work independently and proactively.
- A working understanding of the issues affecting homelessness and/or the voluntary sector in NI.
- Excellent workload management skills and ability to prioritise to meet targets and deadlines.
Why work for the Simon Community?
We offer an extensive benefit package, including:
- Pension Plan
- Employer funded Healthcare - Benenden Health and Health Shield (includes savings on gym memberships and retail outlets)
- Death in Service Benefit
- Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Compassionate Culture
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
- Management Development Programmes
- Long Service Awards
- Blue Light Card Scheme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
England’s National Parks represent our finest landscapes, famed for their spectacular beauty, varied wildlife and rich cultural heritage. National Parks are critical to supporting local communities, providing access to green spaces for the nation, and helping to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity.
National Parks England’s purpose is to be the collective voice for English National Park Authorities, helping us to achieve our purposes through influencing policy.
The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will be an experienced public affairs professional with a passion for nature and understanding of National Parks.
The successful applicant will join our senior management team, managing the Policy and Public Affairs team and work with the Executive Director to help develop and drive the NPE policy and public affairs strategy, working closely with stakeholders in our member National Parks and the wider Protected Landscapes family.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Reports to: Policy Manager
Line reports: None
Contract terms: Full time
Salary: £36,065-£37,013
Location: London-based, with hybrid working
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,000 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.
Job purpose
Part of the Communications and Engagement department, the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategic policy initiatives and engaging with key stakeholders to advance our policy priorities across the four UK nations. Working with colleagues, members and external stakeholders, you will deliver high quality analysis and research, produce evidence-based policy positions and outputs, and employ effective public affairs approaches to influence change on behalf of our members.
Main responsibilities
Strategic planning and reporting
- Contribute to developing, implementing and evaluating policy and public affairs (PPA) strategies, campaigns and plans aligned to member priorities and our wider strategic aims.
- Lead and manage the delivery of specific PPA workstreams, working in partnership with other organisations as needed.
- Monitor and report on performance against organisational and departmental objectives.
Policy development
- Monitor and analyse the external policy, political and parliamentary landscape across the four UK nations to identify influencing opportunities and relevant developments – summarising these for internal audiences.
- Contribute to the design and analysis of member surveys, drafting reports and presenting findings to inform the College’s policy agenda.
- Work with colleagues to research and draft evidence-based policy positions, consultation responses and briefings for politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
- Maintain an accurate evidence library of data and information to support the development of policy.
- Provide policy-related support to relevant committees to enable their effective contribution to the College’s work, including ensuring agreed actions are implemented.
Public affairs
- Build new and strengthen existing relationships with policymakers, government officials, clinicians and other relevant stakeholders across the four UK nations to advance the College’s policy objectives and maintain a thought leadership position within the eye health sector.
- Draft briefings and presentations to support events and senior-level meetings with politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
- Arrange and represent (as appropriate) the College at events, conferences and external stakeholder meetings.
- Build and maintain the College’s stakeholder database, tracking progress and advising on how to engage with different stakeholders.
Communications
- Work closely with the communications team to support the delivery of communications strategies and plans, ensuring the accuracy of policy information contained in College outputs and contributing to our press activities, member magazine, newsletters and website as required.
- Draft, implement and evaluate the impact of strategic engagement plans for policy publications.
- Support the communication of College policy positions internally, including by proposing lines to take for inclusion in our messaging house and assisting in briefing colleagues and volunteers – including the Chief Executive and President – on these.
To undertake other duties as required
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the College.
- Working outside normal hours and/or overnight stays may be necessary to support the delivery of key organisational events.
Inclusion and diversity statement
The College is committed to encouraging inclusion, equity and diversity among our staff, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation by complying with the Equality Act 2010. We want a working environment where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued. To do this, we will proactively tackle discrimination and disadvantage and ensure that no individual or group is directly or indirectly discriminated against for any reason. We expect all employees to champion and live our values through their work at every opportunity.
Our values
Inclusion
- actively welcoming a diversity of experiences and perspectives
- everyone being respected and encouraged to participate regardless of their background or role
Integrity
- being open and honest, demonstrating accountability in all its work
- evidenced-based and transparent decision-making, utilising a range of data, information, expertise and experience
Innovation
- creating novel opportunities to advance and deliver on its aims, anticipating changing circumstances
- actively welcoming fresh ideas and approaches
- fostering a climate of ambition and excellence drawing on expertise from across the College’s communities
Improvement
- being a learning organisation, reflecting on both successes and mistakes
- continuous and sustainable development across all its activities
Person specification
Knowledge, qualifications and experience
- University degree or professional qualification in a relevant field such as public policy, political science, public health or similar
- At least three years’ experience of working in a policy, public affairs or advocacy role, preferably within the healthcare sector or a membership organisation
- Experience of devising developing, implementing and evaluating policy/public affairs strategies and/or campaigns
- Experience managing projects and initiatives from conception to implementation
- Experience of conducting policy-relevant research and developing evidence-based policy positions and consultation responses
- Experience of drafting high-quality, accessible briefings, reports, and other written materials for diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public
- Experience of engaging with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to influence policy outcomes
- Working knowledge of IT systems – including Microsoft Office and CRMs
Skills and abilities
- Strong strategic planning, prioritisation and organisational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas and nuanced points clearly and persuasively
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to research, analyse, and interpret complex qualitative and quantitative data to inform policy positions and advocacy efforts
- Proven ability to critically evaluate policy proposals, legislation and other publications and assess their potential implications for the College and our members
- Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials
- Ability to generate new ideas, take initiative and problem solve
- Adaptability and an ability to work well under pressure and manage often conflicting demands within tight timeframes
Personal qualities (attributes)
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
- Commitment to own continuing professional development
- Demonstrates a positive ‘can do’ attitude
Staff benefits
We offer a friendly and supportive working environment and make sure our employees are well looked after with a great benefits package, which includes:
Work life balance and family friendly benefits
- Hybrid working
- 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with length of service (plus bank holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year)
- One day of paid leave to move house
- Enhanced parental leave
Planning for your future
- Employer pension contributions up to a maximum of 12%
- Life assurance of 4x of base salary
Career development
- All staff are offered opportunities for learning and development, in addition to a comprehensive e-learning package
- Study loans
Travel
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme
Wellbeing
- Summer Fridays (staff can finish 90 minutes early from 17th July – 31st August)
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (with access to free counselling sessions)
- Health Cash Plan
How to apply
Please submit your CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum one page). The cover letter must explain what makes you suitable for the role. Please use the job description for reference.
Interviews will be held at our office in Euston, the week commencing 3 June 2024. Please indicate if you are likely to need any reasonable adjustments to successfully complete this interview.
Applicants must already have the right to work within the UK without restriction. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The closing date for applications is 27 May 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Would you like to join RBL’s influential Campaigns, Policy and Research team? Would you like to to champion and advocate for the interests of the Armed Forces community?
We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our busy team, specialising in welfare and employment policy.
This role will see you working to influence the policy landscape, and develop evidence-based policy positions, on issues concerning finances and debt, welfare benefits, and employment, affecting the Armed Forces community.
Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.
Reporting to the Policy Manager, key responsibilities will include:
· Monitor the policy landscape and upcoming policy development across the welfare and employment portfolio, within central, local, and devolved government
· Track and analyse changes in needs, priorities, and concerns of the armed forces community
· Use qualitative and quantitative research, policy analysis and lived experience to develop robust, evidence-based policy positions and proposals
· Identify, establish, and maintain an impactful network of key policy stakeholders across the charity sector and government
· Represent RBL publicly through securing opportunities to present policy issues and products, including at relevant events, workshops, external committees and working groups
Here at RBL, we support our people and their wellbeing, with a package including generous paid holiday allowance and pension scheme contributions, and a range of optional benefits and discounts.
You will be contracted to your home address, and you will perform most of your work remotely there using our collaboration tools to work with colleagues, with occasional travel (incl. for monthly team meetings) to our London Head Office hub.
Should you wish to explore a hybrid London working contract (to include an additional London Supplement to salary), this can be discussed at interview stage.
For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.
Closing Date: Sunday 19th May 2024
Interview Date(s): Interviews (including a short assessment/task) to be virtually on 4th and 5th June 2024
We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
The Head of Advocacy and Policy will be responsible for developing an excellent Advice Service and Retention Team to support and advise students effectively to enable excellent student experience and satisfaction.
This role will lead on the development of effective insights, representation and support initiatives/campaigns for students, across our three campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.
This role will enhance work with the diverse student population of the University of Greenwich and lead a dynamic team to ensure students have consistent and accessible services that contribute to positive student experience.
This role sits within the wider Membership Services department, together with other key areas consisting of; Activities, Sport, Academic Communities, Representation and Democracy, we provide a high-quality service for students, that they can shape, steer and be at the heart of.
This postholder will be part of the GSU Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to contribute to department and organisation wide strategic development.
The post holder will:
- Have expert knowledge in areas of in relation to Advice and Retention and policies and legislation relating to such activity
- Support and develop strong student-led communities and campaigns in areas of: Advice, wellbeing and retention so that members can thrive
- Provide line management support to staff so that the team have up to date, specialist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the Advice service and oversee engagement across Greenwich’s 3 campuses
- Undertake casework and provide expert advice for the team on all aspects of Advice
- Lead on the project management of wellbeing/health promotion campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, as well as any external bids through bodies such as OfS
- Oversee the Retention and Wellbeing Project work, and other relevant projects with external partners
- Lead on insights work relating to retention, wellbeing and support
- Lead on responses to external consultation and enquiry responses, including but not limited to OfS, Department for Education, OIA and Universities UK
- Support elected officers to deliver on campaigning priorities
- Ensure the Advice service has the skills and is equipped to support the diverse needs of students at Greenwich and Kent at Medway.
- Provide regular insights and reports on the GSU Membership to inform our strategy and service provision
- Work with other Heads to develop relevant and modern Front of House services for each GSU campus ensuring ease of access and consistency for all members.
Key Areas
- Be an engaged and active member of the Senior Leadership team, contributing regularly and working collaboratively with peers
- Provide leadership, strategic direction and day to day operational management to the Advocacy and Policy: recruiting and inducting members of staff, motivating, supporting and developing team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles as well as manage performance
- Develop a proactive results driven culture within the team, ensuring agreed objectives and targets are delivered, whilst promoting a collaborative approach to working with internal departments
- Develop succession plans and identify training and development opportunities within the team
- Be accountable for the quality of outputs of the team
- Provide support to the Officer team helping and equipping them, particularly in their roles as representatives and providing pastoral support and guidance.
- Ensure the whole organisation is aware of and understands the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team and its contribution to our strategic objectives
- To maintain expert and up-to-date knowledge on sector policies and regulations relating to advice, retention and student success, providing relevant guidance to officers and staff as required.
- Develop and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the team to ensure we can adapt to changing students’ needs and priorities, as well as building on successes and preparing for the future.
Strategic Development
- Contribute to the strategic objectives of GSU, with a particular focus on advice, support and wellbeing in relation to the student experience
- Develop and oversee a new and innovative approach to proactive health and wellbeing campaigns that empower students to look after themselves and each other, as well as seeking support
- Lead on Access and Participation Plan Engagement, acting as the key contact on this area with the University.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant senior UoG staff and departments including Student Academic Services, Faculties and our partners at Kent Unio
- Develop and oversee the Advice service to support advocacy initiatives at multiple levels within the University, ensuring both students and University stakeholders view GSU as a credible and reliable source of information on the needs of students.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Develop and oversee a structured approach to gathering, analysing and reporting on data relating to engagement of students with our services and to student views on key issues relating to retention and success
- Develop and oversee processes of collecting quantitative and qualitative data from casework to analyse trends and inform feedback for the SU and university
- Ensure evaluation mechanism are embedded in the teams working practises and that findings are shared and used to implement learnings with the goal of improving services
- Support Officers by preparing information, statistics and trends about key services to be shared within the University committee cycle
- Be responsible for the implementation of service standards for the Advocacy and Policy Team and to monitor and report on adherence to these standards
- Prepare materials to apply for any relevant quality mark accreditations for the service.
Budget and Financial Management
- Manage a budget relating to Advocacy and Policy including any restricted funds.
- Be responsible for the teams resources, ensuring these are effectively allocated, managed and controlled
- Review and establish processes, systems, polices and where appropriate standard procedures to maximise efficiency ensure deadlines are met and a positive return on investment
- Review and provide narrative for scrutiny at monthly management meetings with the Finance Team
Stakeholder management
- Collaborate with GSU colleagues, particularly the Student Voice and Engagement Teams to ensure we have a consistent approach to how we work with and support students
- Work with students through our representative structures and forums to ensure we shape services students want and need, taking into consideration the varying campus priorities
- Maintain strong relationships with key university staff to develop, deliver and evaluate collaborative projects and interventions supporting advice and retention
- Attend meetings relating to Advocacy and Policy as well as associated areas at both GSU, the University and externally, included, but not limited to regional networks
- Identify opportunities to share best practice and represent the work of GSU and your team to the wider HE community, through conferences and publication.
Personal Specification
Essential Experience
- Line management experience
- Relevant experience working in the youth, education, students’ union or other membership or advisory organisation
- Experience of leading a multi-functional team
- Experience of mentoring coaching staff/elected officers
- Experience of developing operational policies and procedures
- Experience of budget management, project management, and operational management
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and partnership working or strategic networking
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work with and lead a high performing team
- Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively
- Ability to produce confident, clear written reports and be able to write succinct documents on complex areas
- IT skills at a level that supports membership CRM systems, Advice Pro and other platforms
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage others to reach deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
- Ability to write strategies and be able to effectively communicate vision and mission
- Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face on changing priorities
- Track record of successfully developing and implementing projects and operational change
- Able to draft policies and procures with an eye for detail and accuracy
Essential Knowledge
- Awareness of current issues within the higher education sector
- Knowledge of relevant external bodies and organisations including Advice UK, NUS, Citizens Advice, OIA, Ofs, Student Minds
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
- Knowledge of Safeguarding, advice legislation, risk assessments and GDPR
- Knowledge of providing 121 support
Education/Training
- No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post is required. For example: ILM, City &Guilds etc.
Personal Attributes and other requirements
- Able to travel within the Borough and Region.
- Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.
- Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work
- Be eligible for a DBS check if needed
- A commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity
- An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
- Commitment to the values and ethos of GSU.
Desirable other requirements
- Visionary, creative, and innovative strategist
- A positive, solution focused leader – able to make ‘tough’ decisions; determined and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role
- Empowering, authentic leader with high levels of emotional intelligence
We help students at the University of Greenwich become the best they can be at university and beyond.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an Interim External Affairs Manager to help lead our communications activities from 24 June 2024 to 31 December, while our permanent External Affairs Manager is on sabbatical. This is a particularly exciting time to join the team, as we seek to maximise our impact ahead of the next general election and develop our strategy for the next few years.
The successful candidate will help to manage the day to day work of the External Affairs team, including supporting colleagues to enhance our reach on social media and digital channels, deliver our events programme and deepen our impact with key audiences.
You will be joining an inclusive and supportive team who welcome people from all backgrounds. What’s important isn’t your level of education or the opportunities which you have had, it’s about you and how you seize the opportunities ahead of you.
This is a diverse role and will include:
Communications and events
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Working with Head of External Affairs and Income (EA&I) to manage the External Affairs’ team’s day-to-day work, including supporting the team with social media, website and press relations
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Working with Head of EA&I to deliver communications strategy
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Overseeing and project managing the charity’s events programme
Leadership and management
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Leading External Affairs team catch ups and project planning
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Line managing an External Affairs Officer and an Intern with a focus on professional development
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Providing sign-off on a number of areas, including those that carry some risk to the charity
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Working with the Head of EA&I to collect key management information to report on the impact and reach of external affairs activities to the CEO
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Assisting with the charity’s other activities as required.
Influencing and stakeholder management
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Working with the Head of EA&I to manage and deliver the influencing strategy, including helping to deliver campaigns.
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Supporting team with public affairs engagement
Essential skills and qualities:
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A comms all-rounder who can help lead and manage our busy External Affairs team.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tell a clear story and to tailor content for different audiences.
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The ability to guide colleagues in producing a range of content for different platforms and audiences, including via social media, digital and press relations.
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The capacity to juggle competing priorities, and to help guide others in doing so.
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Strong project management, organisation and decision-making skills.
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Experience of organising events (particularly online) and an understanding of different tactics to engage audiences.
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A creative self-starter who can take the lead in identifying and acting upon opportunities to increase the impact of our communications activities.
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Strong reputation management skills.
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The ability to support and develop junior colleagues.
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An interest and/or background in campaigning.
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A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
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A passion for improving the lives of people with money and mental health problems.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs will work alongside the Director of Patient Projects and Influencing to spearhead our advocacy and influencing strategy, driving forward our agenda to transform prostate cancer advocacy and improve outcomes for people affected by prostate cancer. This strategic role involves building essential relationships with politicians and key stakeholders, increasing our organisational profile, and leveraging findings to advocate for policy changes.
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Advocacy and Campaign Leadership: Develop and lead PCR’s campaign and public affairs activities, ensuring strategies are focussed on achieving meaningful policy and practice change on the highest priority issues, including screening and access to innovative and evolving treatment options.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Forge strategic relationships and build our profile among politicians, policymakers, regulators and KoLs to enhance our impact and position Prostate Cancer Research as a source of trusted information for prostate cancer policy.
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Shaping Policy: Coordinate responses to relevant consultations, such as government, MHRA, trade bodies, and NICE/SMC appraisals, where appropriate.
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Evidence-Based Advocacy: Utilise findings from funded reports, such as our Overtreatment/Overdiagnosis report and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), to advocate for change in screening and other relevant policies, and support/commission the development of further evidence as needed.
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Relationship Building and Event Coordination: Identify and cultivate potential parliamentary champions and supporters and host impactful events.
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Patient Centricity: Ensure our patients remain at the centre of this work, putting structures in place for them to be involved in setting priorities, informing our policy positions with their lived experience, and advocating for change.
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Policy Monitoring and Analysis: Monitor and analyse relevant healthcare policy in the UK to inform the organisation’s strategic development and seize on political opportunities.
Candidate Profile:
Experience
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Strong knowledge/experience of the health and social care sector, its public bodies, and key relevant policies
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An excellent understanding of the UK political environmental, structures of government at national, local and devolved nation levels, with established relationships with key stakeholders or a proven ability to develop these efficiently and effectively.
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Demonstrable experience in advocacy, public affairs, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful and integrated campaigns to change public policy.
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Strong experience working cross-functionally within a fast-paced organisation.
Skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills.
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Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders spanning the private, public and third sector.
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Excellent written and oral skills.
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Ability to synthesise and present complex evidence and policy analysis and use these to generate compelling messages and policy asks.
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Decision-making ability, with the ability to prioritise and manage simultaneous workstreams whilst delivering outputs in a responsive and timely manner.
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Ability to work with patient representatives to bring the voice of people affected by prostate cancer to the heart of the debate.
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Ability to manage resources and funding strategically to maximise impact.
Why Join Us?
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Impactful Work: Make a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer, contributing to initiatives that save lives and improve patient outcomes.
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Career Growth: This role offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of new, exciting unit in an organisation that is already making its presence felt.
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Collaborative Environment: Join a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to making a difference, in an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.
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Benefits: Enjoy a range of staff benefits, including Bike 2 Work scheme, Mental Health Services, Perkbox, BUPA Health Insurance offer, pension scheme, birthday gift, ongoing L&D opportunities, generous annual leave, hybrid working options and a positive and supportive culture.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV and a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, your experience in project development and management, and how you align with PCR’s mission.
PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Other Details
Working type: Hybrid with occasional travel to meetings required.
Hours: The position is full time at 35 hours per week.
Salary: £51,579-61,322 commensurate with experience.
Reports to: Director of Patient Projects and Influencing
Participants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.