Policy And Public Affairs Manager Jobs
At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Policy and Campaigns Officer to join our team on a part time (0.4 FTE) basis.
The postholder will have a track record of influencing policy and an understanding and passion for issues affecting autistic children and young people across a range of areas, including education, employment, health and social care. You'll gather evidence and data that will influence change, using your written and verbal communication skills to engage with a wide range of audiences on our strategic priorities and raise awareness of our work.
You'll engage with autistic children, young people and their families to understand their priorities and embed their needs in our communications and policy work. You'll identify opportunities to communicate AaA's policy position and respond to these appropriately, working closely with the communications team to draft impactful statements, as well as web and social media copy.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Experience of working in a policy role, ideally in a relevant sector.
- Ability to identify appropriate sources, evaluate and analyse data and evidence to provide up-to-date, accurate information.
- Experience of producing high quality policy-related documents, as well as being able to write engaging pieces for a range of audiences.
- Experience of using social and digital media to develop and promote policy work.
In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.
Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of 10% of women and those assigned female at birth, from puberty to menopause - although the impact can be felt for life. Yet it’s a disease most people have never heard of, do not understand and that has no cure. It costs the UK economy around £8.2 billion every year in healthcare costs, loss of work and treatments and yet it isn’t recognised by most employers. As the UK’s leading charity for all those affected by endometriosis, we’re determined to change this and ensure that everyone gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support.
We’ve big ambitions in our strategy, focused on better supporting those with endometriosis, driving down diagnosis times, campaigning for improved treatments and access to services, raising awareness, and leveraging more money into research. We place people with endometriosis at the heart of all we do. If we get our work right, we really can make a difference to the 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK – and all those diagnosed in the future.
This will be a busy, varied and important role working closely with the Head of Campaigns and Communications to identify opportunities to influence external policy to better support and represent the needs of those with endometriosis. You will be working as part of a passionate team with a strong commitment to achieving change to help those with living with endometriosis. You’ll have a sound knowledge of the UK political landscape and how to influence it and will play an important role in developing our campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity to help drive forward Endometriosis UK’s strategy and boost our impact for the benefit of everyone affected by endometriosis. I hope you’ll consider joining us so we can, together, do even more.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 20th May and interviews will take place at our Office in London Bridge on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th June.
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!
Age UK is currently looking for a Senior Public Affairs Officer to take forward our Public Affairs work, influencing and changing public policy, to improve the lives of older people.
You will design and deliver public affairs strategies which grow Age UK's profile in Westminster and Whitehall and build support for our policy and campaigning priorities. Highly attuned to the political environment, you will identify key political targets, building new and deepening existing relationships.
You will line manage the Public Affairs Officer and oversee public affairs work done by the team's Support Officer.
For more information about the role, please review the job description below and apply to join our collaborative and passionate External Affairs team.
This role is offered on a Hybrid / London contract and there is a requirement to attend team meetings once a week in the office. There will also be occasional travel to support at events across the country.
Age UK Internal Job Grade - 6L
Must haves:
* Excellent knowledge and understanding of local and national government structures, the UK Parliament and our political, policy and campaigning context, and experience of influencing them.
* Substantial experience of working in a political campaigning/public affairs environment, developing influential relationships with Parliamentarians and other national organisations.
* Strong track record of influencing on social policy issues.
* Experience of project-managing complex influencing activities, leading project teams and managing workloads.
* Excellent all round communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences.
* Experience of writing high quality briefings, articles and other materials to communicate complex policy and political issues to stakeholder audiences.
* Experience of running effective events for political audiences.
* Experience of representing an organisation to political audiences and other national stakeholders.
* Experience of working in coalition and partnership with other organisations.
* Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders including Parliamentarians.
* An understanding of how to work in a politically balanced way.
* Knowledge and understanding of what equal opportunities means in relation to this post and the ability to incorporate equality practices into all aspects of the work.
* Experience of working collaboratively with others to achieve results.
* Strong interest in UK politics and passion for social justice.
Great to haves:
* Understanding of policy issues affecting older people.
* Experience of influencing change from a voluntary sector perspective.
* Experience of working in a political environment.
What we offer in return
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
- Blue Light Card Scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
Must be able to travel easily into central London to attend meetings, sometimes at short notice. Required to be in the London office at least one day a week.
There is an occasional requirement to travel and stay overnight (e.g. party conferences); some out of hours working (e.g. occasional evening Parliamentary events).
All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
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.
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.
At Ambitious about Autism, we’re currently looking for a Research Manager to join our External Affairs team.
You’ll conduct and commission research projects, publish and disseminate research findings to ensure we are maximising our reach and impact, and ensure that we are using relevant and up-to-date evidence throughout our work.
You’ll identify key research needs and questions to continually improve our activities and impact for autistic children and young people, drafting briefs and managing independent researchers to deliver projects on time and to budget.
You’ll use both quantitative and qualitative research methods to develop and support co-produced research with autistic children and young people, as well as parents and carers, whilst ensuring that new evidence is embedded into our resources, working collaboratively with the policy, communications, fundraising and service delivery teams to ensure that we maximise the impact of our findings.
The successful candidate will be joining the organisation at an exciting time and this role will play a central role in providing an evidence base for us to influencing Government, as well as enable us to engage media and public attention to our calls for change. It will also look for ways to unlock insight and learning, so we can influence the practice of the wider education sector.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong working knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Proven experience of managing research projects or programmes within agreed timescales and budgets.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to critique and summaries data and research findings to make recommendations.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research evidence into forms that are accessible for a range of audiences.
- Ability to effectively prioritise a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment.
In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.
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 role
At a time of growth and of new opportunities for the Motability Foundation, we are looking for a Public Affairs Manager to join our Communications Team and lead our Public Affairs activity for the organisation.
Our vision is to fund, support, research, and innovate, so all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. There are an estimated 16 million disabled people in the UK, and this role will play a crucial part in our work to raise awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation, amplify the voices of disabled people and to influence policy.
·This new role will work alongside our new Evidence and Policy Manager, based in our Innovation team, and other colleagues across the organization as well as key partners (Motability Operations), to manage our horizon scanning and monitoring of the political landscape, leading on advising our Governors, CEO and senior management team on actions we need to take, and preparing detailed briefings for engagements, and events with Parliamentarians and senior Ministers. The role holder will develop, implement and lead our Public Affairs and Government Engagement Plan, and proactively identify and develop opportunities to influence and shape policy where it may have a positive impact for disabled people.
With a General Election and potential welfare reform on the horizon, this role is especially important and experience in creating and implementing post-election public affairs strategies, leading activities across the team and devising and managing structured results reporting to the organisation, is highly desirable.
What you will be doing
- Develop, implement and manage our public affairs strategy, leading on public affairs activities aligned with the Motability Foundation’s vision and overall strategy.
- Amplify the Motability Foundation’s voice in Parliament, across the devolved nations, and in political spheres, building, developing and managing relationships with parliamentarians, decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Manage our horizon scanning and monitoring of the political, legislative and regulatory landscape in relation to the work of the Motability Foundation, leading on advising the business on actions we need to take.
- Provide sharp political intelligence, insight, advice and briefings for Governors, directors, senior management and a variety of audiences across the organization.
- Support the establishment of the Motability Foundation’s policy positions and delivering our influencing objectives.
- Manage a contact program for Parliamentarians, raising awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation, establishing regular meetings for senior leaders where relevant, and facilitating dialogue on issues relevant to our work.
- Working closely with the Evidence and Policy Manager to manage the dissemination of any policy output for presentation to the external world.
Your experience
Must haves:
- Strong grasp of parliamentary processes in Westminster, Scotland and the other devolved nations.
- Ability to initiate and manage projects independently while contributing effectively to team efforts.
- Experience in proactively identifying opportunities to influence.
- Strong communication skills, with an ability to grasp complex issues quickly and share information in an accessible way across a variety of audiences.
- Ability to facilitate sensitive internal and stakeholder conversations to reach a point of consensus.
- Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders in Government, industry, and other charities and foundations.
- Experience of operating effectively in a complex environment with multiple agendas and stakeholders.
- Highly IT literate with extensive experience of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Nice to haves:
- Understanding of key disability and transport issues, such as the social model of disability, inclusive micro mobility and the transition to electric vehicles.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior PR Manager
Are you a passionate about public relations and looking for your next challenge?
We have an exciting opportunity to join Sue Ryder as our Senior Public Relations Manager to help raise the profile of the charity and increase the public understanding and awareness of our work and our services. Reporting to the Head of PR & Internal Communications you will develop and lead a national PR strategy for Sue Ryder, raising awareness for a number of projects, services and campaigns.
About you:
We are looking for somebody with extensive experience of working in a national media or PR team, ideally within a charity. You will have significant experience of managing reputation management issues along with supporting governmental lobbying and influencing and affecting change in policy.
Experience of delivering pro-active PR campaigns with an excellent understanding of the media and experience of managing external PR agencies. You will be a highly proficient writer with the ability to direct and manage projects with multiple stakeholder involvement..
Key Responsibilities:
· Develop and lead a national PR strategy for Sue Ryder, with the aim of supporting income generation and increasing public understanding of the charity and measured against KPIs
· Manage and lead a responsive and pro-active national PR team which operates an out of hours service
· Deliver 2 x pro-active PR campaigns per year which meet set project KPIs
· Work to position Sue Ryder as an expert commentator on end of life and bereavement care within the national media
· Manage reputation management issues with the support of the Head of PR
· Manage our current roster of celebrity ambassadors and deliver against a celebrity outreach strategy to bring additional high profile supporters on board.
· Manage the retained PR agency ensuring that projects are delivered on time and on budget and achieving agreed evaluation metrics.
· Line management of the Case Studies Manager, National PR Manager and National PR Officer
· Develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation, including members of the executive leadership team.
· Manage the day-to-day reporting against the PR departmental budget
What we can offer you:
Competitive Benefits Package
· 27 days holiday rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata if part-time), - Company pension scheme
· EAP support scheme
· Staff discount with thousands of retailers
· Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
· and lots more. Please visit our careers website for the full list.
Closing date: 23rd May
Interview date: TBC
We aim to give all candidates the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any adjustments at any stage
If you want more than just a job, we want you. Join the team and be there when it matters.
Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with our support, no one has to face dying or grief alone. We are there when it matters.
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.
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!
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.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Policy Manager to join our team. This position is based in the Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) team and reports to the Director of PPA. As part of the External Affairs directorate, we aim to radically improve healthcare for women and girls by influencing positive change within UK Governments.
This is a great opportunity to be part of a small but highly impactful team, taking the lead on issues that are central to the wellbeing of women and girls. You will be responsible for the delivery of the RCOG’s policy strategy and operational plan, working closely with colleagues in PPA, Communications and other teams across the College. You will ensure that the RCOG is at the forefront of policy debates which affect women’s health, and you will work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, including women and the RCOG membership, to develop policy solutions to improve the health of women and girls.
Responsibilities:
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Lead on the development of evidence-based policies on women’s health issues and strategic College priorities.
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Provide expert advice to the RCOG President, Officers, Chief Executive and senior managers on political and policy matters.
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Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including policy makers healthcare professionals, women and the wider public.
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Line manage the Policy and Public Affairs Officer.
About you
This position is well-suited to a proactive and strategic individual, who can take a collaborative approach to their work and is committed to making a real difference to the health of women and girls. If you are passionate about women's health and have a well-developed understanding of policy development in the healthcare sector, we would be excited to hear from you.
Requirements
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Demonstrable experience as a policy professional providing advice and influencing senior stakeholders
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Proven track record of writing policy briefings, reports and presenting findings to political and policy audiences
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Familiarity with health policy and a comprehensive understanding of NHS structures, policy and strategy
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Skilled in addressing controversial/ethical issues sensitively
Our culture and benefits
As a key member of the team, you will be located in our offices in London Bridge. We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:
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Agile and flexible working
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25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and office closure from 25 December to 1 January
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Up to 10% employer pension contribution after probation
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Enhanced occupational Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental leave policies
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Interest-free bike, season ticket and technology loans after probation
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Tailored Learning and Development and study leave
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Affinity staff networks
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Free lunch (onsite only)
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Employee Support Service counselling
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Life Assurance Scheme
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Lifestyle discounts
For a full list of the benefits we offer, please visit our careers site.
How to apply
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Click on Apply to be taken to our recruitment platform, Applied or visit our careers website to download the full Job pack.
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Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 27 May 2024
We believe that diverse teams will deliver the best outcomes for women's healthcare and we strive to be an inclusive employer. We are therefore looking for candidates whose backgrounds, experience and identity enhance the diversity of our existing team. We are particularly encouraging applications from underrepresented groups at the College such as those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and those with a disability. To find out more, please see our Diversity Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.
We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.
About us
The RCOG is a professional membership association dedicated to improving women’s health care across the world. We do this by setting standards for clinical practice, providing doctors with training and lifelong learning, and working with partners to advocate for women’s health and health care across their life course. We are a global leader in this specialist area, supporting 16,000 members in the UK and internationally.
We are a values-led organisation placing high standards, innovation, openness, inclusiveness and trust at the centre of all we do.
Harris Hill are delighted to be working with a small but highly influential environmental charity to recruit a Public Affairs Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a leading UK charity working to decarbonise homes, heat, and energy.
If you are you motivated by practical action on the climate emergency, are an experienced Public Affairs Manager with good political connections and want to help influence the agenda in building a Net Zero future then I want to hear from you.
The Public Affairs Manager will play a key role in delivering the organisation’s external affairs strategy, helping to communicate their research and shape government policy, with a primary focus on Westminster. As a leading organisation in the green homes sector this charity has ambitious goals to influence public policy to accelerate the drive to decarbonise homes, heat and energy and this position will play an integral role in supporting this work.
You will help deliver the public affairs function developing political briefings, meeting politicians, forwarding the charities positions, and attending parliamentary events. When needed you will also engage with devolved administrations and cross-party groups, as well as support in party conference engagement and work with partners and coalition groups to help deliver aims and objectives.
To be successful in this role you will be an experienced Public Affairs professional who understands the political environment in Westminster and across the UK and is passionate about tackling the climate crisis.
You should be knowledgeable on how legislation and policy is developed across government and how to influence it and inform the debate. You will also have a passion for driving practical solutions to the climate emergency.
This is a home-based position that would suit a candidate living within close proximity to London for regular attendance at meetings and events.
The closing date for applications is Thursday May 23rd.
For more information about this position and next steps please apply here now.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.