Senior Parliamentary Officer Jobs in London, Greater London
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Public Affairs Officer to work as part of our Policy & Influencing Team.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
Job Summary
Rethink Mental Illness exists to improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness. With a general election expected this year, followed by a new government, this is arguably the most crucial window for influencing policy on mental illness in the last decade.
As Senior Public Affairs and Stakeholder Officer, you will play a vital role in helping Rethink Mental Illness bring about policy improvements for people severely affected by mental illness, supporting our influencing and relationship building work with political stakeholders, and aiding our work planning for and influencing a new government.
You will be working closely with colleagues in the wider Policy and Influencing Team, Communications and Campaigns Team, and Chief Executives’ Office. And you will work particularly closely with the Public Affairs and Stakeholder Manager on devising and implementing influencing activity, including writing briefings and submissions for political audiences, developing election content, creativity utilising the All Party Parliamentary Group for Mental Health to create change, and drafting letters and correspondence to external stakeholders.
You will have some experience working in public affairs or politics, including an understanding of parliamentary processes and the political landscape in Westminster. You will be working with a range of internal and external stakeholders and will be able to build relationships and work proactively.
Your areas of work will involve both planned work but also a degree of fluidity with the need to adapt and develop according to priority as circumstances change and opportunities to influence are identified. Existing knowledge of the health sector is not required but would be a bonus.
You will predominantly be working with the following people and teams:
- Policy and Influencing Team
- Policy and Practice Team
- Communications and Campaigns
- Chief Executives’ Office
Person Specification
- Experience working in a public affairs and/or politics. This could be in a public sector, charity, think tank, or agency role, or for an MP.
- Experience of working with government and/or parliamentarians. Demonstratable record of being proactive with work and problem-solving independently.
- Familiarity with government, parliamentary and legislative processes.
- Good in-person stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, including when meeting parliamentarians, political staffers and other stakeholders in the sector, such as charity partners.
- Ability to work on creative, external-facing influencing campaigns that may involve working with parliamentarians or the media
- Ability to engage with people who have lived experience of relevant policy areas
- Ability to work collaboratively with different teams, including representing the public affairs function to other teams independently.
- Excellent persuasive communication skills in writing and in person
- Good attention to detail.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload demands. An understanding of Rethink Mental Illness and its organisational aims.
Desirable but not essential
- A good knowledge of the health and social care policy environment
- Experience at organising events
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 8th and 9th May
*Appointments are typically made near the bottom of the pay range
*London Allowance is paid for roles that are based within the Greater London area only.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please see further details on our website
You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!
Don’t meet all requirements?
If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position!
Caring for our people.
We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:
- PULSE: our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.
- Wagestream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.
- Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.
- Taking time for you: we work flexibly –you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.
- Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.
- Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.
- £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About you
We are looking for a confident, big picture policy expert to work alongside the Director of Policy & Communications and lead our ambitious policy team to deliver impact. You will take evidence from the field and lab to the heart of governments across the UK, influencing change through science.
You will play a key role in the team's direction and have demonstrable knowledge of environmental policy, and established leadership and communication experience.
About the role
Reporting to our Director of Policy and Communications, the Senior Policy Manager will:
- Identify key areas of policy focus where the BES is uniquely able to add value to national conversations around biodiversity and climate.
- Direct the work of Policy Officers to deliver the BES policy strategic aims and objectives, and work collaboratively with the Policy Committee.
- Help identify and convene key stakeholders from the ecological community, including academics, eNGOs, policy makers, funders, and landowners and managers, to discuss, debate and coalesce around recommendations.
- Oversee our policy reports at both a national and UK level, working with authors and contributors to deliver publications that move a debate on and are resonant to their audiences.
- Organise events for ecological and policy audiences, independently and in partnership with other organisations, to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Track legislation and policies at the devolved, national and international levels and identify opportunities for BES input and influence.
We are working towards a world inspired by #Ecology in which nature and people thrive.
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’re looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to join our policy and campaigns team to help drive our position as an influential, informed and powerful voice for change. The post holder will join a high performing team to help develop and implement policy and influencing strategies that drive change, ensuring a strong voice for people experiencing poverty. You will work closely with the Director of Policy & Campaigns, developing our policy work on Social Security, housing and poverty and influencing decision-makers and other stakeholders including MPs, political advisors, councillors and civil society.
About You
We are looking for someone committed and proactive with demonstrable knowledge and experience of policy development and making the case for social policy change. You will be committed to social justice and will have experience of policy analysis and public affairs work in relevant social policy areas, particularly social security. We are looking for an analytical thinker with excellent verbal and written communications skills. You will have an aptitude for using evidence to make persuasive and credible policy arguments, strong interpersonal skills, and a track record of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders. You will be a self-starter and have a collaborative approach to working. In turn we are committed to supporting all our staff to develop their skills and experiences to make a significant difference to the lives and treatment of people on low incomes.
About Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K)
Z2K’s vision is that no individual in the UK should be living in poverty. We believe that adequate income and secure housing are key to creating a more equal society where everyone has the chance to lead a stable and dignified life. We work with people in London to solve their social welfare legal issues, with a focus on social security and housing matters, and we use the evidence from our casework to campaign to change policy and practice that drives injustice. Embedded at the heart of Z2K is our ambition to work in partnership with experts by experience, ensuring the voices and views of people with lived experience are heard by decision-makers.
Closing Date: 5 May 2024
Ref 6707
Save the Children UK has an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and enthusiastic individual with extensive Policy & Advocacy Adviser experience to join us as our Senior Health Officer: Knowledge Management and Communication where you will work within the Health Policy, Advocacy and Research Team.
About Us
Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.
About the role
As Senior Health Officer: Knowledge Management and Communication, you will be responsible for the knowledge management and MEAL functions for the health team. This will include collection, collation and dissemination of learning and evidence from across key country and donor markets. You will also be responsible for the dissemination and communication through various platforms, social media outlets. Within this role you will play a key role in highlighting both internally and externally the health team's achievements and keep the Movement updated on the impact they have had both in the UK and globally, while also reporting on all active grants and partnerships. You will get to work closely with all technical advisors and play an important role in the production of the team's publications as well as in organising policy advocacy events at the UK parliamentary and global levels.
In this role, you will:
- Lead on the learning, reporting and communications for the health team, including on the various advocacy projects, grants and workstreams.
- Play a leading role in editing the health team's reports and policy briefing documents, including any research, fact-checking or writing that is required.
- Lead on updating and maintaining the health team's web pages. While maintaining brand requirements.
- Deliver high-quality editorial content for a wide range of planned key corporate communications, in line with the organisation's priorities and brand, implementing Save the Children's editorial style and standards.
- Ensure health team develop quality materials, blogs and thought pieces, while implementing our brand positioning, communications guidelines, and house style.
About you
To be successful, it is important that you have:
- Demonstrable experience of high-quality health policy advocacy work, including writing and editorial skills.
- Experience of working with a range of partners to engage key policy stakeholders.
- Ability to write compelling, imaginative copy tailored for different audiences, explain complex issues in accessible and motivating language.
- Ability to research, absorb and retain information accurately and to lead publication projects where necessary.
- Experience of writing for the internet and other digital outlets. Understanding of basic web processes and ability to perform basic alterations to our website where necessary or liaise with developers to progress these.
- Commitment to Save the Children's vision, mission and values.
What we offer you:
- Working for a charity provides one of the best benefits there is – a sense of purpose and reward for helping others. However, we understand the importance of giving back to our employees to ensure a happy and healthy working environment and work/life balance.
- We focus on flexibility, inclusion, collaboration, health and wellbeing both in and outside of work.
- We provide a wide range of benefits which will reward your hard work, motivate you, and inspire you to work to improve the lives of children every day.
Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
Ways of Working:
The majority of our roles can be performed remotely in the UK, but there are likely to be times when you will be required to come to your contracted office (up to 2-4 days per month or 6-8 days per quarter). This will be agreed with your Line Manager and team and is intended to be time spent on collaborating with colleagues and relationship building.
Please note: travel costs to your contracted office will be at your own expense.
Flexible Working - We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think.
We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your voice can shape policy and bring about change? Join our team at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association as a Senior Public Affairs Adviser: Westminster. This role is pivotal in ensuring everyone impacted by MND receives the care and support they deserve.
You'll work closely with the Public Affairs Manager to drive forward our public affairs priorities and pro-actively identify opportunities to influence party political debates, legislation and select committees in relation to the Association's vital work. From drafting impactful briefings to building relationships with decision-makers, you'll be at the forefront of our advocacy efforts.
Ensuring a coordinated approach to our parliamentary work at Westminster and locally, your responsibilities include supporting parliamentary inquiries, coordinating our presence at political conferences. You will identify and develop effective links with key parliamentarians, influencers, and decision makers whose remit may impact the sphere of our work, including, senior civil servants.
Additionally, you'll help empower our campaigning volunteers and regional staff to engage with local decision-makers effectively. Your role will also contribute to shaping our strategies and plans, ensuring that our advocacy efforts remain impactful and aligned with our purpose, mission and 5 promises.
Located in London, with flexibility for hybrid working, this role offers an exciting opportunity to drive positive change in the lives of those affected by MND.
If you're ready to use your expertise to make a real difference, we want to hear from you. Join us to drive positive change for people living with and affected by MND.
Hybrid Working Expectations: Flexibility to attend the London office when required to meet business needs.
What are we looking for?
A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures, with previous experience in public affairs within a voluntary organisation.
Experience of working with Parliamentarians. You should also demonstrate proficiency in supporting volunteers and coordinating events.
Excellent communication skills are paramount, allowing you to interact and influence with stakeholders and diverse audiences across all levels including politicians and volunteers. As a team player and networker, you'll thrive in collaborative environments.
Additionally, strong IT skills, including database management and use of social media, is vital.
Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel to external meetings, is required.
For full role responsibilities please view the job description located within the Recruitment Pack.
Our Benefits
- 28 days holiday, rising to 33 days after 5 years' service, plus Bank Holidays
- Access to UK Healthcare which includes reimbursement for dental appointments, eyecare, Health & Wellbeing screening and therapies
- Access to a 24/7 phone and video GP Service
- Life assurance
- Confidential counselling helplines
- Salary sacrifice schemes to include:
- Cycle to work
- Buy and sell annual leave
- BenefitHub which offers lifestyle discounts and offers on everyday shopping
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Opportunities for training and personal development
- Hybrid working
How to apply
Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.
- A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures.
- Demonstrable public affairs experience within a voluntary organisation.
- Experience of working with Parliamentarians.
Where experience is asked for, please give one example showing what you did and what it achieved. Where we require evidence of ability, please explain either how you would approach that particular competence or give an example to support your suitability.
About Us
Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.
We are committed to equality and value diversity. We are working hard to remove perceived and actual barriers to participation for people with and affected by MND, current and future staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants that meet the requirements of the role as part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. Reasonable adjustments can be made as required.
Important Information
Adverts may be closed before the deadline once sufficient applications are received. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.
We request that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs (maternity cover)
· Maternity cover
· Salary £58,807 per annum
· Full time (37.5 hours)
· Flexible working options will be supported.
· Central London Office and Hybrid working
We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.
About the role
We are looking for a confident, senior Public Affairs and Campaigns professional to lead a programme of relationship building and to develop and deliver parliamentary and campaign strategies to bring about changes in policy, practice, and attitudes across our wide range of target audiences.
The Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns will be crucial in helping us to strategically build relationships with advocates and champions for our work in Westminster and Whitehall, across key industry bodies, sectors and networks and at a local and national level. This includes overseeing our programme of events and working with colleagues across the organisation to develop and deliver high-quality campaigns that effectively build support for the changes we want to see.
This is a hands-on role that will work seamlessly with the Head of Communications and colleagues across the wider organisation to plan and deliver a powerful, coherent, and integrated communications and influencing function. The successful candidate will be proactive and tenacious in horizon-scanning and seeking out opportunities where we can most effectively influence the work of others. You will also be responsible for developing and co-ordinating policy positions and approaches that are attractive and actionable and achieve buy-in and support from others.
You will line manage three individuals and have dotted line oversight of the work of Communications & Campaigns Officers in our Action Areas, as well as general responsibility and oversight – along with the Head of Communications – for the work of the wider Communications Team and influencing activity across the organisation more broadly.
You will be a proven collaborator who is able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Ageing Better’s vision, mission and values.
About you
- You’re a senior public affairs and campaigns practitioner with a strong track record of influencing change in previous roles
- You will have excellent knowledge of UK Government and Parliament, how policy change happens and how to develop effective advocacy strategies to achieve change.
- You’re highly motivated and a team player, able to take the lead in managing issues and external relationships, while providing briefings and support to senior colleagues on others.
About us
The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network
Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.
The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.
We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.
We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on 15th May, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 27 May.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.