Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Bring your energy, creativity and expertise - and help us impact young people positively.
Location: Sherborne House, London (hybrid)
Salary: £52,535 per annum
Closing Date: 29 March, 2026
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours per week: 37.5
About the Role
Step into a role where your policy expertise drives real change. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll lead an ambitious strategy to influence national decision‑makers, shape legislation and ensure the voices of people affected by homelessness are impossible to ignore. You’ll turn insight into impact, championing our values while strengthening our political presence and public profile
You’ll build powerful relationships across Westminster, Whitehall and the wider sector, producing sharp briefings, commissioning research and delivering high‑profile events that elevate Depaul’s influence. Confident in the media and skilled at simplifying complex issues, you’ll work across teams to anticipate policy change, spark innovation and help drive forward our mission to end homelessness. If you’re driven, strategic and ready to make national change happen, this is your platform.
Key deliverables:
• Develop organisational policy positions on key strategic issues for Depaul UK, focusing on policy areas that matter for our client group including homelessness, housing, welfare, health and care leavers.
• Working with the Director of Development and External Affairs to deliver a multi-year policy and public affairs strategy, you will own its delivery, having demonstrable impact on policy through influencing legislation, as well as securing funding and commitments from the government .
• Work with the Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications and their team to improve Depaul’s public profile by giving us a louder political voice.
• Work with the Executive Director of Operations and their team to ensure Depaul is well positioned to respond to changes in policy and regulation.
• Work in partnership with Depaul UK’s Head of Data and Insights on research projects designed to influence policy.
• Monitor, analyse and report on policy developments which may impact on the work of Depaul UK.
• Provide high quality written and verbal briefings, reports and submissions to consultations.
• Work with senior colleagues to develop positive relationships for Depaul UK with ministers, senior officials, elected Mayors, Parliamentarians and with other policy influencers including our peers in the homeless sector.
• Ensure that the voices and experiences of clients are heard and understood to improve and change services delivered by Depaul, commissioners and policy makers.
• Give interviews to the media.
• Organise and coordinate events and meetings.
• Strengthen Depaul’s links with other voluntary sector organisations in the homelessness, youth and faith sectors.
• Contribute to Depaul International’s global influencing work.
What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)
When completing your application form please address all the areas below. Try to provide clear examples in your supporting statement that clarify how and when you gained the experience or knowledge as well as your level of capability.
To carry out this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and competencies:
Knowledge
• Strong knowledge of the homelessness sector and policy context is desirable but not essential, it is essential that you have developed strong, specialist knowledge of a UK policy area or areas.
Experience and skills
• Having had demonstrable impact on government policy.
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with Parliamentarians and officials
• Organising or helping to organise events, it is desirable but not essential that you have organised events in Parliament
• Leading projects with colleagues from different internal or external teams
• Delivering high quality verbal and written policy briefings and presentations to senior stakeholders
• Working with colleagues to secure media coverage
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and with low levels of supervision
• Ability to prioritise key tasks and manage conflicting priorities
• Ability to deliver to deadlines, sometimes at short notice
• Desirable - drafting and delivering policy and/or public affairs plans/strategies
• Desirable - representing organisations in the media and at events
You will need to be able to travel throughout the UK and on occasions work out of hours.
You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.
What You’ll Receive
• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support
Safer Recruitment
Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.
About Depaul UK
In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.
What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.
As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
About MSI
MSI Reproductive Choices is one of the world’s leading providers of sexual and reproductive healthcare. We believe that everyone should have the right to choose. From contraception to safe abortion and life-saving post-abortion care, we are committed to delivering compassionate, affordable, high-quality services for all.
Today, our organisation has almost 9,000 team members working in 36 countries across the world. Our success lies in the fact that MSI teams are locally led, entrepreneurial and results-driven, and are passionate about delivering high quality, client-centred care in their own communities. As a social business, we focus on sustainable delivery, efficiency, and funding models that are built to last, so that the women and girls we serve today will have a choice in the future too.
We know that access to reproductive choice is life changing. For some, it can mean the ability to complete an education or start a career. For others, it means being able to look after the family they already have. For everyone, it means the freedom to decide their own future, creating a fairer, more equal world.
About the Role
The role sits in the Strategic Operations in the International Operations Department, which plays a critical role in the management of our largest and most complex program to ensure it is positioned to deliver results, drive growth with excellence, committed to implementing best practices at scale, while simultaneously adhering to core programmatic and operational standards. The Strategic Operations team reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and provides strategic, financial and operational support to the Nigeria country program, which delivers one third of MSI’s global contraceptive impact in Africa.
This new role is created to provide support and capacity to Nigeria’s growing donor portfolio and to bolster up both Regional Programme Manager and Associate Director Finance to fulfil financial and operational project management needs. Under the guidance and supervision of the Associate Director for Strategic Operations Finance and in close cooperation with the Regional Programme Manager, you will support the delivery of funded projects in Nigeria by facilitating and ensuring effective project and grant management; supporting financial and narrative donor reporting and overseeing financial processes including business planning, budgeting, monthly performance reviews, forecasting, and risk and compliance. You will be responsible for providing critical financial and risk management support to the MSIN project team, liaise with Donor Finance Team and Global Program and Partnership colleagues to play a key role in analysing and communicating financial results and performance; ensuring system and process efficacy and compliance with MSI quality standards and donor contractual obligations are met.
About You
For us, it’s vital that every MSI team member believes in and is committed to our organisational mission, vision and values.
This means that we will only accept applications from candidates who are unequivocally pro-choice.
Our values act as guiding principles, providing us with a clear direction. They set the tone for how we approach our work, interact with others and align ourselves as ‘One MSI’. It’s important that our team members truly resonate with our values and demonstrate them consistently, in all that they do.
We recruit talented, dynamic individuals with diverse backgrounds who share our mission and are focused on delivering measurable results. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can participate and contribute meaningfully. We value open-mindedness, curiosity, resilience, and a solutions-oriented mindset, alongside a commitment to promoting equality and safeguarding the welfare of both team members and clients.
We seek exceptional communicators who are self-motivated, solutions-driven, and aligned with MSI’s mission and entrepreneurial mindset. You should be dedicated to driving social change in an environment focused on sustainable impact, both locally and globally, and comfortable working with diverse teams in an ambiguous setting.
To perform this role, you’ll need the following skills:
- Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, motivate and guide finance and project teams
- SUN accounts (ideally), Vision XL and Excel skills
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including with people who do not have a background in finance.
- Proven relationship building skills and ability to work jointly and effectively in cross-cultural setting.
- Strong financial analytical and technical skills and organizational/coordinating capability
- Ability to manage a heavy workload with competing priorities, remaining calm under pressure.
- Desired experience with AI tools
To perform this role, you’ll need the following experience:
- Demonstrated project/financial management experience of large and complex donor-funded grants.
- Knowledge of donor regulations, policies and procedures.
- Ability to produce, deliver and present meaningful financial analysis and recommend appropriate actions to enhance organizational performance
- Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in from the necessary stakeholders
- Demonstration of ‘making things happen’, operating at pace and delivering effectively through others
- Ability to initiate, develop and maintain relationships with staff, peers and external stakeholders at a senior level
- Experience of developing and embedding processes, systems and tools.
Formal education/qualification
- Part Qualified accountant or higher
- Degree-educated or equivalent
- Advanced level of Excel
Please see job description on our website.
Location: London, UK (minimum of 2 days per week in the office to be pro-rated (i.e. 1 day in office for the part-time nature of this position))
Full-time: 21 hours per week (3 days per week 0.6 FTE) with a possibility to become full time and/or permanent
Contract type: Fixed term contract until 31st March 2028.
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum for candidates based in the UK – please note this salary will be pro-rated for the 21 hours (3 days) per week.
Salary band: BG 9 MP
Closing date: 19th March 2026 (midnight GMT). Interviews may take place before this date for exceptional candidates.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Luton Town FC Community Trust is seeking to recruit a Community Operations Manager to play a key role in the coordination, delivery and development of its community programmes. This is a senior operational role, working closely with the Head of Community Trust to ensure programmes are well managed, aligned to organisational priorities and delivered to a high standard.
The role will combine operational leadership with a proportion of direct programme delivery, enabling the postholder to remain connected to communities, delivery teams and participant needs. The Community Operations Manager will also contribute to the development of new programmes and associated funding opportunities, support partnership working and act as a key decision maker for day-to-day operational matters.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced community or sport for development professional who is motivated to make meaningful impact, strengthen organisational capacity and help reduce health inequalities across Luton and Bedfordshire.
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Head of Community Trust, the Community Operations Manager will provide operational leadership across the organisation, while maintaining a proportion of direct programme delivery to remain connected to communities, delivery teams and participant needs.
The role will coordinate and strengthen programme delivery; line manage designated staff and support the development of new programmes and associated funding opportunities aligned to organisational priorities.
The postholder will embed organisational strategy into effective day to day operations, acting as a key decision maker for operational matters and supporting senior leadership capacity.
Key Responsibilities
1. Community Engagement & Relationship Building
- Build strong relationships with funders, local authorities, key stakeholders, local schools, charities, grassroots clubs and other community organisations.
- Act as a liaison between the football club and the local community.
- Promote inclusion and diversity through outreach to underrepresented groups.
2. Programme Development & Delivery
- Contribute to and support funding applications, programme design, delivery and evaluation across community programmes within each department including, but not limited to:
- Education
- Health
- Inclusion
- Football Development
3. Staff and Volunteer Management
- Recruit, train and manage staff employees and volunteers who represent the Trust.
- Provide leadership and mentoring for delivery coaches, project workers, media team and match day staff.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Track the impact of community programmes using required and appropriate metrics and key performance indicators.
- Prepare reports for stakeholders, funders (e.g. EFL in the Community, Premier League Foundation, local authorities), and Luton Town Community Trust Board of Trustees.
- Ensure compliance and governance with safeguarding, health and safety and data protection policies.
5. Marketing & Promotion
- Raise awareness of the Trust’s work through managing the organisations media output across various platforms e.g. web site, newsletters, social media and local media outlets.
- Represent the Trust at community events, matchdays, and public forums.
6. Fundraising & Grant Management
- Collaborate with the Head of Trust and Programme Managers to identify and apply for grants and funding opportunities.
- Build partnerships with sponsors, local businesses and charitable foundations.
7. Club Integration
- Work cosely with all football club departments, including first team players and staff, media and marketing, facilities and catering, and Academy to ensure alignment between Community Trust and Club.
- Manage the efficient coordination of player appearances and community involvement on behalf of the Club
MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Education/Qualifications/Training:
Essentials
- Strong experience in community development, sport development and youth engagement.
- Strong project and operational management skills, with the ability to plan, deliver and evaluate initiatives – prioritising and managing multiple priorities
- Experience with grant funding processes
- Experience of developing organisational strategy within the sporting or charity sector
- Experience in partnership working with schools, councils, charities
- Leadership and staff supervision experience – managing coaches, volunteers or delivery staff
- Monitoring & evaluation skills – ability to track KPIs and write impact reports
- Budget management experience
- Confident IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and database software
- Valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience delivering health, inclusion, educational or behaviour-change programmesAbility to work to deadlines and meet project targets
- Understanding of health inequalities and barriers faced by children and families
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion within community delivery
- A strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice within education and community settings.
- Strong commitment to high-quality, values led delivery
- A full valid driving licence and access to car to travel between sites throughout Bedfordshire.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- Degree or equivalent qualification, or demonstrable relevant professional experience.
Desirables
- Experience working in a football foundation or Trust
- Knowledge of EFL Trust or Premier League Foundation community programmes including Capability Code of Practice
- Valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
- Event planning or matchday coordination experience
- Recognised sports coaching qualifications
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Leadership skills within a community or education setting
Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:
- Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about Luton Town Football Club.
- Must be pro-active, motivated, organised, responsible and able to work independently as well as in a team.
- Highly developed problem-solving skills, resilience, and the ability to perform well under pressure.
- Demonstrate good listening skills and have the ability to resolve issues where appropriate.
- Ability to multi-task whilst maintaining priority efficiencies.
- Focused on achieving Club, departmental and individual success.
- Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the football club.
- Be an ambassador for the Club presenting the Club in a positive image at all times.
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Criminal Record Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.
EQUALITY STATEMENT
The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
The individual must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders. The individual must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.