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The Politics Project is looking for a collaborative, strategic and people-focused Partnerships and Advocacy Manager. You’ll lead our influencing and partnerships work with a focus on the Democracy Classroom network, strengthening relationships across the youth, education and democracy sectors. If you are energised by connecting organisations, building relationships, and mobilising a network to take up new opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
About The Politics Project
The Politics Project supports young people to use their voice by giving them access to brilliant democratic education. They work with young people, teachers, youth practitioners and politicians to help them learn about, teach and actively participate in democracy. The Politics Project works across the UK with over 3,000 schools and youth groups and 400 politicians.
About Democracy Classroom
Democracy Classroom is a growing, non-partisan partnership of more than 100 civil society organisations committed to strengthening democratic engagement among young people across the UK.
The network is supported by the Democracy Classroom Platform, an online hub featuring hundreds of free resources for teachers and youth practitioners. Democracy Classroom reaches educators in 95% of UK parliamentary constituencies and plays a leading role in shaping the sector’s voice - coordinating joint submissions to government consultations and producing shared visions such as The Roadmap to Votes at 16.
This is a rare opportunity to drive collaboration at a national level and support the sector to prepare for major upcoming changes in democratic education, including the introduction of Votes at 16.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Partnerships and Advocacy Manager to strengthen The Politics Project’s influencing and partnerships work, with a focus on Democracy Classroom - a non-partisan network of organisations across the youth, education and democracy sectors. You’ll lead the implementation of the new Democracy Classroom strategy, and grow the network’s impact and reach in the build up to the next general election and the implementation of votes at 16.
You will play a central role in expanding and activating the network - supporting over 100 partner organisations to collaborate effectively, share learning, build trust and increase their collective impact. You will be a key player in keeping the sector informed, connected and ready to respond to key moments in democratic engagement, from elections to policy changes.
You will take on a highly relational role, working closely with the team to manage and nurture a complex network blending multiple sectors. You will collaborate with the Director to manage shared relationships across the Democracy Classroom network, building more ownership over time. You’ll help position Democracy Classroom as an important conduit between the sector and major stakeholders like government departments and funders.
This is a dynamic, outward-facing role that blends strategic thinking with hands-on coordination. You’ll work closely with the Head of Communications and Networks, the Democracy Classroom Programme Coordinator and colleagues across The Politics Project to make sure partners feel supported, valued and part of a shared mission.
The Politics Project is based in London, and the post holder will be expected to work from the office at least two days a week. The role may require occasional UK travel and some evening/weekend work, for which time off in lieu will be given. The role has a six-month probation period. The hours of work are 37.5 hrs per week. This is a fast-paced role in a friendly, supportive and growing team.
Key responsibilities
Partnership management
Build, nurture and deepen relationships with more than 100 civil society partners, helping each partner see themselves as part of a growing and collaborative sector.
Identify and recruit new organisations into Democracy Classroom, leading our onboarding process and helping new partners make the best of Democracy Classroom.
Facilitate partner input into planning, shared problem-solving and decision-making.
Build understanding of partners’ diverse needs and perspectives, supporting and balancing between these with sensitivity.
Advocacy and influencing
Spot and act on emerging opportunities for collaboration, policy influence and joint sector action.
Work with government departments such as DfE, DCMS, and MHCLG on the implementation plan for Votes at 16, translating sector expertise and experience.
Manage relationships with academics and engage confidently with research to be an effective advocate for democratic education.
Organise and facilitate events and advocacy opportunities such as advocacy panels, funder roundtables.
Draft reports, submit evidence to the government, and feed into policy consultations.
Jump on quick opportunities for the network, bringing people together and turning things around fast (e.g., presenting sector needs to funders or submitting evidence to Government).
Engagement and representation
Plan and deliver Democracy Classroom meetings, training and networking events.
Represent The Politics Project and Democracy Classroom externally as a confident ambassador for our collaborative, non-partisan approach.
Develop and deliver partner communications to ensure consistent, clear and timely updates.
Act as the main point of contact for Democracy Classroom partner queries, support and collaboration.
Monitoring and reporting
Track partner engagement and feedback to support continuous improvement.
Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting to demonstrate the network’s impact.
Work with The Politics Project team to most effectively document partner activity.
Benefits
33 days’ annual leave including three days off between Christmas and New Year, in addition to Bank Holidays.
4% employer pension contribution.
2 working days / 15 hours of volunteer leave a year.
Cycle to Work scheme.
Professional development and training opportunities
A warm, inclusive and values-led working environment
About you
You are passionate about democratic engagement and believe in the power of young people’s voices. You’re an enthusiastic relationship-builder who enjoys connecting organisations, spotting opportunities and turning ideas into action.
You’ll bring a strategic mindset, strong emotional intelligence and communication skills, and confidence working across sectors. You’re proactive, organised and comfortable balancing long-term partnership development with hands-on delivery.
Most of all, you’re motivated by the challenge and opportunity of supporting a high-profile national network that is shaping the future of democratic education.
An enhanced DBS check is required for this role (provided by The Politics Project).
Skills and experience
Essential
Proven experience in partnership or stakeholder management, ideally in civil society, education or government.
Strong strategic thinking, and a drive to identify and jump on opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.
High emotional intelligence and ability to navigate complex relationships in a growing space.
Strong project management and organisational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Confident working with the youth or education sectors (teaching/youth work not required).
Experience of submitting evidence to Government, drafting quasi-academic reports or policy briefings, or responding to consultations. An academic background is not needed, but you must be comfortable engaging with policy and research.
Knowledge of, and interest in, UK politics and democratic engagement.
Self-motivated, resilient and solutions-focused.
Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel within the UK.
Desirable
IT literacy, including strong use of Google Workspace.
Experience using CRMs or managing databases.
Experience evaluating partnership impact and producing reports.
How to apply
Please apply via Charity Job with the following:
Your CV (no more than two pages).
A supporting statement of no more than one A4 page, setting out how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the person specification and why you are drawn to this role.
The closing date is 11:30pm, Saturday 20th June 2026.
Screening calls are planned for the week beginning Monday 29th June, with interviews to follow in early July.
Anticipated start date will be August or September, depending on notice period.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) have contracted Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and LF Solutions to provide independent administration and support to FoCUS, their Forum of Carers and people who Use Services.
HOURS: 18 hours per week, worked flexibly, mostly Monday to Friday. To include at least one evening per month
TERM: Permanent
SALARY: £12,000 - 13,000 per annum (full time equivalent to £24,000 - 26,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications)
LOCATION: Home based or office based with regular travel within Surrey and NE Hants
REPORTING TO: Mental Health Lead
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Surrey Coalition Board of Directors
CLOSING DATE: 22nd June 2026 at 10:00am
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People
Our vision is a world where difference is valued, and diversity is celebrated. A world where everyone has the same rights, freedoms, choices, and opportunities.
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People is an innovative organisation that is led by disabled people working together to achieve our vision.
Purpose of the Role
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) have contracted Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and LF Solutions to provide independent administration and support to FoCUS, their Forum of Carers and people who Use Services.
FoCUS enables people to have their say and influence the mental health services they receive within Surrey and Northeast Hampshire.
FoCUS was set up by SABP to:
· Place people at the heart of the delivery and design of mental health services
· Set standards for how they involve people
· Measure how well they involve people
· Measure how well they deliver services
This role is intended to facilitate and coordinate involvement in FoCUS by promoting the network and encouraging people who use the Trust’s services and carers to join and participate in user involvement activities, and raise themes heard from member experiences to the Trust for discussion.
Main Responsibilities
Promotion of FoCUS
· Encourage and enable people with experience of mental health services and carers to join FoCUS and to influence SABP’s services.
· Increase awareness of the benefits of user involvement and representation in building people’s confidence, sense of worth and self-esteem and in helping people to achieve greater social inclusion.
· Promote FoCUS to people who use SABP’s services and carers, across Surrey and Northeast Hampshire. Using a variety of communication and engagement methods including attending relevant outreach and community events with an exhibition stand or promotional materials.
· Increase the number of service users and carers joining as FoCUS members.
· Develop and maintain personal contacts within SABP’s services in Surrey and Northeast Hampshire to promote FoCUS to their clients, and encourage key staff to attend Community Group meetings.
· Liaise with other services including Community Mental Health Recovery Services, Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and other public services and voluntary sector providers to promote FoCUS and encourage them to promote FoCUS membership to their clients.
Management of the Network
· Contact new FoCUS members to ensure their support and access needs are met and to encourage them to attend their local Community Group meetings.
· Work with LF Solutions to maintain and manage network enquiries, new members, meeting planning and delivery of the activities of the forum.
· Act as main contact for service users, carers and professionals for the FoCUS network. Manage inbox and all enquiries.
· Chair the meetings of the forum to ensure the smooth running of meetings and enable everyone to contribute in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
· Encourage members to attend FoCUS meetings and drop in’s to share recent service experiences.
· Produce a quarterly mental health Newsletter to promote outcomes achieved, manage the social media accounts for FoCUS.
Reporting
· Maintain accurate records. Keeping confidential member information up to date, undertaking data cleanses, recording meeting attendance and topics of discussion. Track activity and outcomes data for reporting purposes.
· Provide a quarterly report on activities and membership to SABP.
Development of volunteer FoCUS Representatives
· Encourage FoCUS members to put themselves forward to become a volunteer FoCUS Representative, explaining the nature and commitment of the role.
· Work with FoCUS Representatives on plans for engagement in their Areas and to agree their individual level of involvement in promoting FoCUS. Help them prepare their respective contributions to their Community Group meetings.
· Organise and attend a quarterly meeting of the FoCUS Representatives to prepare contributions to FoCUS Committee meetings, and provide support as required.
· Identify any training needs of FoCUS members and Representatives, to empower them to fulfil their potential and build personal skills and confidence to have their say.
General Duties
· Encourage existing and new FoCUS members to also join Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and the Independent Mental Health Network, offering opportunities for involvement in other issues affecting their lives.
· At all times, to work within Surrey Coalition’s policies. Including equal opportunities and health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.
· To work as a member of the team promoting FoCUS, including FoCUS Representatives and staff of Surrey Coalition and LF Solutions.
· Work flexibly to meet the responsibilities of the role and be responsive to any feedback.
· Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the role, as required by the Chief Executive and Mental Health Lead.
Person specification
It is essential that you have:
· Understanding of the value of user involvement and representation
· Understanding of mental health conditions and services
· Experience of working with groups and/or volunteers in community-based settings
· Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a range of formats and with a variety of audiences
· Good interpersonal skills to work with others to achieve objectives
· Self-motivated and able to work independently
· Advanced organisation and coordination skills with the ability to prioritise and plan your own workload
· Have a methodical approach to information gathering, recording and reporting
· A high degree of self-motivation and able to work on own initiative
· Confident phone call manner
· The ability to work safely from home and willingness to do so, or the ability to work from our office in Burpham
· Good level of computer literacy including all Microsoft packages with experience of using a range of databases, and video conferencing software
· The ability to travel around the county including occasional travel to the main office base in Burpham
It is desirable that you have:
· Personal experience of receiving mental health services or caring for someone who has
· Experience of chairing or facilitating meetings or groups
· Knowledge and/or experience of working with people who have used mental health services and/or carers
· Knowledge and experience of user and carer involvement in Surrey and North East Hampshire
· A good understanding of the Health, Social Care and Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS)
· A understanding of GDPR and adult safeguarding principles
· Live within Surrey or North East Hampshire
This role requires the successful applicant to be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (we will organise and pay for this for you if you are successful).
As part of a remote working and flexible team we will support you to find the ways of working that suit you best.
What we offer you:
· Flexible working hours
· Induction training and support
· On-going training and development and the opportunity to complete accredited training
· 27 days annual leave per annum (excluding bank holidays), raising to 28 days after 2 years of service
· Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
· Company Pension Plan
· Equipment (laptop and mobile phone)
· Pre-agreed expenses
· A great team and the opportunity to really make a difference!
To apply
Fill in the application form available on our website by 10am on 22nd June 2026. CVs won't be accepted.
If you think you might be interested in this role and would like to have an informal chat about it, please do get in touch! You can contact Immy Markwick by calling our office.
We are run and managed by Disabled people for Disabled people. Our aim is to campaign and promote the rights of Disabled people to live independently
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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