Location(s)
This position is open to candidates currently based in Scotland, in line with the role’s operational requirements. The role is home-based with in person attendance to our ‘All Staff Days’ in London (5 per year), team meetings (roughly 6 meetings per year) and occasional travel to other meetings and Westminster as required. Where possible, these are combined with an overnight stay.
London office: AdviceUK, 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0HW
Job Title: Policy and External Affairs Manager (Scotland)
Employment Type: Part-time
Reporting to: Head of Policy, Programmes and Media
Pay scale: £40,000 - £42,500 Full time equivalent (Actual salary £32,000-34,000)
Interview: In person interviews will take place on Friday 29th May at our London office
Working hours: 28 hours per week (4 days/0.8) within normal operating hours. Flexible working arrangements will be considered. (Normal operating hours are 8.00am - 6.30pm, Monday – Friday.) Lunch & other breaks are unpaid.
Special conditions: Some evening and weekend work may be required for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be granted. Some travel will be required which may entail some overnight stays.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly encouraging those from underrepresented groups.
CHARITY OVERVIEW
Since 1979, AdviceUK has been supporting advice organisations by helping them to be efficient, competent and effective, and by campaigning for a policy environment that supports advice agencies and people needing advice.
We are both a membership body and charity. We support our 700+ members (109 of which are located in Scotland) to provide advice to around 2 million people every year. We are working towards a world in which every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need to exercise their rights and deal with any legal and social welfare challenges they may face.
JOB PURPOSE
To set up and manage our policy and public affairs activities in Scotland ensuring AdviceUK has a strong voice, so we can secure policy change to benefit organisations delivering advice and the communities they serve. The post holder will be responsible for establishing AdviceUK’s first policy and influencing strategy for Scotland, including through developing policy solutions informed by strong evidence and rooted in member experience, and leading effective political and stakeholder engagement which will influence change. They will work closely with colleagues across the UK to join up policy, influencing and communications work.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Strategy
1.1 Develop AdviceUK’s first policy and influencing strategy for Scotland, through consultation with members and stakeholders and analysis of the landscape and opportunities in Scottish policy making.
1.2 Put plans in place to roll out a specific programme of proactive and reactive policy work to further AdviceUK’s strategic aims in Scotland and represent the voices of Scottish members.
1.3 Devise measures to monitor the impact of our policy and influencing work in Scotland and report back to staff, trustees, members and stakeholders about the difference we are making.
2.Policy development
2.1 Collaborate with AdviceUK members, partners, sector stakeholders and
beneficiaries to develop clear, concise and authoritative policy positions on key issues.
2.2 Produce high-quality, well-argued policy materials based on data and evidence, including reports, select committee responses, evidence statements, briefings and responses to Scottish Government consultations.
2.3 Provide policy input for media statements, press releases and social media posts relating to Scotland, which are managed by the Press Officer and Digital Marketing Officer.
2.4 Develop an expert knowledge of policy issues affecting Advice UK members, keep up to date on the political and legislative environment and identify opportunities to use these to further Advice UK’s strategic objectives.
2.5 Represent AdviceUK at policy and/or sector meetings and events.
3. Public affairs
3.1 Roll out a programme of public affairs work including Scottish parliamentary engagement to promote AdviceUK’s strategic priorities.
3.2 Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the Scottish Government and parliament, local and decision makers, non-governmental bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
3.3 Champion an evidence based approach to all Advice UK’s advocacy and external relations work, drawing on research and member insight to inform our campaign messages.
3.4 Ensure regular opportunities for Advice UK members in Scotland to feed into our public affairs and advocacy work, and regular communications on our impact, to demonstrate how we amplify their voice.
3.5 Monitor and evaluate public affairs work, including collecting relevant metrics, to report back on our success and inform future campaigns.
4. Research and data
4.1 Work with Policy, Programme and Media (PPM) colleagues as well as the wider AdviceUK team to develop the evidence base needed to inform our policy and campaigns work in Scotland.
4.2 Work with the Research and Policy Analyst to carry out analysis that identifies emerging trends in the Scottish advice world and use this to provide evidence-based policy briefings and specific policy solutions.
5. General duties
5.1 Ensure you effectively communicate Advice UK’s vision, mission and objectives to staff, members and external stakeholders.
5.2 Ensure you demonstrate Advice UK’s values and behaviours in all aspects of your work
5.3 Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including staff trustees; members, partners and suppliers
5.4 With support from your manager, deliver your agreed personal objectives and undertake any agreed development or training
5.5 Maintain a strong understanding of our members and the advice sector more generally, by reading internal reports; accessing relevant data reports; following our social media channels and, where possible, attending member and other relevant events. With the agreement of you line manager, ensure you make time to speak to members and visit their services.
5.6 Adhere at all times to Advice UK’s policies and procedures
5.7 Carry out any reasonable duties compatible with the post assigned by your line manager
Our purpose is to improve the lives of people in need of advice. We do this by supporting our members, so it is easier for them to help their clients.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Great opportunity to lead and support our charity's team through the next phase of development to drive One Medicine forward.
Job Purpose
To lead the operational delivery of Humanimal Trust’s charitable aims and strategic objectives, as set by the Board of Trustees, ensuring that plans are translated into clear priorities, well-managed programmes and effective day-to-day operations. The postholder will line manage the operational team, oversee the finances and the fundraising activities, and maintain strong governance and compliance within Charity Commission requirements, at all times representing the Trust’s One Medicine purpose with professionalism and integrity.
Dimensions
· Line management responsibility for the operational team
· Budget responsibility: manage agreed operational budgets and monitor expenditure against plan
· Oversee delivery of the annual business plan and operational work programme
· Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, supporters, partners and suppliers
· Oversee the fundraising activities
Main Responsibilities and Role
· Provide visible operational leadership for Humanimal Trust, championing One Medicine and role-modelling the Trust’s values
· Translate Board-approved strategy into clear operational priorities, delivery plans and measurable outcomes
· Line-manage the operational team: allocate work, set objectives, provide coaching, and manage performance and wellbeing
· Maintain and improve operational policies, procedures and controls in line with charity regulation, GDPR/data protection and recognised good practice
· Ensure effective delivery of core operational functions (administration, supporter care, governance support, data management and supplier coordination)
· Protect the Trust’s reputation by maintaining high standards of quality, confidentiality, safeguarding and risk management
· Monitor progress against the operational plan, tracking risks, issues and dependencies and reporting regularly to the Chair/Trustees
· Lead on team resourcing and capability: recruitment planning (where applicable), induction, training and continuous improvement
· Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to support good governance, prepare papers, and ensure actions and decisions are implemented
· Attend and present at Board meetings
Finance
· Manage day-to-day financial processes for the Trust, ensuring appropriate approvals, controls and timely processing
· Oversee expense claims and supplier payments in line with policy; ensure accurate records are maintained for audit and reporting
· Track and report on income/expenditure and operational costs, highlighting variances and supporting budget planning with Trustees and finance support (where in place)
· Maintain a clear audit trail for key financial decisions, contracts and delegated approvals
Planning and Organising
· Develop and implement operational plans that translate Trustee priorities into clear workstreams, milestones and accountabilities
· Plan, organise and prioritise team workload and resources to deliver objectives, balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term planning
· Maintain and review the organisational risk register, escalating issues and ensuring proportionate mitigations are in place
· Maintain and review the Trust’s policies and guidance documents
· Monitor and report delivery, performance and compliance (e.g., quarterly/annually as agreed), supporting effective governance and continuous improvement
Decision Making
· Make operational decisions to deliver the Trust’s agreed plans within delegated authority, escalating strategic or high-risk matters to the Chair/Trustees
· Lead and line-manage the operational team, including recruitment planning (where applicable), workload allocation and resource deployment
· Liaise with external partners, supporters, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers to support delivery and maintain effective relationships
· Liaise with the Chair of Trustees and the Trustees on a regular basis.
· Evaluate and improve processes, systems and ways of working to enhance quality, efficiency, supporter experience and internal control
· Identify learning and development needs for the team and support continuous improvement and professional development
· Manage operational capacity and prioritisation, ensuring resources are aligned to the Trust’s delivery commitments
· Approve expenditure, contracts and commitments within delegated authority and in line with policy
Internal and External Relationships
Internal
· Chair of Trustees and Board of Trustees (including sub-committees), providing timely updates, papers and delivery reporting
· Operational team and volunteers, providing leadership, coordination and support
External
Supporters, donors, partner organisations, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers (e.g., finance, HR, legal), acting as an operational point of contact as required
Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Style Required
Essential
· Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), with strong digital/IT capability (MS Office and CRM/databases) and a clear understanding of GDPR/data protection.
· Proven experience in an operational leadership/management role, delivering organisational plans, improving processes and achieving measurable outcomes.
· Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with Trustees, colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.
· Strong people management skills, supporting staff through change, setting clear expectations and creating an inclusive, high-performing team culture.
· Demonstrable experience working in or with a charity/not-for-profit, with a good understanding of governance, compliance and supporter-facing operations (experience in human health, animal health or science an advantage).
· Strong judgement and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities, budgets and risks and to deliver reliably in a small-organisation environment.
Desirable
· Understanding of the UK charity regulatory environment and good governance practice.
· Experience working with Boards/Trustees, including preparing papers, reporting on delivery and supporting effective decision-making.
· Knowledge and experience of fundraising operations and supporter care.
· Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, One Medicine.
Job Context and Special Features
This role is a key senior management position within Humanimal Trust, with responsibility for ensuring that strategy is translated into effective delivery, that the operational team is supported to perform at its best, and that the Trust operates with strong governance, compliance and financial control.
This is a one-year fixed term appointment for a 28-hour (3.5 day) working week, starting at the earliest opportunity. The role is home-based in the UK, with occasional travel to other locations in the country.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Regional Public Affairs Manager
Starting Salary: £50,582 (if based outside London); £53,777 (if based in London)
Contract: Full-time, permanent contract (we are open to conversations about different ways of working - so please ask)
Location: Remote role - can be based anywhere in England or Wales with an expectation of frequent travel across England and Wales
About Lloyds Bank Foundation
Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong.
We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger.
We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of impactful public affairs and influencing activity, strengthening regional voice and national impact.
As Regional Public Affairs Manager, you will work closely with colleagues to support influencing activity across England and Wales, helping to build confidence, capability, and effectiveness. You will support engagement with decision-makers, campaigns, and partnerships, ensuring activity is aligned and impactful.
You will play a key role in connecting local insight to national influencing, identifying emerging themes and helping to shape wider organisational priorities. You will also build relationships with external stakeholders, supporting activity that raises the Foundation’s profile and impact.
About You
We’re looking for someone with experience in public affairs, policy, or influencing, particularly at local or regional level. You will have experience of supporting or delivering influencing activity and working with a range of stakeholders.
You will be a strong relationship builder who combines practical delivery with the ability to use insight and evidence to inform work. A good understanding of the UK political landscape and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential.
How to Apply
Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply.
For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information in the candidate pack.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. This means that if you're a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role, we will invite you to interview.
More broadly, we are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities and people we work with. We believe that diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger and helps us make better decisions. We actively welcome applications from people who are under-represented in the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with experience of the issues our funded charities work to address.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00
First Interview: Friday 22nd May 2026
Second Interview: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
We support small, local and specialist charities across England and Wales.

