Parliamentary and campaigns manager jobs in Bristol
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About Thrombosis UK
Thrombosis UK is the UK’s leading thrombosis charity, working to improve awareness, prevention and support for people affected by blood clots.
As part of our new organisational strategy, we are launching a major programme focused on raising awareness of blood clot (VTE) risk during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This programme will combine public awareness, healthcare professional engagement, patient advocacy and policy influence to improve understanding, encourage earlier action and contribute to longer-term system change.
We are seeking an experienced freelance communications professional to work alongside our team to help shape and deliver this programme.
The opportunity
This is not a traditional PR brief. We are looking for someone who can think strategically while also delivering practical communications activity across multiple channels.
The consultant will work alongside Thrombosis UK staff who already deliver digital communications, social media, volunteer engagement and patient support. The role is to provide strategic communications expertise, lead specialist campaign activity and build the team's capacity, rather than replace existing internal functions.
The successful consultant will help us develop and implement an integrated campaign that includes:
· Public awareness campaigns
· Media relations and press activity
· Digital communications and content planning
· Website content and user journeys
· Stakeholder communications
· Support for public affairs and parliamentary engagement
· Campaign evaluation and learning
The consultant will work closely with our Chief Executive and wider team, bringing specialist campaign expertise that complements our existing clinical knowledge and patient support work.
Please send:
• A short statement outlining your relevant experience
• Proposal that outlines how you would approach the work including budget plans
• Examples of similar campaigns or projects
• Your availability (we are keen to start and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis)
• Evidence of liability insurance and any professional association memberships
Thank you!
Who we are
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
What you’ll do
Reports to: Chief Executive
Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders)
We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.
Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.
You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.
Who are we looking for?
You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.
You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.
Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.
IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.
What we can offer you
- 5% employer pension contributions
- Healthcare cash plan
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).
To apply
Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.
First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.