Public Affairs Officer

January 2022, Full-time, 6-month contract

Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 per annum (pro rata)

Location: London (remote working available as per our Home Working Policy)

Hours: 09.00 – 17.00

Job type: Full time, 6-month contract

Holidays: 27 days annual leave + public holidays

The Sutton Trust is the UK’s leading foundation dedicated to improving social mobility. Founded by Sir Peter Lampl in 1997, the Trust delivers programmes to 7,000 young people each year across the country, rigorous research into the issues of low social mobility and educational disadvantage, and policy advocacy to affect systemic change. The Trust gives opportunities to young people from low and moderate-income backgrounds to improve their chances of accessing top universities and the professions. It seeks to ensure young people reach their potential, regardless of their background, school or where they live.  

The Trust is recruiting a creative and committed Public Affairs Officer to join a small, high-performing team. The successful candidate will play a significant role in supporting and achieving impact for the Trust’s research and policy outputs, which will include working with external stakeholders, including parliament, third sector and educational bodies. They will also support the policy and advocacy work of the Trust, including producing effective briefings for staff and parliamentarians, and lending support to Sutton Trust campaigns and projects as required.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

To apply

Please download the candidate application pack from our website, complete the application form, and submit it to us.

The applicant pack includes:

• Job description and person specification
• Application form
• Equal Opportunities Monitoring form (optional)

Applications should reach us by midday on Monday 31st January with first-round interviews held on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th February and second round interviews held in the week commencing 14th February. Unfortunately, due to the large number of applications we receive, we will not be able to provide feedback to candidates who are not invited to interview.

Please note that first-round interviews will be held over Zoom. Pending government guidance, second round interviews may be held at our London offices.

Please state your name and the role you are applying for in the subject line of the email, and it would also be greatly appreciated if you could note where you saw this job advertised (there is space to do this on the application form).

If you require any materials in an alternative format, or have any questions, please get in contact with us.

Any information you provide as part of your application will be treated as confidential and managed in accordance with relevant data protection legislation and guidance. Our privacy statement can be found on our website.

Location: Homeworking with some in person meetings (government guidance dependent). Hot desking options available

Hours: Full Time Equivalent 35 hours per week (part time and flexible working arrangements considered)

Pension: 5% employer contribution

Leave: 28 days per annum, plus bank holidays

Become is looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Manager to join our dynamic and ambitious team.

This pivotal role will drive forward our policy and research agenda, develop impactful relationships with key stakeholders, and ensure care experienced young people are helping to shape our policy & campaigning work.   

You will bring experience of policy development and research on social policy issues; have a track record of effectively influencing government policy; be a natural collaborator, networker and relationship builder; and have knowledge of the care system and the issues faced by children in care and care leavers.

At Become we value and celebrate people’s diversity and believe this strengthens our team. As an organisation serving children in care and care leavers, we are keen to receive applications from people with experience of care and recognise the importance of having care experienced staff within our team. We are also actively seeking to bring diversity of perspectives and experience, and especially welcome applications from people with disabilities, from Black, Asian & Minoritised Ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ communities.

If you think you can do the job well, and bring passion and commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of children in care and care leavers, then we want to hear from you!

How to apply: Please provide a CV and no more than two A4 pages detailing your suitability for the role.Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application.

Closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 23 January and applications should be sent by email.

Interviews will be scheduled for week commencing 7 February

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact our Director of Policy, Campaigns and Communications, Clare Bracey.

As the government prepares a ‘once in a generation’ redesign of the system of financial services policy and regulation in the UK, there could be no better time to use your skills in influencing policy and government to help make sure the financial system works for people and planet.

As Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Finance Innovation Lab you will use your deep experience of creating policy change to develop and implement the Lab’s public affairs strategy. Your first class networking, relationship-building and communication skills will help you build support among parliamentarians and policy-makers, and bring our community of allies together to support effective advocacy campaigns to create a more just, sustainable, resilient and democratic system. You will love getting to grips with the complex area of financial sector policy, but will be able to focus on winning the key changes that can help create transformative shifts to help the system work for people and planet.

In this role you will:

• develop and implement the Lab’s public affairs strategy, based on building the power of our community of allies to create policy change.

• build relationships and support among parliamentarians, policy-makers, journalists, influencers and allies.

• create opportunities to increase awareness and support for Lab and community partner advocacy campaigns among political audiences, including organising and attending meetings and events.

• draft accurate briefings and other materials to shape relevant political debate, including undertaking some policy research.

• monitor political and policy developments to help adapt our strategy to take advantage of new information and opportunities.

• help coordinate advocacy with partner organisations.

Your profile

We’re looking for an experienced, strategic and effective Policy and Public Affairs Manager. Your key skills and experience will be:

• understanding how to create policy change, including:

  • experience in advocacy or public affairs with success in influencing UK government policy.

  • thorough knowledge of parliamentary procedures and policy-making and regulatory processes.

  • good Westminster and Whitehall contacts.

• networking, relationship-building and communication skills. You’ll thrive on building strong connections with policy makers and allies.

• policy development skills, including an ability to understand complex issues and identify advocacy demands that are achievable but transformative.

• a very strong commitment to the aims and values of the Lab, and a passion for using your skills to transform the financial system for people and planet. This includes a demonstrable dedication to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and an openness to continual reflection, learning and development.

 A good understanding of UK financial sector policy is desirable but not essential. 

About the Lab

The Finance Innovation Lab is a UK charity working to transform the financial system for people and planet.

Dysfunctions in the financial system lie at the root of many of today’s challenges, from climate change and economic crises, to poverty, marginalisation, and inequality.

We believe it doesn’t have to be this way. 

We work for deep, lasting change to the financial system to make it democratic, sustainable, just and resilient. We create this change by building the power of a community of systems-changemakers and developing ambitious initiatives that transform the financial system for people and planet. 

Find out more about the Lab and apply via our recruitment portal by clicking 'apply on website'.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager

£33,000-£36,000 per annum + benefits (including 25 days annual leave and pension)

Leatherhead

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are rebuilding!

Following a difficult year, we are pleased to be in a position to begin growing our care teams so that we can continue to deliver a high-quality family support service to more families in need. Our strategic plan is to rebuild and then continue to grow, so this is a perfect time to join us.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

About you and the role:

We are looking to appoint a Policy and Public Affairs Manager to develop and lead the implementation of Rainbow Trust’s influencing strategy and plans, ensuring that our policy activity is needs-led, evidence-based and targeted to where change can most effectively be realised, identifying the key stakeholders with whom it needs to build relationships and further influence.

Reporting to the Director of Care Services and working closely with the Head of Care, you will increase understanding, awareness and support for Rainbow Trust’s cause and work, and engage stakeholders including policy-makers and elected representatives at a UK-wide, national and regional level.

Holding a good understanding of how government works, together with having worked in a health or social care environment, you will ensure that Rainbow Trust remains a credible and authoritative voice on the impact of the diagnosis of life-threatening or terminal illness on the whole family and on the needs of our beneficiaries.

What we’re looking for:

• A socially focused and enthusiastic individual who builds rapport and stimulates others into action – you have a collaborative, motivating approach to achieving goals quickly by engaging the commitment of others, and work with a sense of urgency.
• A persuasive, detail-oriented and effective written and verbal communicator - you have experience writing for a range of audiences, from in-depth policy briefings to web pages and social media posts, and have the ability to interpret policy into meaningful operational language, working closely within established guidelines and procedures.
• Experienced in utilising a variety of campaigning tools (including e-campaigning) and having working in an SME – you’re a proactive, people-focused problem solver that delivers practical timely solutions at a faster-than-average pace, are confident in the use of MSOffice, and have an action-oriented working style.
• Politically astute and conscientious with the energy and passion for influencing change in children’s palliative care - you thrive on having ownership of a variety of projects simultaneously and achieving organisational success with and through people
• Applications will be particularly welcome from those who have an understanding of issues regarding children’s palliative care, who have had previous success in influencing and lobbying key stakeholders.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees. If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us more information can also be found in our Candidate Pack.

How to apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter highlighting why your application should be considered above others to us via the link.

First interviews will take place via Zoom on 16 February 2022, with second interviews on 21 February 2022. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

As a CQC registered organization, it is an expectation that all Rainbow Trust employees are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (unless medically exempt).

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation.

Registered Charity No: 1070532

We’re looking for someone to join our College’s external affairs team and help us convince the government that mental health must remain top of the political agenda.

The College has had some stunning successes around weaving media hits and behind-the-scenes public affairs influencing work together – and in your role you will have the opportunity to contribute to both.

Splitting your time between media work and lobbying, you will be adept at drafting pithy, on-message responses to media enquiries as well as coming up with ideas of your own for press releases.

You will be comfortable lobbying MPs and peers for help in driving forwards much-needed improvements to mental health services and have the social skills to charm and cajole alike.

As a leading healthcare body, we’re frequently invited to give parliamentary evidence. You’ll be involved in helping us prepare for those occasions, and you’ll provide secretariat for the All-Parties Parliamentary Group on mental health.

A natural when it comes to social media, you will be able to turn your hand to twitter and other forms of digital communication, striking the right balance between reflecting the College’s stance on any one of a number of crucial mental health issues and getting the tone right.

Underpinning all this will be your embodiment of the College’s values – Courage, Innovation, Respect, Collaboration, Learning and Excellence.

Experience in working in media relations or public affairs is a must, as is a keen interest in mental health care. An understanding of the workings of a Medical Royal College is an advantage.

The chosen candidates will be well supported with training and given the chance to learn from experienced and dedicated communications professionals.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure Barring Service check.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional membership body for psychiatrists and promotes excellent care for people with mental illness. It has 19,000 members and engages with the government and the media as the leading voice of the UK’s mental health services. The College is a values-based organisation and, in 2019, was named Charity of the Year in the European Diversity Awards.

The College values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, reflecting the population it serves.

We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive culture, a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We aim to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity. 

We will consider putting into place appropriate reasonable adjustments for candidates who may have a disability. 

We only recruit the best and in return for your commitment, the College offers an attractive salary and benefits. 

How to apply

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit our website. 

We welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

Closing date: Thursday 3 February 2022 at 10am

Interview dates: Wednesday 23 February 2022

The College is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Charity registration no. 228636

No agencies or publications please.

The Royal College of Podiatry are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced individual with experience of contributing to policy and the ability to communicate our position in Scotland to a wide range of audiences and increase our profile.

This is a fantastic role, over 3 days per week (21 hours), for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. A skilled communicator, with a good understanding of the policy making process, you’ll join a high performing, team to develop high impact policy and public affairs strategies.

Job purpose: 

• To support policy development in Scotland in line with the Royal College’s strategic plan
• To raise the profile of the Royal College and establish the Royal College’s position with key stakeholders as the primary authority in relation to podiatry and foot health
• To identify examples of best practice in podiatry and promote this to internal and external stakeholders

Key responsibilities of the role:

Under the direction of the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and accountable to the relevant committees, to be responsible for:

• Developing evidence-based policy positions to influence policy at local and national levels
• Building effective relations with Ministers, MSPs, the Chief AHP Officer, Arm’s Length Bodies and Civil Servants, ensuring that opinion formers are fully briefed on the impact of podiatry interventions
• Scanning the political horizon to identify areas of policy relevant to the Royal College in Scotland and developing responses to external consultations
• Developing and maintaining effective, coordinated, working relations with political parties, healthcare professional bodies, charities and patient bodies
• Managing the Royal College’s public affairs presence at external events and representing the Royal College at external meetings as required
• Representing the Royal College and providing policy and public affairs support to the Scottish Podiatry Leaders Network
• To work from home self-directed to enable regular travel to meet members which may include regular overnight stays within travel policy
• To have regular complex and challenging conversations with internal and external stakeholders
• To contribute to corporate communications including, the members’ magazine, e-newsletters, and website
• To deputise for the Head of Policy when required
• Updating members on the Royal College’s policy and public affairs work by attending branch meetings and disseminating regular newsletters
• Using social media to promote the Royal College’s policy and public affairs work to stakeholders
• To be an effective advocate and represent the organisation and podiatry profession externally
• To take a coordinated approach with the wider Policy and Public Affairs team, identifying common themes and strategies, making best use of limited resources
• To conduct continual gap analysis on the organisation’s strategy and direction in Scotland

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent and/or relevant work experience
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of government and NHS Scotland processes
• Robust understanding of health policy and related issues
• Ability to work diplomatically across a range of stakeholders
• Experience of influencing and campaigning within a membership organisation or similar
• Ability to map, evaluate and implement national policy and its implications for the Royal College
• Ability to work independently and prioritise effectively, often to tight deadlines
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Excellent written, IT, presentation and verbal communication skills

This is an exciting time to join Brain Tumour Research as we capitalise on the growth of the charity during the pandemic and are embarking on the All-Party parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours - Pathway to a Cure Inquiry, which we are leading on in our role as secretariat.

Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Reports To: Director of Research, Policy and Innovation
Location: Head Office, Milton Keynes MK5 6LB
Salary: up to £35,000
Line Management: None

Reporting to the newly appointed Director of Research, Policy and Innovation, the Public Affairs Officer will work with the Head of Stakeholder Relations to drive forward our manifesto for change: building capacity, accelerating treatments, and increasing the national investment in brain tumour research.

We wish to recruit an experienced, energetic, professional, hard-working, and hands-on individual to join our busy team and support the development and implementation of effective public affairs and campaigning activities, working across the team, regional Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence, member charities and activists to ensure we campaign with one voice and help drive change for brain tumour campaigners, patients and their loved ones.

Main duties:

• Develop and deliver public affairs and campaigning plans that support Brain Tumour Research’s organisational objectives, highlight the specific needs of brain tumour patients, and work with the Head of Stakeholder Relations to promote a compelling and persuasive narrative to support our policy calls
• Build effective relationships with MPs, their teams, government departments, colleagues, lobbyists, and policy officers at partner organisations
• Develop and deliver public affairs plans for devolved nations, building effective relations with MSPs, AMs, MLAs and their teams
• Support the engagement of Brain Tumour Research campaigners, working with the Head of Stakeholder Relations to convert Campaigners to Activists and organise termly ‘Get Togethers’, introducing to Community Fundraising team as appropriate

Help us fund the fight. Together we will find a cure.

Closing Date: Sunday 6th February

Early applications are encouraged, interviews will commence before the closing date if suitable candidates are identified.

To Apply and for More Information:

If you would like to find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

No agencies please.

Location:

Bath or remote working

The organisation

A health campaign

The role:

To deliver the public affairs and policy activities across the UK’s 4 nations in order to help achieve the campaign goals.

To play a role in information gathering, research and policy development as well as drafting briefings and notes for Parliamentarians.

To work with the communications team to promote the public affairs successes in social media and online.

The candidate:

Experienced in working in Parliament or in a policy or public affairs role

A solid understanding of Westminster and Whitehall, the parliamentary process and the structures of government in the devolved nations of the UK.

Able to summarise complex policy data information and both accurately and efficiently.

Deadline: Monday 17th  January 2022.

The Royal College of Podiatry are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced individual with experience of contributing to policy and the ability to communicate our position in Wales to a wide range of audiences and increase our profile.

This is a fantastic role, over 2 days per week (14 hours), for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Wales, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. A skilled communicator, with a good understanding of the policy making process, you’ll join a high performing, team to develop high impact policy and public affairs strategies.

Job purpose: 

• To support policy development in Wales in line with the Royal College’s strategic plan
• To raise the profile of the Royal College and establish the Royal College’s position with key stakeholders as the primary authority in relation to podiatry and foot health
• To identify examples of best practice in podiatry and promote this to internal and external stakeholders

Key responsibilities of the role:

Under the direction of the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and accountable to the relevant committees, to be responsible for:

• Developing evidence-based policy positions to influence policy at local and national levels
• Building effective relations with Ministers, MSPs, the Chief AHP Adviser, Arm’s Length Bodies and Civil Servants, ensuring that opinion formers are fully briefed on the impact of podiatry interventions
• Scanning the political horizon to identify areas of policy relevant to the Royal College in Wales and developing responses to external consultations
• Developing and maintaining effective, coordinated, working relations with political parties, healthcare professional bodies, charities and patient bodies
• Managing the Royal College’s public affairs presence at external events and representing the Royal College at external meetings as required
• Representing the Royal College and providing policy and public affairs support to the Welsh National Orthotic and Podiatry Standing Advisory Group (NOPSAG)
• To work from home self-directed to enable regular travel to meet members which may include regular overnight stays within travel policy
• To have regular complex and challenging conversations with internal and external stakeholders
• To contribute to corporate communications including, the members’ magazine, e-newsletters, and website
• To deputise for the Head of Policy when required
• Updating members on the Royal College’s policy and public affairs work by attending branch meetings and disseminating regular newsletters
• Using social media to promote the Royal College’s policy and public affairs work to stakeholders
• To be an effective advocate and represent the organisation and podiatry profession externally
• To take a coordinated approach with the wider Policy and Public Affairs team, identifying common themes and strategies, making best use of limited resources
• To conduct continual gap analysis on the organisation’s strategy and direction in Wales

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent and/or relevant work experience
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of government and NHS Wales processes
• Robust understanding of health policy and related issues
• Ability to work diplomatically across a range of stakeholders
• Experience of influencing and campaigning within a membership organisation or similar
• Ability to map, evaluate and implement national policy and its implications for the Royal College
• Ability to work independently and prioritise effectively, often to tight deadlines
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Excellent written, IT, presentation and verbal communication skills

COM216 - Public Affairs Campaigns Adviser

London and home working

Salary: Grade 4: £30,000-£35,000 depending on experience

Contract type: Permanent

Full time (35 hours per week) or part time (28 hours per week)

This is an exciting opportunity at a crucial time for the Royal College of Physicians. We are at the heart of supporting doctors through the pandemic, we have a key role in helping to reset the NHS, and our profile in Parliament and the health sector is as high as it has ever been.

The public affairs and campaigns adviser will help us to make sure the impact of the pandemic results in innovations and improvements in healthcare. You will help develop and deliver our public affairs influencing work, developing relationships with people in Parliament, Whitehall, and the health and care sector. You will use those relationships to make sure we have influence on issues related to workforce, health inequalities, integrated care and research.

You will be as comfortable speaking to parliamentarians and other stakeholders as you are writing consultation submissions and briefings. You will understand and be able to engage with the detail of legislation, while appreciating the bigger picture and our place in it. You will have experience of carefully analysing the external environment to spot opportunities to raise the profile of our policy priorities. And you will be able to help quickly draft press releases and media statements.

The policy and campaigns team – and the wider communications, policy and research directorate - is a fast paced, collaborative and innovative environment. We value the opinions and ideas of every member of the team and actively seek their contributions. You will contribute to policy development, help us set our objectives and improve the ways we work.

Responsibilities

• Developing a broad understanding of key policy issues and positions so you can help the RCP meet its objectives by contributing to the development and implementation of strategies to engage with and influence decision makers.
• Maintaining a keen awareness of issues within the health sector, politics and the media in order to spot opportunities, contribute to policy development, advise senior officers and work with communications colleagues and other staff as appropriate.
• Maintaining and developing relationships with Parliamentarians, their staff and civil servants.
• Proactively identifying opportunities for engagement, working with the media team to craft statements so relevant issues are highlighted to the media.
• Maintaining and developing relationships with other health organisations and bodies involved in the delivery of care.
• Working flexibly and proactively, undertaking a range of work such as writing briefings, letters, parliamentary bulletins and consultation responses.
• Preparing senior officers and staff for stakeholder meetings, and yourself representing the RCP at meetings and events.

Experience

You will

• have a background in public affairs, understanding how the UK political system works and how to effectively influence it
• have contributed to developing and delivering successful influencing campaigns, including tailoring communications to a variety of audiences
• have excellent writing skills and experience of producing briefings, consultation responses and other communications on behalf of an organisation and senior people
• be able to quickly develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including those in senior positions
• be able to act on your own initiative to develop new work, proposing reasonable and realistic solutions
• understand the importance of and be committed to involving a diverse range of organisations and people in developing and delivering campaigns.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Discounted gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Flexible working

About the RCP

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is a patient-centred and clinically led membership organisation for physicians, with 41,000 members worldwide. The RCP works to ensure that physicians are trained to provide high-quality care, and promotes evidence-based policies to government to encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce illness. By working in partnership with other health organisations, we present a powerful and unified voice to improve health and healthcare.

Our values

We are committed to taking care, learning, and being collaborative. These values drive the way we behave, how we interact with each other, and how we work together to achieve our vision and improve patient care.

We value taking care

This means we behave respectfully towards people, whatever their role, position, gender or background. It means we act as representatives of the RCP, and take decisions in the interests of the organisation as a whole.

We value learning

This means we continuously improve through active learning and honest reflection, so that we grow personally and as an organisation, while striving for excellence. We support learning and development opportunities.

We value being collaborative

This means we work together towards the RCP’s vision in a collaborative and professional way, understanding that individuals bring different strengths and approaches to our work. We value diversity and each other’s contributions.

For more information about the role, please view the job description and person specification. If you would like to talk to us about it, please email Louise Forsyth, public affairs manager.

To apply, please click apply to send a CV and covering letter to us.

Closing date: 18 February 

Interview date: TBC 

The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. 

The RCP is all about our people – our members, our staff, our volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. That’s why welcoming and having people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is so important to us.

About the role

The RCOG are implementing a new programme focused on renewing the UK Government’s global commitment to women and girls’ health. Through engagement with UK Government and parliamentarians, our aim is to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) sits at the heart of the UK Government’s overseas development strategy, ensuring the UK maintains its position as a global leader in promoting the health of women and girls. 

In this role, you will be instrumental in supporting the delivery and coordination of the political and parliamentary programme, working collaboratively with teams across the RCOG and with the Centre for Women’s Global Health. This is a fast-paced role in which you will need a good level of persuasive communication skills to maintain and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

About you

As the ideal candidate, you will have:

• Experience of working in or with UK Parliament or other political institutions
• Experience of building and maintaining relationships with key public affairs stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with demonstrable experience of writing briefings and reports and presenting findings to political and policy audiences
• Good understanding of Parliamentary procedures and ideally some experience of working on international development issues.

Our culture and benefits

As a key member of the team, you will be located in our brand new offices in London Bridge. We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile and flexible working
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and office closure from 25 December to 1 January
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution after probation
• Enhanced occupational Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental leave policies
• Free lunch (onsite only)
• Employee Support Service counselling

Please note, RCOG offices are based in London Bridge, but due to Covid-19, home working will currently be required.

For a full list of the benefits we offer please visit our careers site.

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website via the Apply button, to download the full Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing date for applications: 10.00am on Monday 7 February 2022

We believe that diverse teams will deliver the best outcomes for women's healthcare and we strive to be an inclusive employer. We are therefore looking for candidates whose backgrounds, experience and identity enhance the diversity of our existing team. We are particularly encouraging applications from underrepresented groups at the College such as those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and those with a disability.

[We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa]

About us

The RCOG is a professional membership association dedicated to improving women’s health care across the world. We do this by setting standards for clinical practice, providing doctors with training and lifelong learning, and working with partners to advocate for women’s health and health care across their life course. We are a global leader in this specialist area, supporting 16,000 members in the UK and internationally. We are a values-led organisation placing high standards, innovation, openness, inclusiveness and trust at the centre of all we do.

Do you want to be at the forefront of communications for a respected and rapidly expanding national charity that’s making massive strides in changing the way faith and charity organisations protect and safeguard vulnerable people?  If you’re a natural communicator looking for a new opportunity to use your skills and creativity, then this could be the perfect job for you. 

Thirtyone:eight, the UK’s leading Independent Christian Safeguarding charity is looking for an organised and media-savvy Communications Manager to coordinate and develop their communications across multiple channels and platforms including print and digital. 

As part of an ongoing programme of investment in our infrastructure, and as we look to streamline and enhance our content creation and production, we need someone with strong management skills and experience of working within or alongside Christian faith communities and charities to help shape and develop our communications going forwards. 

Managing a team and working closely with our brand and marketing agency and colleagues from across the organisation, this new role will take the lead on managing the scheduling, production, and distribution of all our digital and print communications including our website and social media, to make sure that our key messages are delivered in a timely and relevant way to our member organisations and external audiences. 

With a broad background in charity communications, you will need a strong working knowledge of churches, Christian faith organisations and charities, as well as working with press and media agencies. In return you’ll get to work in a dynamic and rewarding environment and the opportunity to have a direct impact on the national narrative around issues of abuse and the safeguarding of vulnerable children and adults at a critical time so that even more people can be protected from harm. 

PR and Policy Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a PR and Policy Officer to help secure high quality media coverage as well as supporting the policy development and political influencing work.

Position: PR & Policy Officer

Location: Bradley, Huddersfield with flexible home working available

Hours: Full-time, 37 per week

Salary: Circa £23,000 - 25,000

Duration: Permanent

Benefits: Include 25 days paid holiday (rising to 29 days with service increments) plus 8 bank holiday, Personal Pension Scheme, Healthcare Cash Plan, Online Discount Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Staff Awards Scheme, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Flexible working patterns

The Role

The Policy and Communications work is critical to ensuring that the organisation is at the forefront of the debate on early years’ education and childcare.

Working with the PR Manager, you will take responsibility for monitoring media coverage, creating engaging content for press releases and news features, as well as supporting the Director of Policy and Communications with stakeholder engagement and policy research.

Responsibilities include:

• Support PR Manager to deliver the media relations strategy
• Identify and create print, broadcast and digital opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of key messaging
• Support work with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Childcare and Early Education to increase awareness of early years’ policy priorities among politicians from all parties
• Develop work programmes and undertake research to explore policy issues
• Liaise with press and media contacts to maximise positive exposure and coverage across UK national and trade media
• Manage the day-to-day operation of media and policy contacts
• Support in finding suitable nurseries as case studies and spokespeople for the press and broadcast media
• Assist with internal and external speaking engagements
• Publish press releases and comments on the website
• Write and produce material for the member magazine Nursery News

About You

As PR and Policy Officer, you will have a degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience along with outstanding communications skills. Enthusiastic and creative, you will have excellent editorial and proof reading skills with consistent accuracy

You will have experience of writing for diverse audiences (e.g. essays, newsletters, social media content, briefing papers, press releases) and data analysis skills – drawing results, trends and conclusions from qualitative or quantitative data sources.

To apply you will be asked to submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role.

About the Organisation

The organisation is a national charity and membership association specifically for nurseries working in partnership with nurseries, local authorities, national government and a range of partners to develop an environment in which early learning and care can flourish.

The organisation is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and is actively opposed to discrimination in society.

You may have experience in areas such as PR Officer, Policy Officer, PR and Policy, PR and Policy Executive, Public Affairs Officer, Planning Policy Officer, Public Affairs and Policy Officer,  Public Relations Officer, Planning Policy Officer, Public Relations and Policy Officer, Marketing Officer, Communications Officer, Marketing and Communications Officer, Marketing and Communications Executive, Marketing and Communications Assistant, Marketing and Communications Policy Officer, Social Media Officer, Digital Marketing Officer, Print Media, Broadcast Media, Media and Policy Officer, EYF.

We are looking for a talented PR specialist to help deliver the charity’s key messages via the media, on both a pro-active and reactive basis, working closely with colleagues across the charity and with lead responsibility for consumer media engagement, sharing our work via social media, and monitoring and evaluating StepChange press coverage.

With this role you can enjoy a hybrid working environment, primarily working from home with some days in the office and occasional travel.

What you will be doing

• Quickly and efficiently handle incoming media requests for comment, interviews and filming, liaising with the Media & PR Manager on how to manage requests, and keep accurate records of them.
• Compile and distribute, by 9.30am, the morning media monitoring service for the charity and handle day-to-day liaison with our media monitoring provider.
• Source and maintain relevant, accurate media lists and handle day-to-day liaison with our media database provider.
• Bring a proactive and creative approach to the planning of the charity’s media activities, and implement agreed activities such as drafting briefings, quotes, press releases, articles, blog posts etc
• Proactively pitch feature stories, pulling together evidence, insight and client case stories to support the charity’s objectives.
• Take responsibility for reflecting the charity’s media, policy and campaigns work on StepChange’s social media channels. Liaise with stakeholders across the external affairs team to create a regular stream of content that gives insight into the charity’s work in these areas
• Compile monthly coverage reports and competitor analysis for management information purposes.
• Keep abreast of developments in debt (and within the charity) to be able to talk knowledgably about key issues.
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant journalists.
• Be prepared to cover parliamentary monitoring in the event of absence of other staff.

What we want from you

• Sound knowledge and understanding of media processes (including social media, blogs)
• Good PR skills and understanding of how the media works
• Good knowledge of news and current affairs
• Experience of drafting press releases, articles, quotes and blogs
• Experience of monitoring and evaluating media coverage
• Experience of dealing with press calls and briefing staff for interviews - or experience of planning and conducting interviews
• Experience of having proactively secured media coverage or of working as a journalist.
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Self-starter, able to work on own initiative and who appreciates the need to keep up to speed with developments
• Happy to balance the demands of regular, routine and detailed administrative work with a creative approach and new ideas
• A PR or journalist qualification is desirable
• Previous experience of working in PR or as a journalist in a business or personal finance related field is desirable

What we offer you

• 24 days annual leave (this increases by one day per year up to a maximum of 29), plus bank holidays
• Hybrid work – the ability to work from home
• An individually tailored personal development plan and ongoing training
• The opportunity to buy and sell annual leave
• Use of a Charity laptop and headset for working from home
• Travel season ticket loans
• Discounted car parking
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Group personal pension scheme
• Westfield Health cash plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Financial planning
• Long service awards
• Free tea and coffee in the office

About us:

StepChange is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive provider of free debt advice. Hundreds of thousands of people come to us for help every year. Some are at crisis point and many don't see a way out. We help them to find a way out of their debt problems. We don't judge people; we provide the support, guidance and solutions that are needed. Whatever the situation we'll look for practical solutions that make our clients' lives better.