Parliamentary And Public Affairs Manager Jobs in Westminster, Greater London

Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs (maternity cover)

· Maternity cover

· Salary £58,807 per annum

· Full time (37.5 hours)

· Flexible working options will be supported.

· Central London Office and Hybrid working

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the role

We are looking for a confident, senior Public Affairs and Campaigns professional to lead a programme of relationship building and to develop and deliver parliamentary and campaign strategies to bring about changes in policy, practice, and attitudes across our wide range of target audiences.

The Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns will be crucial in helping us to strategically build relationships with advocates and champions for our work in Westminster and Whitehall, across key industry bodies, sectors and networks and at a local and national level. This includes overseeing our programme of events and working with colleagues across the organisation to develop and deliver high-quality campaigns that effectively build support for the changes we want to see.

This is a hands-on role that will work seamlessly with the Head of Communications and colleagues across the wider organisation to plan and deliver a powerful, coherent, and integrated communications and influencing function. The successful candidate will be proactive and tenacious in horizon-scanning and seeking out opportunities where we can most effectively influence the work of others. You will also be responsible for developing and co-ordinating policy positions and approaches that are attractive and actionable and achieve buy-in and support from others.

You will line manage three individuals and have dotted line oversight of the work of Communications & Campaigns Officers in our Action Areas, as well as general responsibility and oversight – along with the Head of Communications – for the work of the wider Communications Team and influencing activity across the organisation more broadly.

You will be a proven collaborator who is able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Ageing Better’s vision, mission and values.

About you

• You’re a senior public affairs and campaigns practitioner with a strong track record of influencing change in previous roles
• You will have excellent knowledge of UK Government and Parliament, how policy change happens and how to develop effective advocacy strategies to achieve change.
• You’re highly motivated and a team player, able to take the lead in managing issues and external relationships, while providing briefings and support to senior colleagues on others.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on 15th May, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 27 May.

Do you have experience of working in the UK Parliament, in an in-house public affairs team or within a public affairs consultancy? Are you looking to drive change to help tackle one of the UK’s biggest killers?

If so, you may be the Public Affairs Officer we’re looking for!

About the role

Our Policy and Public Affairs team exists to build support amongst key decision makers so that we can fund lifesaving research into heart disease. We develop the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) position, engaging and influencing stakeholders to help ensure the UK remains a global leader in heart and circulatory research while advocating for the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases across the UK.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Public Affairs Officer to join our award winning and high impact team during a very exciting time in politics. You’ll be engaging with Parliamentarians to promote our work at Westminster and in their individual constituencies, while proactively spotting opportunities to build relationships and advance the interests of BHF. You’ll deliver a programme of activity and engagement that contributes to our wider Hearts Need More campaign, which aims to make heart and circulatory diseases a key priority for political parties ahead of the next general election.

Working arrangements

This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our London office. 

At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average.  The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause. 

Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.

About you

With an interest in, and understanding of the external political environment, you'll have a good understanding of the workings of the UK Government and parliamentary procedure. You'll have an understanding of the role of BHF and other health and medical research charities in general, and particularly in the political arena.

You'll have experience of working in the UK Parliament or within a public affairs in-house team or consultancy, and have excellent communication skills. Having previously engaged with political stakeholders, you'll be able to build strong relationships with key internal and external colleagues.

With a proven ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively for political audiences in a variety of formats, you’ll be able to summarise complex information swiftly and accurately for a variety of audiences. You'll also have strong organisational skills, including experience of coordinating events.

This is an opportunity to make a profound impact for our patients, their families, and our supporters at an exciting time in the electoral cycle.

About us

We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

Interview process

Interviews will be held virtually via MS Teams during week commencing 20th May 2024

How to apply 

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

Role Summary

As the Director of Research and Public Affairs you lead a team working across the full range of research work (including commissioning, grant-making and in-house research) and public affairs work (including policy analysis, advocacy work and mobilising our activists). You also contribute to the charity’s strategies, leadership and governance as a member of the Executive Team. Ultimately, your role is to generate new knowledge; and communicate knowledge, ideas and emotions to change hearts and minds, creating tangible reductions in alcohol harm across the UK.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Leadership, strategy & planning

1. Lead the research and public affairs functions at Alcohol Change UK.

2. Produce and deliver plans across our research and public affairs work programmes that are ambitious for change (impact), realistic given our resources, and consistent with our strategy, our other work programmes, and our values.

3. Set budgets, tightly control costs and identify opportunities for making savings, growing income and making the case for investment.

4. Appropriately monitor and evaluate our research and public affairs work with a view to knowing, growing and showing the impact we make.

Research

5. Work closely with the CEO, Policy and Research Manager, R&P sub-committee and Wales Office to determine and oversee the charity’s programme of commissioned research, research grants, and in-house research.

6. Ensure that all research is designed with impact-in-mind and, once complete, that it delivers on that impact through active and ongoing communication of the findings to the right audiences with the right messages through the right channels.

7. Lead the research function to be the central hub for the charity on the topic of alcohol harm and its solutions, staying on top of new research.

8. Influence the research spending of other agencies (e.g. NIHR) with a view to maximising funding into alcohol research in general.

Public Affairs

9. Lead and manage the charity’s public affairs activity, deploying the CEO, Research & Policy Officer and other staff as a team.

10.  Lead our work with external alliances, such as the Alcohol Health Alliance and the Alcohol and Families Alliance, and on the APPG on Alcohol Harm.

11.  Develop excellent relationships with Parliamentarians, civil servants, charities and other important institutional actors in our field.

12.  Build Campaigner journeys for our engagement audience to best mobilise them to help us with our influencing work.

13.  Lead on the commissioning and management of any external public affairs agencies, parliamentary monitoring services and similar suppliers.

14.  Ensure our policy positions are kept up-to-date, based on emerging evidence and contemporary thinking, and consistent with our principles.

15.  Work closely with the Director of Engagement and Fundraising to effectively mobilise and deploy our activists, Community Champions and other supporters so they (i) make a difference, (ii) become better informed over time, and (iii) remain motivated to campaign for our cause.

16.  Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to influence all forms of media to better support our desired outcomes.

Team Leadership and Management

17.  Lead and manage the research and public affairs team(s), ensuring excellent line management.

18.  Lead the process of recruiting and inducting new team members, as appropriate.

19.  Proactively develop your own skills and experience as well as those of staff within your team.

Cross-organisational Role

20.  Act as a spokesperson for the charity at high profile events and across media, including radio and TV.

21.  Be an active and positive member of the charity’s Executive Team.

22.  Work with colleagues across the charity to support their work and to act as ‘one team’.

23.  Work particularly closely with colleagues in the Wales office, optimising opportunities for joint working.

24.  Contribute actively and positively to the development of charity-wide strategies and activity.

Other Duties

25.  Continually develop your knowledge of alcohol harm and solutions to it.

26.  Act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK at all times.

27.  Know, embrace and actively uphold the values of Alcohol Change UK at all times.

Other reasonable duties at the request of the CEO.

Job Title: Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Reports to: Policy Manager

Line reports: None

Contract terms: Full time

Salary: £36,065-£37,013

Location: London-based, with hybrid working

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,000 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job purpose

Part of the Communications and Engagement department, the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategic policy initiatives and engaging with key stakeholders to advance our policy priorities across the four UK nations. Working with colleagues, members and external stakeholders, you will deliver high quality analysis and research, produce evidence-based policy positions and outputs, and employ effective public affairs approaches to influence change on behalf of our members.

Main responsibilities

Strategic planning and reporting

• Contribute to developing, implementing and evaluating policy and public affairs (PPA) strategies, campaigns and plans aligned to member priorities and our wider strategic aims.
• Lead and manage the delivery of specific PPA workstreams, working in partnership with other organisations as needed.
• Monitor and report on performance against organisational and departmental objectives.

Policy development

• Monitor and analyse the external policy, political and parliamentary landscape across the four UK nations to identify influencing opportunities and relevant developments – summarising these for internal audiences.
• Contribute to the design and analysis of member surveys, drafting reports and presenting findings to inform the College’s policy agenda.
• Work with colleagues to research and draft evidence-based policy positions, consultation responses and briefings for politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
• Maintain an accurate evidence library of data and information to support the development of policy.
• Provide policy-related support to relevant committees to enable their effective contribution to the College’s work, including ensuring agreed actions are implemented.

Public affairs

• Build new and strengthen existing relationships with policymakers, government officials, clinicians and other relevant stakeholders across the four UK nations to advance the College’s policy objectives and maintain a thought leadership position within the eye health sector.
• Draft briefings and presentations to support events and senior-level meetings with politicians, civil servants, NHS and other key decision makers.
• Arrange and represent (as appropriate) the College at events, conferences and external stakeholder meetings.
• Build and maintain the College’s stakeholder database, tracking progress and advising on how to engage with different stakeholders.

Communications

• Work closely with the communications team to support the delivery of communications strategies and plans, ensuring the accuracy of policy information contained in College outputs and contributing to our press activities, member magazine, newsletters and website as required.
• Draft, implement and evaluate the impact of strategic engagement plans for policy publications.
• Support the communication of College policy positions internally, including by proposing lines to take for inclusion in our messaging house and assisting in briefing colleagues and volunteers – including the Chief Executive and President – on these.

To undertake other duties as required

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the College.
• Working outside normal hours and/or overnight stays may be necessary to support the delivery of key organisational events.

Inclusion and diversity statement 

The College is committed to encouraging inclusion, equity and diversity among our staff, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation by complying with the Equality Act 2010. We want a working environment where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued. To do this, we will proactively tackle discrimination and disadvantage and ensure that no individual or group is directly or indirectly discriminated against for any reason. We expect all employees to champion and live our values through their work at every opportunity.  

Our values 

Inclusion

• actively welcoming a diversity of experiences and perspectives
• everyone being respected and encouraged to participate regardless of their background or role

Integrity

• being open and honest, demonstrating accountability in all its work
• evidenced-based and transparent decision-making, utilising a range of data, information, expertise and experience

Innovation

• creating novel opportunities to advance and deliver on its aims, anticipating changing circumstances
• actively welcoming fresh ideas and approaches
• fostering a climate of ambition and excellence drawing on expertise from across the College’s communities

Improvement

• being a learning organisation, reflecting on both successes and mistakes
• continuous and sustainable development across all its activities

Person specification

 Knowledge, qualifications and experience

• University degree or professional qualification in a relevant field such as public policy, political science, public health or similar
• At least three years’ experience of working in a policy, public affairs or advocacy role, preferably within the healthcare sector or a membership organisation
• Experience of devising developing, implementing and evaluating policy/public affairs strategies and/or campaigns
• Experience managing projects and initiatives from conception to implementation
• Experience of conducting policy-relevant research and developing evidence-based policy positions and consultation responses
• Experience of drafting high-quality, accessible briefings, reports, and other written materials for diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public
• Experience of engaging with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to influence policy outcomes
• Working knowledge of IT systems – including Microsoft Office and CRMs

 Skills and abilities

• Strong strategic planning, prioritisation and organisational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas and nuanced points clearly and persuasively
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to research, analyse, and interpret complex qualitative and quantitative data to inform policy positions and advocacy efforts
• Proven ability to critically evaluate policy proposals, legislation and other publications and assess their potential implications for the College and our members
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials
• Ability to generate new ideas, take initiative and problem solve
• Adaptability and an ability to work well under pressure and manage often conflicting demands within tight timeframes

Personal qualities (attributes)

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
• Commitment to own continuing professional development
• Demonstrates a positive ‘can do’ attitude

Staff benefits

We offer a friendly and supportive working environment and make sure our employees are well looked after with a great benefits package, which includes:

Work life balance and family friendly benefits

• Hybrid working
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with length of service (plus bank holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year)
• One day of paid leave to move house
• Enhanced parental leave

Planning for your future

• Employer pension contributions up to a maximum of 12%
• Life assurance of 4x of base salary

Career development

• All staff are offered opportunities for learning and development, in addition to a comprehensive e-learning package
• Study loans

Travel

• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing

• Summer Fridays (staff can finish 90 minutes early from 17th July – 31st August)
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (with access to free counselling sessions)
• Health Cash Plan

How to apply

Please submit your CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum one page). The cover letter must explain what makes you suitable for the role. Please use the job description for reference.

Interviews will be held at our office in Euston, the week commencing 3 June 2024. Please indicate if you are likely to need any reasonable adjustments to successfully complete this interview.

Applicants must already have the right to work within the UK without restriction. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The closing date for applications is 27 May 2024.

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your voice can shape policy and bring about change? Join our team at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association as a Senior Public Affairs Adviser: Westminster. This role is pivotal in ensuring everyone impacted by MND receives the care and support they deserve.

You'll work closely with the Public Affairs Manager to drive forward our public affairs priorities and pro-actively identify opportunities to influence party political debates, legislation and select committees in relation to the Association's vital work. From drafting impactful briefings to building relationships with decision-makers, you'll be at the forefront of our advocacy efforts.

Ensuring a coordinated approach to our parliamentary work at Westminster and locally, your responsibilities include supporting parliamentary inquiries, coordinating our presence at political conferences. You will identify and develop effective links with key parliamentarians, influencers, and decision makers whose remit may impact the sphere of our work, including, senior civil servants.

Additionally, you'll help empower our campaigning volunteers and regional staff to engage with local decision-makers effectively. Your role will also contribute to shaping our strategies and plans, ensuring that our advocacy efforts remain impactful and aligned with our purpose, mission and 5 promises.

Located in London, with flexibility for hybrid working, this role offers an exciting opportunity to drive positive change in the lives of those affected by MND.

If you're ready to use your expertise to make a real difference, we want to hear from you. Join us to drive positive change for people living with and affected by MND.

Hybrid Working Expectations: Flexibility to attend the London office when required to meet business needs.

What are we looking for?

A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures, with previous experience in public affairs within a voluntary organisation.

Experience of working with Parliamentarians. You should also demonstrate proficiency in supporting volunteers and coordinating events.

Excellent communication skills are paramount, allowing you to interact and influence with stakeholders and diverse audiences across all levels including politicians and volunteers. As a team player and networker, you'll thrive in collaborative environments.

Additionally, strong IT skills, including database management and use of social media, is vital.

Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel to external meetings, is required.

For full role responsibilities please view the job description located within the Recruitment Pack.

Our Benefits

• 28 days holiday, rising to 33 days after 5 years' service, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare which includes reimbursement for dental appointments, eyecare, Health & Wellbeing screening and therapies
• Access to a 24/7 phone and video GP Service
• Life assurance
• Confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes to include:
• Cycle to work
• Buy and sell annual leave
• BenefitHub which offers lifestyle discounts and offers on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures.
• Demonstrable public affairs experience within a voluntary organisation.
• Experience of working with Parliamentarians.

Where experience is asked for, please give one example showing what you did and what it achieved. Where we require evidence of ability, please explain either how you would approach that particular competence or give an example to support your suitability.

About Us

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

We are committed to equality and value diversity. We are working hard to remove perceived and actual barriers to participation for people with and affected by MND, current and future staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants that meet the requirements of the role as part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. Reasonable adjustments can be made as required.

Important Information

Adverts may be closed before the deadline once sufficient applications are received. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.

We request that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this role.

The Head of Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs will work alongside the Director of Patient Projects and Influencing to spearhead our advocacy and influencing strategy, driving forward our agenda to transform prostate cancer advocacy and improve outcomes for people affected by prostate cancer. This strategic role involves building essential relationships with politicians and key stakeholders, increasing our organisational profile, and leveraging findings to advocate for policy changes. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Advocacy and Campaign Leadership: Develop and lead PCR’s campaign and public affairs activities, ensuring strategies are focussed on achieving meaningful policy and practice change on the highest priority issues, including screening and access to innovative and evolving treatment options. 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Forge strategic relationships and build our profile among politicians, policymakers, regulators and KoLs to enhance our impact and position Prostate Cancer Research as a source of trusted information for prostate cancer policy. 

• Shaping Policy: Coordinate responses to relevant consultations, such as government, MHRA, trade bodies, and NICE/SMC appraisals, where appropriate.

• Evidence-Based Advocacy: Utilise findings from funded reports, such as our Overtreatment/Overdiagnosis report and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), to advocate for change in screening and other relevant policies, and support/commission the development of further evidence as needed.

• Relationship Building and Event Coordination: Identify and cultivate potential parliamentary champions and supporters and host impactful events. 

• Patient Centricity: Ensure our patients remain at the centre of this work, putting structures in place for them to be involved in setting priorities, informing our policy positions with their lived experience, and advocating for change. 

• Policy Monitoring and Analysis: Monitor and analyse relevant healthcare policy in the UK to inform the organisation’s strategic development and seize on political opportunities.

Candidate Profile: 

Experience 

• Strong knowledge/experience of the health and social care sector, its public bodies, and key relevant policies 

• An excellent understanding of the UK political environmental, structures of government at national, local and devolved nation levels, with established relationships with key stakeholders or a proven ability to develop these efficiently and effectively. 

• Demonstrable experience in advocacy, public affairs, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful and integrated campaigns to change public policy. 

• Strong experience working cross-functionally within a fast-paced organisation. 

Skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders spanning the private, public and third sector.

• Excellent written and oral skills. 

• Ability to synthesise and present complex evidence and policy analysis and use these to generate compelling messages and policy asks. 

• Decision-making ability, with the ability to prioritise and manage simultaneous workstreams whilst delivering outputs in a responsive and timely manner. 

• Ability to work with patient representatives to bring the voice of people affected by prostate cancer to the heart of the debate. 

• Ability to manage resources and funding strategically to maximise impact. 

Why Join Us? 

• Impactful Work: Make a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer, contributing to initiatives that save lives and improve patient outcomes. 

• Career Growth: This role offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of new, exciting unit in an organisation that is already making its presence felt. 

• Collaborative Environment: Join a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to making a difference, in an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. 

• Benefits: Enjoy a range of staff benefits, including Bike 2 Work scheme, Mental Health Services, Perkbox, BUPA Health Insurance offer, pension scheme, birthday gift, ongoing L&D opportunities, generous annual leave, hybrid working options and a positive and supportive culture.   

Application Process 

To apply, please submit your CV and a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, your experience in project development and management, and how you align with PCR’s mission.

PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. 

Other Details 

Working type: Hybrid with occasional travel to meetings required. 

Hours: The position is full time at 35 hours per week. 

Salary: £51,579-61,322 commensurate with experience. 

Reports to: Director of Patient Projects and Influencing

Participants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis. 

Reports to: Policy and Research Manager

Direct reports: None

Location:Our well-equipped office is in Kings Cross, London, WC1X 9NW. We encourage staff to work where they wish, at home or in the office, within the limits of the role and taking into account personal circumstances. This role will generally be expected to attend the office at least once a week and will have meetings at other locations in London fairly frequently.

Status:Permanent

Hours:Full-time

Salary:£31,437 to £34,659; plus benefits

Role Summary

This position provides key support for the policy and research functions of the charity, in addition to collaborating on campaigns and public affairs work. You will be responsible for carrying out primary research relevant to the charity’s policy and research functions. You’ll be monitoring and collating new policy and research materials and contributing to public communications including report-writing, blog posts and social media activity. You’ll be providing input into strategic planning regarding policy and research activities. You’ll connect with researchers and policy people from other charities and from universities. Finally, you’ll be attending conferences and meetings on behalf of the charity.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Policy

• Support the P&RM, DR&PA and CEO in responding to public consultations, advising policymakers and working with national policy and research bodies as appropriate.

• Represent the charity in meetings with policy partners where appropriate.

• Attend policy and research conferences on behalf of the charity, providing feedback to the team on key learning and opportunities that arise.

• Work with the SC&PA and DR&PA to draw up influencing strategies to target key stakeholders on policy priorities.

• Monitor external research that helps our policy work and opportunities for collaboration.

• Work with the SC&PA  to engage campaigners in our policy work.

Research

• Work with the P&RM to carry out research activities relevant to the policy and research functions of the charity; including collating and analysing data, and co-authoring reports for both internal and public purposes.

• Work with the P&RM and the Communications and Marketing teams to produce engaging and accessible communication of research findings for a range of audiences. 

• Monitor and collate new policy and research materials, including research reports, policy documents and media activity. Work with the P&RM to produce internal reports where appropriate and to ensure the charity’s activities reflect and respond to the wider policy and research environment.

• Work with the P&RM on external research projects funded by the charity, including support with assessing the quality of bids by external researchers. 

Across both areas

• Produce social media communications where relevant to policy and research. Work with colleagues across the Research and Public Affairs and Communications and Marketing teams to develop strategies for maximising impact, especially in digital communications.

• Contribute to strategic planning by contributing to staff meetings, producing supporting materials and providing feedback on public affairs.

The postholder will also be expected to:

• attend training courses and develop skills as required, sharing learning with other staff as relevant

• in unusual circumstances, work weekend and / or evening hours, for which time in lieu will be given

• undertake other reasonable work as requested by the P&RM.

Do you love using social media content to engage and support people? Would you like to be part of a team that uses digital channels to make a positive and impactful change for people living with MS?

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and driven Social Media Officer to join our social media team.

Social Media Officer
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £32,156 - £34,254 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band E1

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

As the social media officer, you’ll help manage an audience of more than 200,000 people across X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube. You’ll respond to comments and messages from the public, engage with our audiences and work with our MS Helpline team to ensure vulnerable supporters get the help they need.

You’ll have a genuine passion for creating engaging social content and a keen interest in the latest trends and social media platform developments.

Working closely with our Social and Paid Media Manager, you will help to scope for and identify new opportunities to grow our online community developing engaging content across news, media, support, information and our core campaigns.

Planning and strong copy-writing skills are essential and you will thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You’ll also help maintain regular reports on KPIs and performance.

And lastly, you’ll be joining our friendly and supportive team at an exciting stage of our development, as we continue to use digital to help improve the lives of people living with MS.

If that sounds like you – join us!

We recognise the significant and excellent contributions; experience; and skills our employees bring to the MS Society.

Working with external pay and reward consultants, we’re taking active steps this year to review our employees’ pay and benefits package. Ensuring we’re aligned with the most accurate and up-to-date benchmarks for the UK charity sector.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 13 May 2024

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Right to work in the UK 
The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK. If we do offer you employment, you’ll be required to provide documentation to show that you’re eligible to be employed in the UK before starting employment.

The full list of UK visas and permits that grant you the right to work in the UK can be found on the UK government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and will not be in a position to support you with any visa applications you may make.

Equal Opportunities 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer. We’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and/or from ethnic minority backgrounds, where we’re looking to build stronger and better representation among our staff.

We’d be grateful if you could complete the equality and diversity monitoring form on our website and submit it with your application.

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, the HR team will anonymise your CV and supporting statement before forwarding to the shortlisting panel.

No agencies please.

Our award winning MS Helpline are looking for a new Helpline Services Volunteer Officer to join our fantastic and supportive team.

Helpline Services Volunteer Officer
Type: Part-time (21 hours/or 3 days a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £19,293.60 - £20,552.40 per annum (FTE £32,156 - £34,254) plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band E1

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK. 

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference. 

About this job

Please note this role is part-time 21 hours/or 3 days a week.

Our Helpline runs from 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and we’re looking for an enthusiastic, warm and experienced individual to support our dedicated Helpline Volunteers and Befriending Volunteers within the Helpline team.

This role requires working flexible hours, including 9am–5pm, 10am–6pm or 11am–7pm between Monday to Friday to meet services and volunteer needs (3 days a week).

If you’re passionate about offering high quality information and emotional support and have relevant Helpline experience, we’d love to hear from you.

You will be providing continuous support to all our volunteers at the Helpline team, directly contributing in providing information and support to our Helpline enquirers, with both proactive and reactive content and information on prevalent topics or trends affecting the MS community.

Our aim is to empower people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) to:

• Live to their full potential
• Take an active role in their treatment
• Secure the care and support they need

We recognise the significant and excellent contributions; experience; and skills our employees bring to the MS Society.

Working with external pay and reward consultants, we’re taking active steps this year to review our employees’ pay and benefits package. Ensuring we’re aligned with the most accurate and up-to-date benchmarks for the UK charity sector.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 10 May 2024
Anticipated interview date: Monday 20 May 2024

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We are a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. 

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes. 

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us to discuss.

You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

More about our recruitment and selection process

• The HR team will anonymise your CV and supporting statement before forwarding to the shortlisting panel. This is done as part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• The first round of our recruitment and selection process includes an interview with competency-based questions. 
• Our recruitment and selection process might also include extra tasks. For example, a written or Microsoft Excel test or making a presentation.
• We’ll let you know what the selection process will include when we invite you to interview. You can ask for any more reasonable adjustments for the interview as part of the invitation. 
• You might also be invited for a second interview. We’ll let you know about this during the selection process. 

More about our employee benefits:

We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to):

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us)
• Flexible working options

 Caring for you and your family

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis
• Enhanced leave for new parents
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • in the event of miscarriage or still birth
  • to support fertility treatments
  • for antenatal appointments for both parents
• Cycle to work scheme
• Death in service scheme
• Health cash plans to help offset the cost of health care for you and your family

Thinking about your finances

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax 
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing 

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities 
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups)
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community)
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal working hours

Safeguarding

We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of:

• gender
• race
• disability
• sexual orientation
• religion or belief
• pregnancy
• gender reassignment

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

No agencies please.

Position: Health and Safety Officer (Property and Transport)
Contract: 18 months fixed term contract
Hours: Part-time (3 days/or 21 hours a week – (must be able to work Fridays)
Location: Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £24,756 - £26,241 per annum (FTE £41,260 - £43,735) plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band F2 

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK. 

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference. 

About this job

Please note this is a part-time role 3 days/or 21 hours per week (Fridays must be worked but the other 2 days per week are flexible). The role is initially for an 18 months fixed term contract.

As a key member of our Services and Support team, you’ll be working with MS Society volunteer groups that provide transport services to their members and/or own property. You’ll also be supporting members of the Customer Services team to help them fulfill their health and safety responsibilities within each of the MS Society’s offices. This role includes travel across the UK to provide support and/ or training as required.

You’ll be working with our external auditors to manage the audit process, monitor and record compliance with the ‘MS Society Health and Safety risk management framework’ on property and transport and ensure materials in the framework are consistently and effectively used.

We’re looking for the successful candidate to have:

• A NEBOSH National General Certificate
• Trained Display Screen Assessment Assessor
• Be a Member of Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
• Experience of working with in house Health and Safety systems that cover risk areas associated with a volunteer group network.
• Experience of working with volunteers.
• An in-depth up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and practices, particularly as these relate to the voluntary sector.
• Experience of transport for people of all abilities run by the voluntary sector with a working knowledge of the related legislation.
• A working knowledge of the management of properties run by the voluntary sector.
• A working knowledge of DSE requirements and how to assess and apply them in a practical way.
• Knowledge of risk assessment, inspection and auditing procedures.

We recognise the significant and excellent contributions; experience; and skills our employees bring to the MS Society.

Working with external pay and reward consultants, we’re taking active steps this year to review our employees’ pay and benefits package. Ensuring we’re aligned with the most accurate and up-to-date benchmarks for the UK charity sector.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 6 May 2024

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Right to work in the UK 
The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK. If we do offer you employment, you’ll be required to provide documentation to show that you’re eligible to be employed in the UK before starting employment.

The full list of UK visas and permits that grant you the right to work in the UK can be found on the UK government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and will not be in a position to support you with any visa applications you may make.

Equal Opportunities 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer. We’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and/or from ethnic minority backgrounds, where we’re looking to build stronger and better representation among our staff.

We’d be grateful if you could complete the equality and diversity monitoring form on our website and submit it with your application.

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, the HR team will anonymise your CV and supporting statement before forwarding to the shortlisting panel.

No agencies please.