Policy and public affairs manager jobs

Do you want to change the world for vulnerable children?

The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA) aims to improve adoption policy and practice across the UK for the benefit of children, challenging the adoption system to deliver for children and work in their best interests. Alongside advocating for system change, CVAA works to support our member voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) across the four nations of the UK, stimulating innovation and ensuring they stay at the leading edge of practice. The active engagement of members and the building of collaborative alliances with others who seek positive change for children are essential to the effectiveness of our work.

The Head of Policy is a vital member of the small CVAA team, working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to champion the voluntary adoption sector and put children at the heart of everything we do. Due to maternity leave we have an exceptional and unique opportunity for someone who shares our passion to change the world for children, to gain valuable experience working at national level with senior stakeholders to contribute to system change, advocating for the power of adoption to change lives.

You will need strong people skills, experience of developing policy in consultation with stakeholders and using data to transform services and strengthen lobbying work. Most of all you need a cast iron commitment to change the world for vulnerable children.

CVAA works to challenge discrimination and disadvantage and welcomes applications from all communities, particularly those who are underrepresented in our sector, which includes but is not limited to people from Global Majority backgrounds, adoptees, men and those who identify as LGBTQ.

Key information

• Maternity Cover 1 year from July 2026
• Location - remote contract with occasional travel
• £40 – 45K depending on experience
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Applications

Please send a CV and letter of application, outlining your motivation for applying and the skills you offer, to Satwinder Sandhu (CEO) by 5pm on Friday 8th May 2026.

Both Satwinder (CEO) and Alice (Director of Strategy and Policy) are happy to have an informal chat about the role. Please email to arrange a convenient time to speak.

Initial online interviews via Microsoft Teams will be on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th May, with final in-person interviews scheduled for Thursday 28th May 2026 in London. Please let us know whether you cannot make any of these dates in your application.

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER 

Research and Policy Officer

• Permanent
• Salary £38,393 per annum
• Full-time
• Flexible working options will be supported.
• Central London Office and Hybrid working (6 days a month office attendance)

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

The Research and Policy Officer will play an important role in supporting our work to tackle ageism, change attitudes to ageing and address the huge inequalities in our experience of older age.

Working alongside a friendly and skilled multi-disciplinary team, you’ll be supporting a range of projects to build the evidence base for change and to translate that research into action. You’ll also work closely with our external affairs team to stay abreast of the policy environment, provide timely evidence and insights to support our communication and influencing activity, and develop evidence-informed policy recommendations.

About you

You’ll have a keen eye for detail, will be comfortable working across a range of research methods, and will be confident in handling complex data. You'll be highly organised and will be a skilled project manager.

You'll bring a good understanding of the workings of UK government and parliament and will be skilled at understanding and synthesising complex policy issues and documents. You’ll be a clear communicator and will be able to turn complex research into impactful outputs.

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.

To Apply

To apply please follow the link to complete an application form and Equality and Diversity form. 

Please address in your supporting statement how you meet the person specification for the role as fully as possible to demonstrate why you should be shortlisted for interview for this post. 

Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically rejected.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace and the support that generative AI can offer. However, we would encourage you to write your supporting statement and complete your application without the use of AI and if you do use AI to avoid copy and pasting and to consider the value it will add. We encourage you to showcase your experience and knowledge using your own unique voice.

The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on 28th April, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 12th May

Background

We are Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Since 1954, we have worked to create a more humane society for animals. Working side by side as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, we have helped to pass thousands of landmark laws, rescue hundreds of thousands of animals, and cared for and protected millions more.

In 2025, to convey our mission and make sure that everyone understands who we are and the bold work that we do, our organisations are standing together under a new shared name: Humane World for Animals. 

We are dedicated to changing the world for animals. We drive change with human action. We help people, communities, governments, and corporations shift behaviour, providing the right support and advocating for policy change to stem the root causes of suffering and cruelty.

Purpose of role

As the Program Manager, Media and Communications, you will support the Program Director on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. You will lead on producing and delivering a content strategy for a broad range of channels to increase audience engagement. The position will support campaigns and fundraising stewardship and give strategic advice regarding social media market insights and trends in the UK digital sphere and emerging channels. This will be vital to achieve successful brand building in the UK market through impactful storytelling, campaign activations, fundraising recruitment and stewardship through compelling content on the earned channels and holistic management of thematic work.

If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have 5+ years of experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.

Key areas of responsibility

• Communications strategy and planning:Lead the development and delivery of storytelling and social media strategies to support the UK’s wider communications strategy.Guide public affairs, campaigns, and fundraising colleagues in ideation sessions to develop creative and impactful activations.Provide insights on digital communications trends and opportunities.
• Content creation and storytelling:Produce high-quality digital content, including video, for use on social and digital channels.Turn campaign and policy work into clear, engaging stories.Collaborate with Head Office to integrate global storytelling content.
• Social media:  Plan, schedule and manage day-to-day (and occasional out-of-hours) social media activity, engaging online communities, managing paid social media advertising and delivering campaigns that support advocacy, fundraising and recruitment. Maintain the visual asset library and manage a social media volunteer.
• Influencer and partnership engagement:Identify and recruit influencers and celebrities to extend our reach and support our campaigns
• Administration: Monitor and report on performance using tools like Google Analytics and social monitoring platforms to guide continual improvement.Coordinate activities with colleagues using planning platforms.

About you

Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of achieving significant growth and development in regard to audience reach and will take a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of delivering media and communication strategies and plans in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.

We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our ambitious team. If that’s you, please get in touch!

Application Instructions

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job ad.

The deadline for applications is Thursday, 30 April 2026, 11pm GMT. Applications without covering letters will not be considered.

You must have an existing right to work in the UK, and you must reside in the UK, to be considered for this role. 

Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us. And it motivates our award-winning Policy and Influencing  team to maintain the NSPCC's position as an influential, informed and forceful voice at every level. Join us as a Policy and Public Affairs Assistant (Wales and Child Safety Online) and be part of progress that means more

The postholder will use their skills and experience to strengthen the NSPCC's impact on public policy and legislation, and in doing so make a significantcontribution to keeping children safe. Theywill be responsible for undertaking a range of work to achieve the NSPCC's strategic goals. This will include: 

•  providing an effective and efficient administrative support service to the team 
•  supporting policy analysis and development, policy research and publicaffairs and influencing activities
• supporting participation work in Wales and across the Child Safety Online workstream. 

The post holder will be based in the Policy and Influencing Team in Wales, assisting with parliamentary monitoring, research and policy analysis, managing engagements with external audiences and organising events. The post holder willalso support colleagues in our UK Child Safety Online work, with a particularfocus on supporting the organisation of participation activities with children and young people and project delivery across the team's work. This is a great opportunity to develop policy and public affairs skills in an authoritative and well-respected children's charity. 

We're looking for someone with a clear commitment to the NSPCC's vision to working together to stop child abuse and neglect, and excellent administrativeand IT skills to support with managing engagements with external audiences and organising events.Our new colleague will also have strong skills in researching, analysing and summarising key information. Finally, we're looking for someone who works well across different teams and can support a range of policy projects. 

Join us and you'll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with. You'll discover opportunities to grow, along withchallenges and a shared purpose that'll bring the best out in you. And you'll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives.

If you are interested in applying for this role, we encourage you to apply early. To help us manage the process we may close the vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive a strong response to the role.

In keeping with our values and our policies, if any individuals who are regrettably at risk of redundancy apply for a role and meet the minimum essential criteria they will be given priority consideration. We hope that you understand our position on this and that this will not discourage from applying.  We cannot predict who, internally, will apply for a role, or whether they will meet the minimum essential criteria.  Where no at-risk candidates meet the minimum essential criteria, all applications will be considered as normal.

London - Hybrid working with 2 days a week from the London Bridge office

We are looking for an experienced Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our policy and campaigning work. 

Whizz Kidz: the facts
Over 75,000 young people aren’t getting the wheelchair or support that fully meets their needs. Without the ability to be independent young wheelchair users are restricted in their ability to socialise and participate in society.

We’re here to change that.
As the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users (9 months - 25 years old), we empower young people by providing the wheelchairs, equipment, support and confidence-building experiences they need, and campaigning for a more inclusive society. 

And we won’t stop until they are mobile, enabled and included.

Our vision
A society in which every young wheelchair user is mobile, enabled and included.

Our values
We are young people focused, ambitious, collaborative and inclusive.

Job Summary
You will have a strong understanding of the UK political system and how to influence it, and will be confident in drafting reports, consultation responses and working with and disseminating data. Ideally, you will have worked within the youth policy or disability policy sector previously and will have strong knowledge of how to influence policy at local and national level (including devolved Governments).

The person
You must be pro-active in your approach to monitoring the external environment and seeking out opportunities for Whizz Kidz to have the most influence. You will be able to work in a small team and understand how we can make the most impact with our limited capacity.

You will be passionate about the rights of young wheelchair users and driving real change within the sector.

Key accountabilities

• Lead on determining how policy analysis, research and data are translated into campaign strategy, focussing on identified themes from Whizz Kidz beneficiary groups, particularly our Youth Board.
• Lead on external evidence gathering, surveys and data analysis including identifying priority campaign objectives, audiences and influencers, and ensuring campaigning effort is focused where it can have its greatest impact.
• Create a strategy and operational plan to widen our reach (including into devolved nations) including a full stakeholder engagement programme.
• Build compelling cases for change to drive national and local policy changes across the UK, and empower political and non-political stakeholders to engage in our campaigns to drive our policy goals.
• Proactively identify and review new research and policies in relation to relevant policy areas to help create a compelling case for change and investment from governments and other stakeholders
• Working alongside the Youth Board, you will ensure the voices of young wheelchair users are at the heart of all of our policy and campaign work. This will often include working with a variety of stakeholders including young people with lived experience, their families, Clinicians, and partners.
• Support the charity’s responses to government consultations and other relevant public consultations, policy developments and announcements
• You will support with ensuring the smooth running of the All-Party-Parliamentary Group on Access to Disability Equipment which Whizz Kidz is a co-partner Secretariat for.
• Ensure beneficiary led advocacy is at the heart of our policy work, including supporting wider team initiatives including the Collective, Family network and Research panel.
• Regularly review impact, ensuring funding requirements and reporting are met.

Please note: This post is subject to an enhanced level DBS Disclosure, which will be sought prior to the confirmation of a job offer.

Person specification

Skills and knowledge

• Acutely political aware.
• Able to think strategically with excellent attention to detail.
• Exceptional communicator
• Strong understanding of the operation of Central Government, Local Government and Devolution.
• Deep understanding of at least one policy area: disability, health, youth services
•  An ability to work under tight deadlines
• A positive ‘can-do’ attitude and the ability to work on own initiative with limited supervision
• Able to work flexibly and creatively to respond to the emerging needs of Whizz Kidz

Experience

• Significant demonstrable experience of policy development for short, medium and long term impact
• Proven track record of interpreting national changes and developments into local and organisational context
• Provision of responsive and robust advice to leadership
• Experience of working within a policy / campaign environment
• Successful development and maintenance of policy frameworks and strategy
• Proven track record of maintaining appropriate networks and communities of practice for policy development best practice
• Degree or degree-equivalent qualification (desirable)
• Experience of working with young people / within the youth sector either in a policy or delivery capacity (desirable)
• Knowledge of how the health and care system works locally, regionally and nationally in all UK nations, and experience of how to influence these (desirable)
• Understanding of the barriers faced by young wheelchair users (desirable)

Personal qualities

• Alignment with our values – young people focused, ambitious, inclusive and collaborative
• Passionate about supporting young wheelchair users and creating societal change
• The ability to enthuse and engage others in the potential benefits of an engaging project
• Goals driven and creative problem solver
• We’re interested in you as much as your experience so we will welcome your application even if you don’t fully meet the ‘person specification’

A few perks
The wellbeing of our colleagues is of paramount importance to our success as an organisation, and we want to ensure that our benefits package provides something of value for everyone, whether it is our generous holiday entitlement, wellbeing days, Healthcare cash plan, long-service awards. We hope you agree!

Annual leave
25 days of annual leave per annum plus Bank Holiday (pro-rata for part time colleagues).

Christmas closure
In addition to annual leave, employees get three days of paid Christmas leave.

Pension
Automatic enrolment for all colleagues with the option to opt out. Contributions of 5% gross salary made by both Whizz Kidz and employees. We will match higher contributions of up to 6% of gross basic salary.

Simply health
Automatic enrolment in a fully paid for cash plan that assists you with everyday health costs. This scheme is also available to your families for an extra charge.

Season ticket loan
An interest free loan of up to £5,000 following the successful completion of the Probationary Period.

To apply, please visit our website via the Apply Button. 

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis. We're working towards a brighter future for everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF) by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.

If you are passionate about driving change through policy and influencing and you want to play a pivotal role in improving the lives of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) join us as our next Policy and Public Affairs Manager and help shape a future where everyone with CF can access the treatments and care they need.

In this impactful role, you will lead the delivery of our policy and public affairs work across a defined portfolio, with a strong focus on ensuring people with CF have access to life-changing treatments and improving standards of care across the UK for people with CF – both now and in the future.

Working closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will turn strategic priorities into compelling influencing plans and high-quality policy outputs. You’ll ensure our voice is heard where it matters most – across government, healthcare systems, and key stakeholders – to drive meaningful improvements in outcomes for people living with CF.

In this role, you will take ownership of:

• Leading the development of robust, evidence-based policy positions
• Designing and delivering effective public affairs and influencing strategies
• Building and managing relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers
• Ensuring our work is grounded in the lived experiences of people with cystic fibrosis

You will also line manage one Policy and Public Affairs Officer.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, using your expertise to influence real change in a highly respected health charity.

If you are an experienced policy and public affairs professional with a passion for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We offer a range of benefits including flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus recognised bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, shopping discounts club, enhanced maternity/adoption pay, free tea and coffee in the office, employee assistance programme and opportunities for learning and development.

This is a UK based role and offers a flexible location; however, if London office-based, a minimum of 40% working hours per week in the office is required. If home-based, travel to London office will be required in line with business needs.

Please note you will need to have the right to work in the UK before starting work with us and we will check this. We do not hold a Home Office Sponsorship Licence and therefore cannot offer visa sponsorship for our roles.

Closing date and interview date

Closing date for completed applications: 23:59 on Monday 27 April 2026

Interviews expected week commencing: Monday 4 May 2026 

We reserve the right to bring forward or extend the closing date if necessary.  Therefore, if you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.

How to apply

Before applying, please ensure you read the job description attached, for more information about the role. 

Applications should be made through our recruitment portal Hireful and to apply, please select ‘Apply Now’.

No media or agencies please.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace

Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, can be themselves and achieve their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; particularly people who have cystic fibrosis, people who identify as being from an ethnic minority group, as LGBTQ and people with disabilities. 

It is our policy not to discriminate against any person because of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability (physical and mental), race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation or union membership.

REF-227 918

Policy and Public Affairs Manager - National Charity
£37,000 to £39,000 per annum.
Fixed term contract until 30th April 2027.
 
Happy to talk about flexible working such as part-time working or flexible working hours.
 
ABOUT US
Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. Our vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.

Missing People’s Policy and Research Team is a small team with a big impact, both within the charity and externally. We aim to create local, regional and national change to improve the response to missing people. We work in an evidence-based way, centring the experiences of those who have been or are affected by missing. As the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will lead work to influence improvement in the response for missing children, adults and their families at a national and local level.

THE IMPACT YOU WILL HAVE 
Make a national impact on the lives of missing children, adults and their families.
 
Joining our Policy and Research Team, you will help influence local and national policy, ensuring that the voices and experiences of missing people and their families are heard at the highest levels. Your work will directly shape how the UK understands and responds to missing people — and will help protect those at greatest risk of harm. You will learn from and work with people who have been missing, and people who have reported a loved one missing, to shape workplans and to call for change.
 
You will act as Co-Secretariat for the APPG for Missing Children and Adults, and build relationships with key stakeholders in government, parliament, the police and safeguarding agencies, finding ways to engage and motivate policy makers to better understand the issues affecting missing people and their families, and to make positive changes.
 
You will become expert in the issue of missing, including the risks that cause people to go and the harm they experience while away. This will also involve monitoring the policy landscape for opportunities to influence changes in the response to missing people, and provide expert insight and guidance to help shape improvement.
 
You will represent issues facing some of the most marginalised and vulnerable communities. This might include people who face sexual or criminal exploitation, people experiencing mental health problems or people who face discrimination in the response they receive from statutory services when they seek help in relation to the issue of missing, amongst others. This will sometimes include engaging with and challenging professionals in organisations and systems that exist with embedded discrimination.
 
ABOUT YOU
You will have:

• Right to work in the UK.
• Previous experience of working in a policy or public affairs role;
• Experience of successfully influencing change at a local and/or national level;
• Experience of building and maintaining relationships with politicians and other policymakers, including quickly building rapport and establishing trust;
• Experience of working with Parliamentarians in All Party Parliamentary Group/s
• Experience of sensitively representing complex issues in communications with professionals or the public, particularly issues which impact on marginalised people;
• An understanding of political systems across the UK and how to influence policy within those systems;
• Knowledge of missing or linked issues, for example mental health, care experience, exploitation, homelessness, or adult social care;
• Understanding of the experiences of marginalised communities and how to ensure that those who are marginalised are included and given the opportunity to influence change;
• Proven ability to communicate complex information in a clear manner to different audiences, including some information that might challenge existing perceptions and perspectives;
• Able to work autonomously, with proven ability to move projects forward when working independently.

 
WHAT WE OFFER
Working for Missing People means living our values. It’s a place where people are encouraged to ‘let fly’ so you can ‘make things happen’. We know you’re more than just a job title, and ‘be human’ is an important value here. Missing People is an independent charity that relies on donations.

For further details, please see attached job description/person specification and letter to applicants.
 
HOW TO APPLY
Please include your CV and a brief supporting statement that demonstrates how you are a good fit for this role. We look forward to receiving your application. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert early if we receive sufficient applications, so please apply promptly.

Closing date: 23:59 on 19th April 2026
Interviews: 22nd April 2026
Start date: 11th May 2026
 
You may have experience of the following: Public Affairs Manager, Policy Manager, Policy and Campaigns Manager, Public Policy Manager, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs Manager, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Policy and External Affairs Manager, Government Affairs Manager, Public Affairs and Engagement Manager, Policy and Influencing Manager, Parliamentary Affairs Manager, or Policy and Research Manager.

REF-227 878

We are looking for a Policy Public Affairs Manager for a fixed term contract unitl April 2027. You will build relationships with key stakeholders in government, parliament, the police and across safeguarding agencies, finding ways to engage and motivate policy makers.

The role is based in South West London, Hybrid working and the charity are happy to talk about flexible working such as part-time working or flexible working hours.

The Charity
You would be joining a welcoming team at a passionate social welfare charity dedicated to helping people in very difficult
circumstances, from family support and counselling, to a free helpline and specialist services.

Benefits include
28 days annual leave per annum/pro rata plus bank holidays
Company pension contribution - Employees contribution 3% salary (net 2.4%) / Employers contribution
5% salary
Employee Assistance Programme
Generous family friendly benefits including

The role
Directly influence the development of national and local policy and guidance, including through written communication such as consultation responses or briefings, and through inputs at meetings and events.
Lead and support evidence gathering including APPG Inquiries (This may include direct engagement with people with
lived experience).
Plan and oversee campaigns, events and other activities to inform key policy makers and practitioners, and to drive improvements in guidance and practice including in policing and social care.
Represent the charity at external events and meetings including Advisory Groups.
Proactively create opportunities to engage and influence politicians and policy makers on the charitys briefings, research and campaigns, including at events and meetings.

The candidate
Previous experience of working in a policy or public affairs role.
Experience of successfully influencing change at a local and/or national level.
Experience of building and maintaining relationships with politicians and other policymakers, including quickly building rapport and establishing trust.
Experience in coordinating and leading events and meetings with influential stakeholders.
An understanding of political systems across the UK and how to influence policy within those systems.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Purpose of the Role:

The Senior Research, Policy and Influencing Manager will play a pivotal role in driving Cerebra’s mission to influence national and local policy and practice. You will lead on the translation of research into actionable policy recommendations, develop strategic partnerships, advocate for systemic change and influence, persuade and engage with policy makers to improve outcomes for children with neurological conditions and their families. Alongside this you will work with the Research and Information team on Cerebra’s research contracts and the development and dissemination of information.

This is a senior role requiring strategic vision, strong analytical and communication skills, and an ability to build influence across government, academia, and the third sector.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Policy and Influencing  

• Identify opportunities to influence national and local policy agendas, including legislation, guidance, and funding priorities related to childhood disability and neurological conditions.
• Develop accessible and compelling policy briefings, consultation responses, reports, speeches, and presentations for a range of stakeholders, including MPs, government officials, sector partners and the public.
• Monitor policy developments across the neuro-diverse landscape and lead on timely, evidence-led responses.
• Analyse data, trends and policy developments to produce insights and recommendations.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive communications that support positive change.
• Ensure our policy positions reflect the real experiences and insights of the neuro-diverse children and families we support.
• Develop and deliver Cerebra’s policy and influencing strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and research priorities.
• Develop and deliver influencing campaigns in partnership with Communications team.
• Work closely with the Communications Team by contributing to the drafting of responses to media enquiries on our policy and influencing work and act as the media contact if required.
• Liaise with the Legal Rights Team to assess the impact of current or proposed policies in terms of their actual or potential effects on children with neurological conditions at both national and local levels, and for their input into consultation responses.

2. Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with decision-makers across government departments, policymakers, NHS bodies, local authorities, professional associations, and sector partners.
• Represent Cerebra at meetings and events, including engaging with MPs, civil servants, policy forums, advisory groups, and cross-sector coalitions and other key influencers, or brief the CEO or Directors if attending.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure our policy and influencing work is grounded in practice and informed by those delivering services.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to ensure consistent, impactful messaging.

3. Research and Information

• With one of our Lead Research Officers leading, you will oversee the tendering process and delivery of our research contracts.
• Working with our Information Development Officer to ensure that we maintain our PIF Tick accreditation for our information resources.
• Carry out high-quality research and analysis.
• Use findings from Cerebra-funded and external research to produce policy briefs, consultation responses, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Alongside our Lead Research Officers carry out horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in child health, neurodiversity, and public service delivery.

4. Budgeting, monitoring and forecasting

• Working with the team and Director to set income and expenditure budgets for Corporate, Philanthropy, Legacy and Trust & Foundations to assist with any funding applications.
• Monitoring and reporting on income and expenditure and KPIs throughout the year.
• Providing quarterly income and expenditure re-forecasts.
• Ensuring all relevant information is recorded in line with charity, fundraising and data legislation and best practice.

5. Line Management

• Line management responsibilities for a small team, currently comprising of 3 staff.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team.
• Complete regular supervision and team meetings.
• Provide effective performance management to the team.
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture aligned with Cerebra’s values.

6. General

• Monitor and evaluate the impact the areas of work that leading on.
• Support collaboration across the different Cerebra teams.
• Experience using Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems or similar digital tools for recording and tracking work.
• Uphold Cerebra’s Data Protection Policy and all relevant confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the team and organisation.

Please see attached job description for person specification.

Head of Policy & Public Affairs

Business Disability Forum is the leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion. We are trusted partners, working with businesses, Government and disabled people to improve the life experiences of disabled employees and consumers, by removing barriers to inclusion.

• We work with over 600 members employing over 20% of the UK workforce and an estimated 8 million people worldwide.
• We advise, support and encourage businesses (many of them global) to become more disability-smart.
• We influence policymakers by representing the voice of employers and disabled employees.
• We provide evidence-based thought leadership on how business affects the lives of disabled people.
• We help effect changes in business practices, products, services and policies that positively impact the life experiences of disabled people, and also benefit business.

The role

We are looking for an exceptional individual to fulfil the role of Head of Policy and Public Affairs. We are looking for an experienced public affairs professional who can design and implement a public and parliamentary affairs strategy and support the team’s projects across public and parliamentary affairs, research, law and legislation, and UK Government consultation and inquiry work.

The requirement

• Demonstrable experience of working at management level in a public policy role in a topic related to disability, diversity and inclusion in the UK.
• Strong experience in setting and delivering a public and parliamentary affairs strategy.
• Strong experience of developing of new insights and policy positions within a team in an organisation working with other internal teams (such as comms and media) to communicate and promote those positions.
• In depth knowledge of the disability and reasonable adjustments element of UK legislation, and equality law as per the Equality Act 2010, the Employment Rights Act, Health and Safety at Work.
• Experience of acting as public facing spokesperson for an organisation.

For the full job description-person specification and additional information for applicants of this role and instructions on how to apply please visit our website below via the button below:

How to apply

We are asking applicants to send their CV and covering letter to apply for the role. Writing to a high standard in English is key to this role, as is writing to tight specifications and word count. A mistake is fine – we all make them. But your covering letter and CV should be well-written, with accurate use of English spelling and grammar. Your covering letter should tell us why you want to work in BDF’s policy and research team and why you think you would suit the role. Your letter should not exceed 400 words in total. Applications should be sent to jobs @ businessdisabilityforum .org .uk. 

• Closing date for applications: 19 April 2026
• First interviews are planned for the 27, 28 & 30 April.
• Second interviews are likely to take place in the week commencing 5 May 2026.

Business Disability Forum is committed to ensuring that all its information, products and services are as accessible as possible to everyone. If you wish to discuss anything in regards to accessibility or if you require alternative formats please contact Barnaby Powell by email at the address above or by telephone on 020-7403-3020.

For further information on Business Disability Forum please refer to our website via the link on this page.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to becoming disability-smart and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet all of the criteria will be offered an interview.

Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager 

London 

£50,956 to £53,000

Working hours – full time (35 hours a week) - you’ll agree your working pattern with your manager (core working hours are 10:00 - 16:00).

Location – London and homeworking (minimum 6 days a month in the London office, anchor day in the office every Wednesday)

Purpose and scope

Are you looking for a policy role where you can make a difference? Our client is looking for a Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager to grow their influence with government and in UK parliament to ensure the voice of physicians effectively influences the national policy agenda.

You’ll be part of the policy and campaigns team, responsible for ensuring they maintain its position as a credible, influential stakeholder in the eyes of government, NHS systems and their physician members.  

You’ll join the organisation just as it publishes a new strategy and decides new areas of policy focus. You’ll play a critical role in developing and delivering the public affairs strategy to ensure that the organisation is an effective advocate for its members.

You will lead and manage our public affairs work, designing and delivering influencing strategies and contributing your expertise to policy development and campaign planning for a range of policy issues. You’ll maintain a proactive awareness of issues within the UK health sector, politics and the media and identify opportunities for influencing and policy development. You will have demonstrable experience of developing and delivering successful influencing strategies, using a range of parliamentary influencing tactics to achieve policy change.

You will lead and manage the organisation’s stakeholder engagement. You will ensure we have the right relationships at the right level to achieve our influencing aims and maintain a network of contacts across the sector, in parliament, including political advisers, and the civil service.

You will be as comfortable speaking to parliamentarians and briefing senior leaders for meetings as you are writing consultation responses and policy briefings. You will be able to engage with the policy detail, while appreciating the bigger political picture and the organisation's place in it.

You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and be able to quickly and accurately interpret and communicate complex information. You will provide the president, senior officers and senior staff with public affairs advice, brief them for meetings and play an active role in engaging external stakeholders in NHS systems and the wider sector yourself.

The policy and campaigns team – which is part of the wider communications, policy and research directorate – is a fast paced, collaborative and innovative environment. You will help us shape our objectives and continuously improve how we work.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a proactive awareness of issues within the UK health sector, politics and the media and identifying opportunities for influencing and policy development
• Working proactively to identify opportunities for parliamentary engagement to grow the profile of the organisation.
• Building and owning relationships with Ministers Parliamentarians, their staff and civil servants, arms-length bodies and other sector stakeholders organisations relevant to their policy and campaigns aims.
• Providing public affairs advice to senior officers and staff, as well as their boards, committees and other activities as appropriate
• Managing a robust horizon scanning and political intelligence monitoring service to the senior officers, senior staff and the organisation as a whole.
• Owning a policy portfolio and developing proactive and reactive policy positions, working in partnership with senior officers, their members, communications colleagues and other staff and organisations. 
• Working flexibly and proactively without close supervision, undertaking a range of work such as writing briefings, letters, policy positions and consultation responses.
• Working with the media team to develop our client's voice with communications approaches that ensure high impact for their influencing and campaigns work.
• Preparing senior officers and staff for stakeholder meetings, supporting them in those meetings and yourself representing the organisation at meetings and events.
• Managing an adviser and developing them to the best of their ability.
• Any other duties commensurate with your post, including deputising for the head of policy and campaigns and executive/deputy directors of communications, policy and research, and managing budgets.

Experience

You will

• a strong background in public affairs, policy development and effective influencing in Westminster and UK government
• significant experience of developing and delivering successful influencing campaigns and having used a range of public affairs tactics, including the media, to achieve policy change
• significant experience of the policy development process and understanding of how to influence national and/or arms-length body policy processes. 
• excellent writing skills and experience of producing briefings, consultation responses and other communications on behalf of an organisation and senior people
• strong experience of giving advice to senior people, getting buy-in for your ideas and influencing opinion internally
• strong experience of successfully managing competing views, priorities and interests to achieve your aims. 
• be able to quickly develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including those at senior level
• experience of successfully managing high profile issues, relationships and events
• acting 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.

You may have experience of

• health and/or social care policy
• influencing the Senedd
• communications management
• working in a membership organisation and involving members in advocacy
• budget management

Closing date: 05 May 2026

Interviewing date: 18 May 2026

Our client 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. 

Our client is all about their people – their members, staff, volunteers and leaders. They educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know they can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into their community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients they serve is a priority for us.

• Job title: Policy and External Affairs Manager
• Area of work: Policy, Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement
• Contract type: Permanent
• Employment type: Full-time (with part-time and Flexible working options considered)
• Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
• Location: Hybrid working (office base in Wales, with travel across the UK as required)
• Annual leave & benefits: Generous annual leave, employer pension contribution, flexible and hybrid working, wellbeing support, learning and development opportunities, and staff networks
• Closing date: Thursday 30th April 2026

Overview
This is an influentialopportunity for an experienced policy and external affairs professional to playa leading role in shaping relationships, policy engagement and public affairsactivity within a national healthcare and regulation environment.
AsPolicy and External Affairs Manager, you will lead a small specialist team andact as a central source of expertise on the political, policy and stakeholderlandscape in Wales, while also contributing to UK-wide external affairsactivity. You will work closely with senior leaders and colleagues acrosspolicy, communications and engagement functions to anticipate emerging issues,develop responses, and strengthen relationships with key decision-makersand stakeholders.
Thisrole is ideal for someone with a strong background in health policy or publicaffairs, who enjoys operating at senior levels, providing trusted advice, andinfluencing in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Key Responsibilities
Policy Leadership & Strategic Advice

• Provide authoritative advice on the policy, legislative and political landscape, with a focus on healthcare and regulation.
• Lead horizon scanning and political monitoring, ensuring senior colleagues are briefed on emerging risks and opportunities.
• Produce high-quality briefings, policy papers and consultation responses to support organisational priorities.
• Advise senior leaders on external developments, helping shape strategic positioning and engagement approaches.

External Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and manage strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, including political, regulatory and sector bodies.
• Develop and deliver public affairs and stakeholder engagement plans, aligned to organisational strategy.
• Represent the organisation confidently at meetings, events, conferences and roundtables.
• Work collaboratively across UK-wide teams to ensure a coordinated approach to influencing and engagement.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide inclusive and supportive leadership to a team of policy and external affairs professionals.
• Support team members' development, performance and wellbeing.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, high standards and continuous improvement.

Cross-Organisation Collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues across communications, engagement, policy and operational teams.
• Contribute to business planning, evaluation and continuous improvement activity.
• Play an active role in supporting high-profile engagement activity and events.

Skills & Experience Required
Essential

• Strong understanding of the political, public affairs and health policy landscape.
• Proven experience advising senior leaders and producing high-quality briefings and written advice.
• Demonstrable ability to build credibility and influence with senior external stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for varied audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and a track record of delivering complex work to deadlines.
• Experience working independently, using judgement and initiative.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to motivate, develop and support others.

Desirable

• Experience working within a UK-wide or multifunctionality organisation.
• Understanding of health or professional regulation.
• Experience presenting to a wide range of audiences.
• Welsh language skills.

The Team
You willjoin a collaborative, values-driven external affairs and engagement function thatworks closely with colleagues across policy, communications, stakeholderengagement and senior leadership.

The organisationoffers:

• Opportunities to influence nationally significant policy and external engagement.
• A supportive, inclusive working culture.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Strong commitment to learning, development and staff wellbeing.

A Welsh-language version of the job description is availableon request.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Full time, 35 hours per week

Permanent

Grade DL, Salary £46,949.35 per annum

Location: Euston, London (hybrid working, minimum two days per week in the London office, including Thursdays)

Closing date: 9.00am, Monday 27 April

Interview date: Week commencing 04 May or 11 May TBC

The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest membership organisation solely for GPs in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1952, it has over 55,000 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline. General practice is the largest branch of the medicine and provides a majority of population’s contact with the health service.

We are looking for a senior policy professional with experience working on policy issues related to data, digital and AI to join our policy team, which is part of our Policy, Research and Campaigns department. If successful, you will help to make the case for resources in primary care to meet the health needs of our population, develop policy solutions to improve general practice, and influence decision making at senior levels of government. You will contribute to efforts in overcoming some of the biggest changes and challenges faced by the NHS in its history, with a particular focus on supporting general practice to engage with and respond to dynamic digital developments. You will work closely with our public affairs and campaigns team and our press team, as well as a range of others across the organisation, to ensure that the voice of general practice is heard at the most senior levels.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic policy professional who can hit the ground running and help drive forwards our influence in key areas within a fast-paced policy landscape. The successful individual will be responsible for data, digital and AI related policy areas affecting general practice, as well as engaging on a range of policy areas as required.

If you are a driven professional looking for a dynamic role where you will quickly be able to have an impact, we would like to hear from you. You should:

• have demonstrable experience working in policy. 
• be confident in taking a lead on policy development and able to quickly become an expert in complex policy areas of general practice.
• have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an eye for detail and an ability to explain complex problems to different audiences.
• be a strong self-starter who is confident in taking initiative.
• be confident in using evidence to help make a case for change.

The successful candidate will share our corporate values. In return, the College offers excellent terms and conditions and great working environment.

Please find the full Job Description in the downloadable Candidate Pack.

To apply, please click 'Quick Apply' and complete the application form on the Vacancies page on the RCGP website.

The Royal College of General Practitioners is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

                                            ~ Building a sustainable future for general practice ~

Harris Hill is delighted to be recruiting for a Policy and Public Affairs Manager, to joina dynamic and impactful charity driving change at both local and national levels. This is a maternity cover contract, starting mid-May until end of April 2027.

You will play a key part in shaping policy and influencing decision-makers, ensuring that lived experiences inform how services respond to some of the most complex social issues in the UK. You’ll work closely with individuals with direct experience, using their insights to inform research, shape workplans, and advocate for meaningful change.

You’ll monitor the policy landscape, identify opportunities to influence reform, and provide expert insight to improve responses within systems and services. The role also involves representing the needs of marginalised and vulnerable communities, including those facing exploitation, mental health challenges, and systemic discrimination.

About you:

• Experience in a policy or public affairs role
• A track record of influencing change at local and/or national level
• Strong relationship-building skills with policymakers and politicians
• Experience engaging with Parliamentarians and APPGs
• Confidence communicating complex and sensitive issues clearly
• Understanding of UK political systems and policy processes
• A commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices
• Ability to work independently and drive projects forward
• Right to work in the UK

What’s on offer:
This is an opportunity to join a values-driven organisation where your work will have real-world impact. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that prioritises humanity, inclusion, and meaningful change.

• 35 hour week. Happy to talk about flexible working such as part-time working or flexible working hours. Fixed term contract until end of April 2027.
• Salary £37,000- £39,000. 28 days annual leave plus bank hols.
• Location- Hybrid- South West London (Central Office is based in Mortlake – 12 mins from Clapham Junction and 23 mins from Waterloo).
• The successful candidate will need to regularly be in London for meetings due to the nature of the role.  There is a lot of flexibility to work from home, but you would be expected to be in central London regularly.

Apply now! Firm closing date- 12noon Friday 17^th April 2026.

Interviews:  22nd April 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.