Policy and public affairs manager jobs
Employer: Community Rail Network
Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time
Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield
We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.
About us
Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.
Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.
Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.
About this role
This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.
As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.
Main responsibilities
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Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice;
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Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport;
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Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared;
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Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;
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Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport;
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Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement;
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Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact;
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Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR;
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Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact;
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Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;
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Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement.
Skills and competencies
- Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management;
- Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
- An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights;
- Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas;
- Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels;
- Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels;
- A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments;
- Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level;
- Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks;
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so;
- IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media;
- Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.
Other information
As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.
This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.
Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.
Championing the community rail movement | Connecting people and their railways | Creating inclusive, empowered, sustainable and healthy communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.
Location: South Wales Skylight to work hybrid in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy, with an expectation to work a minimum of one day a week from the Skylight more as per business requirements
Contract: Permanent
About the role
The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Wales role at Crisis is an exciting opportunity to make a big difference in our mission to end homelessness. Through collaborating with colleagues, our frontline services, our members with lived experience of homelessness, key partners, civil servants and Members of the Senedd, you will help to develop and push for impactful policy change in Wales.
With the next Senedd term fast approaching and new homelessness legislation expected, you will be joining the team at a critical time in our calls for bold action to end homelessness in Wales. The postholder will be passionate about achieving fairness and equity, advocating for others, and achieving social justice through policy change.
About you
· Excellent knowledge of national and local government structures across Wales, with a proven track record for effectively influencing policy
· Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and concisely to a range of audiences
· Dedication to seeking effective policy change to help end homelessness, valuing the importance of lived experience in policy development
· Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, collaborating with colleagues and building a network across key partners
· Experienced in working in a busy environment, prioritising workloads and working to deadline
· While not essential for the role, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable
Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.
Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
· A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How do I apply?
Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.
Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026 23:59
Interview process: Competency-based interview and a written task
Interview date and location: Friday 6th February 2026 (in-person) at Crisis Skylight, South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ
AI in Job Applications
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences
Accessibility
We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team will contact you to discuss how we can help.
For more information about our work please visit
Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Contract: Permanent, full time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £49,000 - £52,000 per annum
Location: Anchored to the Cardiff office. Minimum expectation of being present at least one day a week in the office.
The Head of External Affairs is a key role within the Carers Trust Wales team responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic external affairs strategy to ensure the issues impacting on unpaid carers and the services they rely on are a priority for Welsh Government, the Senedd and other key statutory partners.
A high-profile role, our Head of External Affairs is a credible spokesperson for the organisation working alongside the media, third sector and other key stakeholders to raise awareness of, and generate support for, the issues impacting unpaid carers and the services they rely on.
Through this role you will be central to advancing our mission by increasing the profile and influence of the Carers Trust Network in Wales, campaigning to make carers' rights a reality through the delivery of Wales-based and UK wide campaigns, and the production of high-quality content for a range of audiences.
To find out more about the role and Carers Trust, download the documents attached.
Contract: Parhaol, amser llawn
Oriau: 35 awr yr wythnos
Cyflog: £49,000 - £52,000 y flwyddyn
Lleoliad: Wedi'i angori i swyddfa Caerdydd. Bydd disgwyl i chi fod yn bresennol yn y swyddfa o leiaf un diwrnod yr wythnos.
Mae'r Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn rôl allweddol yn nhîm Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr Cymru sy'n gyfrifol am ddatblygu a chyflawni strategaeth materion allanol ddeinamig i sicrhau bod y materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw yn flaenoriaeth i Lywodraeth Cymru, y Senedd a phartneriaid statudol allweddol eraill.
Mae ein Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn swydd uchel ei phroffil ac yn llefarydd effeithiol ar ran y sefydliad. Mae'n gweithio ochr yn ochr â'r cyfryngau, y trydydd sector a rhanddeiliaid allweddol eraill i godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw, ac i ennyn cefnogaeth ar eu cyfer.
Drwy'r rôl hon, byddwch yn ganolog i ddatblygu ein cenhadaeth drwy godi proffil a dylanwad y Rhwydwaith Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr yng Nghymru, ymgyrchu i wireddu hawliau gofalwyr drwy ddarparu ymgyrchoedd yng Nghymru ac ar draws y DU, a llunio cynnwys o ansawdd uchel ar gyfer amrywiaeth o gynulleidfaoedd.
I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y rôl ac am Ymddiriedolaeth y Gofalwyr, llwythwch y dogfennau sydd wedi'u hatodi i lawr.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This role manages the BSI’s Clinical Immunology Professional Network, and drives partnerships to secure funding and support. You will also lead the BSI’s work on vaccines, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of effective and affordable vaccines that deliver patient benefit.
This is a highly visible role requiring extensive engagement with partner organisations including the NHS, charities, funders, government bodies and industry, alongside a strong understanding of the relevant policy landscape. Acting as a primary interface with clinical and research communities, funders and other key stakeholders, you will also secure external funding to support project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to build strong relationships and successfully deliver projects both within and beyond the BSI.
This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation, delivering impactful projects, and building important partnerships in the dynamic field of clinical research.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.
This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.
Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
- Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
- Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
- Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
- Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
- Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
- Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a strong track record of delivering impact.
- Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
- Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
- Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.
Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.
Why Join Us?
This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.
Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.
Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.
To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.
To change society by removing barriers so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential in education, in employment and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Salary: £31,242 per annum (+£5000, London area weighting if applicable)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Hybrid, with regular travel to our Devonshire Square London office.
About the Role
Nacro is looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer – Young People to support the delivery of our influencing strategy. This role will focus on developing Nacro’s policy positions on issues affecting young people and delivering proactive and reactive public affairs activity to influence decision-makers.
Working closely with the Head of Policy & Public Affairs and colleagues across the organisation, you will help ensure that the voices and experiences of young people inform policy development and public debate.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyse the political and policy environment relating to young people’s issues to identify opportunities for influence.
- Develop evidence-based policy positions, working with service users, frontline staff and research colleagues.
- Draft policy briefings, reports and responses to government consultations.
- Develop and deliver public affairs plans aligned to Nacro’s influencing objectives.
- Identify, build and maintain effective relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and regional decision-makers.
- Represent Nacro at external events, including APPGs, parliamentary events and meetings with MPs.
- Produce parliamentary briefings and contribute to legislative scrutiny as required.
- Organise and support parliamentary and stakeholder events that advance influencing objectives.
- Build strong working relationships with sector partners and external organisations.
- Act as the internal point of contact for expertise on young people’s policy.
- Provide content for media comment, blogs and wider external communications.
- Prepare briefings for the Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Director of Engagement & Impact and the CEO.
- Support wider campaigning and influencing work across the organisation as required.
Skills and Experience
- Significant knowledge of policy issues affecting young people.
- Strong understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and political processes.
- Experience of designing and delivering public affairs activity.
- Proven experience of influencing decision-makers and working with parliamentarians.
- Experience of building and maintaining productive external relationships.
- Strong experience of writing policy papers, briefings and campaign materials.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of political awareness and sound judgement.
Our Expectations
You will take ownership of your learning and development, always promote Nacro positively, and work collaboratively as part of an integrated team. You will adhere to safeguarding, data protection, health and safety, equality and diversity policies, and demonstrate professional behaviours aligned with Nacro’s values.
Why Join Nacro?
We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.
That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.
We see your future, whatever the past.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about influencing policy and improving outcomes for young people, we welcome your application. Please submit your application
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
We offer hybrid working.
About Us
Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.
Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.
As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.
The Benefits
We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.
We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join our Research, Policy and Impact team.
Supporting the Head of Cancer Insight, you will continue to develop and deliver a policy and public affairs strategy, including influencing at a local, regional, and national level, with the aim of helping the charity achieve its strategy and bringing benefit to the people of Yorkshire. You will develop evidence-based policy reports and recommendations that can be used to influence a variety of audiences and project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns and events. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will also act as a source of expertise across the organisation and externally on key policy areas and the wider policy environment.
Specifically, you will:
Influencing
· Support the further development, refinement and delivery of the charity’s influencing strategy and impact evaluation process, in line with the charity’s own strategic ambitions.
· Lead the development of insightful written materials and reports to aid influencing.
· Lead the charity’s response to regional and national consultations relevant to cancer in Yorkshire, making a robust and evidence-based case for the charity’s position.
· Oversee the continued growth of the charity’s political monitoring work and ensure the effective pursuit of every opportunity offered.
· Engage with regional and national decision makers to influence policy-making for the benefit of people in Yorkshire and beyond.
· Grow relationships with key stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond (such as DHSC, NHSE, Integrated Care Boards, Cancer Alliances, national policy groups, and other charities, to influence change based on policy recommendations.
Policy development
· Support the continued development of the policy production and dissemination process, including the policy development pathway, internal/external dissemination and impact evaluation.
· Lead the research, production and dissemination of high quality, evidence-based cancer-related policies and the strategic development of key policy recommendations.
· Oversee regular updates of existing policies and position statements, ensuring that topical policies are updated frequently.
· Ensure external insight is built into policies and policy development, such as gaining views from the Patient and Public Involvement Community, the inclusion of external patient and public contributors and endorsements from clinical and academic experts.
· Oversee work with relevant internal teams to create key messages for a range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring these are in line with the latest evidence and are used correctly, and provide expert commentary on media stories.
· Act as a source of expertise on the charity’s cancer-related policies and position statements, both internally and externally. Undertake media interviews as required to communicate key messages with the public.
Campaigns and Events
· Project manage the development, delivery and evaluation of public affairs campaigns, in collaboration with the Brand and Relationships team where relevant, manage relationships with third parties to support campaign delivery where required.
· Lead the outreach and delivery of influencing events, including visits to charity-funded projects and party conference activity.
· Further develop and deliver of a strategy for growing and maintaining a handraiser supporter base, to enhance public affairs campaigns activity.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will need:
· To have a degree in a relevant subject area, for example public policy, public health, scientific, medical etc.
· To have substantial experience of writing influencing materials such as briefings, letters, blogs, campaign materials.
· To have substantial experience supporting the implementation of high impact campaigns that engage the public and are designed to influence. Experience of working on campaigns that encourage behaviour change.
· To have experience of evaluating campaigns, and assessing the impact of policy and public affairs activities.
· To have excellent Public Affairs experience including understanding of local, regional and national government, the current health policy landscape as well as knowledge of UK parliamentary processes along with a proven track-record of engaging politically to make change happen.
· To have substantial experience of developing evidence-based policies for a health focused organisation.
· To have substantial experience of communicating health policy positions to a variety of audiences including for influencing purposes.
· To have a good understanding of the health care system in England.
· To be a strategic thinker with strong analytical, judgement and decision-making skills.
· To be able to sift out the essential elements from a mass of complex information, integrate and synthesise ideas, and present information to others in an accessible way.
· To be a pro-active and creative approach to policy work with an ability to identify and use external opportunities and a desire to succeed.
· To have excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills with the ability to interpret complex information and communicate this to a range of audiences so it is clear and accessible.
· To have excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines with exceptional levels of accuracy maintained.
· To have strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to coach team members to encourage continued development and learning.
· To have strong networking, influencing and relationship management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence others, as well as the confidence and personal authority to work with external organisations.
Application
Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People,before 15 December 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer. We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.
We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.
Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.
ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.
You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people. You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance. This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.
Key responsibilities
· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.
· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.
· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.
· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.
· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.
· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.
· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.
· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.
· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.
About you
We're looking for someone who brings:
· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.
· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.
· First rate written and verbal communication skills.
· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
· An interest in health policy.
· Alignment with our vision and values.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.
For more details download the job pack.
Please submit your CV. Your covering letter must be no more than 400 words long.
Please apply early, we may close the vacancy once we receive a sufficient number of strong applications.
Better MSK health for everyone.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Nacro is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead our strategic policy development and influencing work with Government, officials, and other key decision-makers. This pivotal role will shape and deliver a high-impact policy and public affairs strategy that improves the lives of the people we support—those affected by the criminal justice system, housing insecurity, and barriers to education.
You will be Nacro’s senior voice in government spaces, the media, and across the public affairs landscape. You will ensure our policy positions are evidence-based, rooted in lived experience, and influential at the highest levels.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Policy & Public Affairs
- Lead Nacro’s strategic policy and public affairs activity with Government, parliamentarians, officials, and other stakeholders.
- Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy that drives meaningful change.
- Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with senior policymakers.
- Represent Nacro externally, including with senior stakeholders and in the media.
- Oversee the development of evidence-based policy positions and research projects that support Nacro’s strategic objectives.
- Ensure service user experience informs all policy and influencing work.
- Produce and oversee high-quality policy outputs including consultation responses, briefings, reports, blogs, and media commentary.
- Safeguard Nacro’s reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of insight and expertise.
- Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to the Director of Engagement & Impact and the Chief Executive.
People Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and support a high-performing team, setting clear direction and expectations.
- Model Nacro’s values and behaviours, enabling a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture.
- Manage communication channels effectively, ensuring key organisational messages are understood and cascaded.
- Set objectives, monitor performance, and hold regular one-to-one meetings.
- Support professional development and wellbeing across the team while driving innovation and high standards.
- Take responsibility for all aspects of people management, including recruitment, conduct, performance, and attendance.
- Recognise, reward, and encourage excellent performance.
Leadership Across the Organisation
- Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team, helping to drive organisational strategy.
- Operate both strategically and operationally, identifying opportunities and risks for Nacro.
Professional Expertise
- Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
- Strong track record of leading policy campaigns that delivered real impact.
- Excellent political awareness, judgement, and communication skills—both written and verbal.
- Knowledge of criminal justice, education, young people’s policy, or housing policy (desirable).
Performance & Compliance
- Set and deliver directorate performance targets, ensuring effective management of budgets and resources.
- Oversee health & safety responsibilities in your area.
- Contribute to business development and bid work in partnership with relevant teams.
- Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting.
- Promote and uphold Nacro’s values, safeguarding, data protection, and equality and diversity policies.
- Represent Nacro positively, building strong internal and external relationships.
Why Join Nacro?
We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.
That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.
We see your future, whatever the past.
If you are a strategic thinker, an influential communicator, and passionate about social justice—we want to hear from you.
Apply now to lead change where it matters most
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Nacro is looking for a committed and politically astute Policy & Public Affairs Officer – Criminal Justice to play a key role in delivering our influencing strategy. You will help shape Nacro’s policy positions on criminal justice issues and deliver proactive and reactive public affairs activity that drives meaningful change for the people we support.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about social justice, who understands the political landscape and is confident producing high-quality policy materials, engaging with parliamentarians, and representing Nacro externally.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development
- Monitor and analyse political and policy developments in criminal justice to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Work with service users, staff, and research colleagues to develop evidence-based policy positions.
- Produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses.
- Serve as Nacro’s internal expert on criminal justice policy.
Public Affairs & Influencing
- Develop and deliver a public affairs plan that advances Nacro’s influencing objectives.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, and regional decision-makers.
- Attend and represent Nacro at APPGs, parliamentary meetings, and external events.
- Produce parliamentary briefings and contribute to legislative engagement.
- Organise and coordinate parliamentary and stakeholder events that support influencing goals.
- Work collaboratively with partners across the sector to strengthen joint advocacy.
Communications & Support
- Provide content for media statements, blogs, and external communications.
- Prepare briefings for senior leaders including the Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Director of Engagement & Impact, and CEO.
- Support wider Nacro campaigns and influencing work as required.
Professional & Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of criminal justice policy.
- In-depth understanding of Westminster, Whitehall, and political processes.
- Experience designing and delivering effective public affairs activity.
- Demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers.
- Experience working with parliamentarians and developing strong relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience producing policy and campaign materials.
- Strong political awareness and the ability to anticipate developments.
Organisational Performance & Compliance
- Commit to personal learning and development through supervision and appraisal.
- Positively promote Nacro and contribute to an integrated, collaborative team culture focused on supporting service users and students.
- Adhere to safeguarding, data protection, and statutory responsibilities.
- Uphold and promote Nacro’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
- Report any health and safety concerns within your area.
- Demonstrate professional behaviour aligned with Nacro’s values.
Why Join Nacro?
We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.
That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.
We see your future, whatever the past.
If you’re passionate about driving change, skilled at navigating political environments, and eager to develop your policy and influencing expertise - we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape a fairer future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Public Affairs Lead sits within our Policy and Advocacy Team, working to build support for The Food Foundation’s work amongst Parliamentarians and to influence the government to help deliver policies that will transform the food system. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small organisation delivering big impact on the political agenda around food.
The Public Affairs Manager reports to our Head of Policy and Advocacy and will be responsible for planning and delivering our public affairs activity. This includes:
- Political engagement: meeting MPs and Peers in parliament and building relationships with their teams with a view to identifying potential new supporters
- Policy and research: working closely with colleagues to share perspectives on which priorities it may be tactical to pursue and to understand what evidence is available to inform engagement.
- Networking: working with public affairs professionals in other organisations to deliver joint programmes of engagement work which leverage respective organisational strengths.
- Monitoring: You will have excellent political instincts and a strong interest in policy developments,
monitoring closely what is going on in Parliament and in Government,in order to identify opportune moments to maximise political attention and to galvanise support for policy change. - Communicating: building compelling narratives targeted at different political stakeholders about the impacts of the food system on our diets, our health and our planet, and the need for evidence-based solutions.
- Developing briefing materials and reports for policy audiences and formulate responses on behalf of the organisation to policy development processes and Parliamentary inquiries.
- Events: ensuring our messages and priorities are noticed and heard by policy-makers in a very crowded policy space, including by working closely with our events manager to deliver impactful parliamentary events.
You will bring a learning mindset to the role, assessing the impact of our policy engagement approaches in order to make continuous improvements.
A week in the job
Meeting with a Peer that is new to our work to brief them on evidence we have published and our current political priorities, completing a political stakeholder mapping exercise for a new campaign on sustainable diets to identify a shortlist of MPs to engage with, spending an afternoon in parliament to engage informally with passing MPs, pitching a new idea for a
parliamentary inquiry to parliamentary staff from the Health and Social Care Committee, drafting an MP briefing for an upcoming debate on the Government’ s obesity prevention priorities, reviewing next week’s parliamentary calendar to spot opportunities for engagement, attending a roundtable to share intelligence and discuss priorities for political party manifestos with other NGOs working on food issues, ringing round parliamentary offices to confirm attendance for
an upcoming parliamentary reception, meeting with an MP that is closely involved with The Food Foundation’s work to refine messaging for an upcoming campaign.
Your experience
You will have a strong knowledge of the UK political landscape and be comfortable and confident in engaging with stakeholders in Whitehall and in Parliament across the political spectrum. Ideally you would also have a knowledge of policy related to the food system, public health or the environmental crisis.
Your skills
- Proven ability to influence decision makers
- Strong knowledge and experience of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape
- Ability to work diplomatically and professionally with external stakeholders
- Significant experience working in a role with a major focus on external engagement in a policy/public affairs setting
- A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
- Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to share ideas, find solutions and help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
- Proactive and independent worker with strong organisational and project management skills and demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a timepressured environment.
- Close attention to detail and ability to accurately monitor policy developments, stakeholder views and engagement activity.
- You have a commitment to building equitable, diverse and inclusive policy.
- An existing network of relationships with MPs, Peers, advisors and policy officials.
Our vision is a sustainable food system which delivers health and wellbeing for all.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As charity Eden Project looks to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2026, we are looking for a creative and strategic PR, confident in developing and executing behaviour-change campaigns, building engagement through compelling storytelling, targeted communications and inspiring content that encourages community participation and nature connection across the UK.
Eden Project is an educational charity delivering UK-wide community outreach programmes that focus on encouraging positive action for people and planet and creating social capital on a mass scale.
Working into the Head of PR and Public Affairs and collaborating closely with the wider PR, Marketing, Digital, Partnerships and Programme Delivery teams, the purpose of this role is to support the development and delivery of campaigns that deliver media reach to engage and inspire more people to take part in The Big Lunch, The Big Help Out and Nature Connections initiatives.
The post holder will plan and deliver integrated, creative campaigns that build awareness, drive participation and deepen connection with Eden’s brand and charitable mission. They will ensure campaign messages and materials are audience-focused, brand-aligned and strategically delivered in media.
Some of the benefits of working at the Eden Project include;
- Free entry to Eden and Heligan for family and friends
- 30 days holiday plus an extra day for your birthday
- Access to UNUM for wellbeing support
- Financial wellbeing support – access to 121 sessions with an independent financial advisor
- Cycle to work scheme
- Training and development
- Option to ‘purchase leave’, up to an extra 2 weeks a year
- Enhanced pension scheme (above auto-enrolment rates)
- Death in service policy (4 x annual salary)
The closing date for applications is Friday 9 January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a strategic and hands-on digital leader ready to shape the future of our digital landscape and improve the experience for dogs and the people who care for them?
We’re looking for a Digital Product Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of large and complex digital products that meet user needs and drive organisational impact.
What does this role do?
As Digital Product Manager, you'll:
- lead the discovery, design and delivery of new digital products, managing complex builds, integrations and user centred, data driven development,
- collaborate across teams and with external partners to ensure smooth delivery, strong user journeys and alignment with the live website and wider directorate goals,
- manage, coach and develop a Digital Product Officer,
- ensure strong governance, accessibility and data protection compliance, and use performance insights to drive continuous improvement.
Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 12th January 2026.
Could this be you?
We’re looking for someone with proven digital product management experience, strong UX and agile understanding, confidence in project planning, and the ability to collaborate across diverse teams. You’ll use data to inform decisions, have experience supporting or managing others, with the ability to cultivate a supportive, high-performing team culture.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
White Ribbon is the leading organisation in the UK working to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Our mission is to prevent men’s violence against women through addressing its root causes, gender inequality and harmful gender norms and stereotypes. We do this by working with individual men and boys, organisations, and the community, helping them to understand the scale of the problem, and how they can be part of the solution.
This is an exciting time to join White Ribbon as our work and profile has grown significantly over recent years as the importance of engaging men in ending violence has become more apparent. We have an increasing public presence, through campaigning activities, policy influence, in the media and online.
Location: This is a London based post, with remote working. Most frequent and regular networking and partnership meetings and events will be in London, with some travel throughout England and Wales, particularly around the White Ribbon Day period. You will be required to attend occasional meetings with the staff team at various locations around the country, including quarterly in West Yorkshire.
You will lead our policy work to influence decision makers and our awareness raising campaigns, including our flagship White Ribbon Day and the following 16 days of activism, with ambitious engagement targets across a wide group of stakeholders. Your work will bring about demonstrable societal and policy change.
Please see the full job description and person specification attached.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


