Policy and public affairs manager jobs
Annual leave: 33 days (plus eight bank holidays)
Benefits:
- enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental pay
- family-friendly policies
- 8% employer pension contribution (Aviva)
- three x basic salary life assurance cover
- free health cashback plan (Medicash): employee cover plus up to four dependent children
- 24/7 virtual GP access (UK registered), plus access to Best Doctors
free, confidential employee assistance programme (Medicash) - access to a wellbeing app
- flexible working options including hybrid working, flexible working patterns such as part-time, compressed hours, and more*
- learning and development opportunities including bespoke training and access to LinkedIn Learning)
- commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
- we have a Menopause Friendly accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer
Join Dementia UK as Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Scotland) and play a pivotal role in shaping our influence as we deliver our 2025–30 strategy. This new role reflects a significant investment in expanding our Campaigns, Policy and Public Affairs function, strengthening our ability to drive change across all nations of the UK. You will lead our work to amplify Dementia UK’s voice in Scotland, ensuring that the experiences of people living with dementia, and the Admiral Nurses who support them, drive meaningful improvements in care and support.
You will spearhead our political and policy engagement in Scotland, building trusted relationships with MSPs, civil servants, political advisers and sector partners. Through sharp political insight and rigorous policy development, you will help shape our influencing priorities, identify strategic opportunities, and position Dementia UK as a credible and authoritative voice on dementia care within the Scottish policy landscape.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across policy, public affairs, campaigns, communications, clinical services and lived experience, you will develop and deliver a Scottish policy and public affairs strategy that aligns with our UK-wide approach. You will also represent Dementia UK externally as our primary political contact in Scotland, ensuring our perspectives are heard in key debates and decision‑making forums.
To thrive in this role, you will bring strong political instincts, deep knowledge of Scottish political institutions and policy processes, and a proven ability to build influential relationships with senior stakeholders. You will be a strategic thinker with the confidence to lead evidence-based policy development, assess risks and opportunities in a fast-moving environment, and drive forward activity that supports our long-term ambition to transform dementia care across the UK.
We would love to hear from you! If you would like to find out more about the role, or have any queries, please get in touch via the email on our website.
Our culture
In addition to a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, we truly value our people. It’s important for us to create a working environment that looks after our workforce to support them in achieving their full potential. You will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. We recognise and value the key role you will play in delivering our strategic plans for the benefit of those living with dementia.
Our staff have a voice. Representatives from different roles and levels across the organisation positively contribute to and lead on our working groups around health and wellbeing, menopause, and equity, diversity and inclusion.
Dementia UK is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate difference and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always.
Dementia UK is a Disability Confident Employer.
By applying to join Dementia UK, you acknowledge that in the event you are successful for the role, any offer and your ongoing employment will be conditional on you having or obtaining the right to work in the UK.
*Please note that any decision on flexible working is based on business needs
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join us as a Public Affairs Officer to support the growth of our influencing and campaigning profile, helping to deliver high-impact content and campaigns that mobilise supporters, influence policy and raise awareness of issues that impact equine welfare in the UK and around the world.
About the role
As part of our Public Affairs team, you’ll lead on supporter content and digital communications, tailoring messages for different audiences to maximise reach and engagement. You’ll support research and report writing, monitor UK and EU policy developments, and track campaign performance to help shape future work. You’ll also play a key role in growing and engaging our supporter network—mobilising people to take action and strengthening our influence with decisionmakers.
This is a part-time role, working remotely for three days a week between 09:00 to 16:00. There is flexibility to discuss which days would suit you best, except for Wednesdays, which are required. You will be required to attend the charity’s head office located in Norfolk a minimum of 6 times per year and this will be at your own expense for travel and accommodation.
About you:
You’re a clear, confident communicator with experience writing for digital channels, using campaign technology and working collaboratively across teams. You build positive relationships with supporters and stakeholders and understand how campaigning can influence decision makers, supported by knowledge of UK and/or EU legislative frameworks. You’re organised and pro-active, able to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment. Analytical and research skills, an understanding of equines and the ability to speak another language are desirable.
What we offer:
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions up to 8%, rising to 12% with length of service.
- Employee health cash plan to cover expenses such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, etc.
- Annual Leave entitlement of 20 days (increasing to 25 days with service), plus bank holidays, plus a Christmas allowance for mandatory shutdown.
- Paid employee sickness absence scheme and compassionate leave.
- Life assurance scheme of 4x annual salary.
World Horse Welfare is committed to championing equality and diversity in all aspects of employment and the services we provide. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities.
World Horse Welfare takes great pride in being realistic, compassionate and forward-thinking and the successful applicant for any of our vacancies will be expected to share these values.
World Horse Welfare’s vision is a world where every horse is treated with respect, compassion and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here.
The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.
About the role
We’re looking for a motivated and committed public affairs manager to join the policy, evidence and influencing team. In this role, you’ll help deliver change for people affected by breast cancer by leading our public affairs work in the UK Parliament and across England.
You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering a public affairs strategy to raise awareness of the critical issues for people affected by breast cancer. You’ll work with colleagues across the team and organisation to design influencing activities and events that deliver change. You’ll build strong relationships with parliamentarians and other public affairs stakeholders.
This role manages a public affairs officer. You’ll work closely with them to provide the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer.
About you
With experience of working in relevant public affairs roles to deliver significant change, you’ll be an excellent communicator, well-organised and able to work under pressure to tight deadlines. You’ll be confident working with a wide range of people and have experience of supervising or managing people. You’ll also have an excellent understanding of the policy and influencing landscape that Breast Cancer Now works in.
Job description and benefits
Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.
Primary location of role and hybrid working
This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.
When applying
We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement online. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.
Closing date Monday 16 March 2026 9am
Interview date week commencing 23 March 2026
We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.
This is an exciting opportunity to engage in parliamentary, policy and civil society engagement work. We are looking for a Public Affairs Officer to support the implementation of the Trust's Public Affair's strategy. Working closely with the Public Affairs Manager, the role helps to build understanding and commitment among policy-makers ensuring that the Holocaust remains a central part of the UK's national consciousness. The successful candidate will provide meaningful support to activity that influences decision and policy makers; develop strong relationships with stakeholders; and provide ongoing political support for Holocaust education and antisemitism education across the UK.
Over the course of our history, the Trust has created and delivered innovative and meaningful learning experiences and educational programmes which reach over 100,000 young people each year, teaching them about what the Holocaust was, and its relevance today. The school programmes we deliver include our Outreach Programme, our Lessons from Auschwitz Project; The Youth Advocacy Programme; Testimony 360: People and Places of the Holocaust; and Teacher Training.
The successful candidate will provide meaningful support to activity that influences decsion and policy makers; develop strong relationships with stakeholders; and provide ongoing political support for Holocaust education and antisemitism education across the UK.
The Officer contributes essential research, coordination, written and logistical support to the Public Affairs Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Parliamentary and Public Affairs Support
- Political and Policy Monitoring
- Events and Engagement
- Team and Organisational Support
To find out more, and for details on how to apply, interested candidates should read the full application pack and head to our website to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Project Manager: Voices for Health Equity
Job Description and Person Specification
Job title Project Manager: Voices for Health Equity
Hours 35 hours per week
Salary Between £37,000 - £43,750. Placement within the band will depend on skills and experience, with the upper end reflecting significant, directly relevant expertise.
Location Hybrid work between home and our Vauxhall office, as well as regular travel to in-person events across England. Please read more about our approach to hybrid working in the relevant section below.
Reports to Director of Evidence and Improvement
National Voices
Making what matters to people matter in health and care
National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.
Our Vision:
People shaping their health and care.
Our Mission:
We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.
We do this by:
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Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.
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Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.
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Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.
The Role
National Voices has been commissioned by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to deliver their work with the CQC Public Engagement Network. The Public Engagement Network is a group of 200+ charities with reach into communities experiencing health inequalities across England. By engaging with these organisations, the CQC’s aim is to ensure that local health and care services meet the needs and preferences of the communities they serve.
For both organisations this is much more than just another engagement contract, it is a new partnership designed to make the voices the CQC hears from more than the sum of its parts. In our work with the Public Engagement Network, we are committed to:
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Ensuring meaningful participation of people and communities
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Championing accessibility and inclusion
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Valuing VCSE organisations as equal partners
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Ensuring insights collected lead to impact and action
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Investing in the long-term capacity and agency of VCSE organisations
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Being brave and principled – acting with courage and not shying away from difficult conversations
The Voices for Health Equity Project Manager role is to:
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Lead the delivery of the Public Engagement Network contract from inception through to delivery, learning and evaluation, including co-ordinating an integrated management team including representatives of our two partner organisations.
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Build, manage and sustain the Public Engagement Network, creating a range of opportunities for members to participate, and ensuring relationships are meaningful, inclusive and mutually beneficial.
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Ensure high-quality insight is captured from the network, analysed and translated into learning, improvement and influence.
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Provide day-to-day project governance, quality assurance and risk management.
The role is delivery-focused and externally facing, with significant responsibility for programme management, partner relationships and ensuring National Voices’ values are embedded in how CQC uses the insights generated.
Responsibilities
Programme and client management
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Lead the end-to-end delivery of the Public Engagement Network programme, including co-ordinating an integrated management team including representatives of our two partner organisations.
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Manage individual project plans, budgets, risks and dependencies, escalating issues appropriately and ensuring delivery remains on track.
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Oversee subcontracted work, including agreeing briefs, managing performance, quality assuring outputs and approving invoices.
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Act as the main point of contact for the commissioners, and lead on regular reporting obligations and on programme evaluation.
Building and managing the Public Engagement Network
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Take lead responsibility for engaging, stewarding, supporting and retaining a network of VCSE organisations with reach into marginalised communities and those experience inequalities.
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Design and deliver engagement approaches with the network and those they represent that prioritises trust, long-term relationships and mutual benefit.
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Oversee the delivery of learning events, sense-making sessions and other opportunities that support members to build confidence, skills and influence.
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Ensure participants are appropriately supported, reimbursed and recognised for their contribution.
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Ambitiously grow the Network, through participating in outreach events, ongoing communication activities and more.
Co-ordinate and support activities capturing insight, learning and impact
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Co-ordinate and support colleagues with projects that capture qualitative and quantitative insight from people with lived experience, including insight capture events, focus groups, interviews, advisory groups etc.
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When needed, support the analysis and synthesis of insight into clear themes, findings and recommendations.
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Work with colleagues to ensure insight informs National Voices’ wider influencing, improvement and learning activity.
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Support effective feedback loops, ensuring participants understand how their input has been used and what impact it has had.
Governance, quality and risk management
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Provide day-to-day programme governance for assigned projects, operating within agreed frameworks and reporting arrangements
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Contribute to internal management groups and partnership meetings as required
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Maintain and review risk registers and quality assurance processes.
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Ensure safeguarding, data protection, accessibility and ethical considerations are embedded in all activity.
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Support preparation of regular performance and impact reports for internal and external audiences.
Partnership and stakeholder management
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Work closely with partner organisations to deliver programmes collaboratively, modelling National Voices’ values and ways of working
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Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across the CQC, VCSE organisations and delivery partners.
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Represent National Voices at external meetings, events and learning forums as required.
Line management and internal leadership
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Line-manage the Voices for Health Equity Project Officer including overseeing day-to-day work, quality assuring outputs, holding regular 1-2-1s as well as setting annual objectives and completing appraisals.
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Provide matrix management for other National Voices of colleagues including other Manager roles and other officers, as and when work requires.
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Work in sync with other managers across National Voices, contributing to a joined-up, supportive team culture
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Deputise for the Director of Evidence and Improvement, or other senior colleagues, when required.
General
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Take a proactive approach to including people with lived experience and members in all areas of work
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Support the development of funding bids and proposals, including shaping delivery models and costing activity.
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Follow organisational processes to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work
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Support good project, financial and data management
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Contribute to team planning activities and undertake other relevant duties as appropriate
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Be prepared to take part in full-day events and, with sufficient notice, events outside core working hours
Person Specification
Values, attitudes and behaviours
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Passionate about National Voices’ mission and the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience
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Strong commitment to equity, inclusion and reducing health inequalities
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Proactive, flexible and comfortable working in complexity
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Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality
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Confident in building relationships and constructively challenging where needed
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Comfortable working collaboratively and taking responsibility for delivery
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Energised by breadth and variety, able to work effectively across diverse topics and themes while spotting connections and opportunities for impact
Skills and abilities
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Strong project or programme management skills, with experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder work
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Demonstrable experience of working with people with lived experience and/or VCSE organisations in a meaningful and inclusive way
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Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex insight into clear, accessible outputs
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Experience of managing partnerships, subcontractors or commissioned work
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Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, plan and manage risk
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Experience of quality assurance, reporting and working within governance frameworks
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Excellent people skills, with the ability to lead, support and motivate others
Experience, knowledge and understanding
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Demonstrable experience in leading insight generation projects which have led to real-world impact and improvements.
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Experience in engaging with people experiencing inequalities in a safe and meaningful way.
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Experience of managing funder relationships and generating income.
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Experience of facilitating and presenting at events and workshops.
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Experience of managing and building coalitions or groups of VCSE or other membership organisations (desirable)
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A understanding of qualitative and quantitative approaches to evidence generation and analysis (desirable)
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Project management qualifications (desirable)
Our approach to hybrid working
We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.
We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.
We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.
In addition, because this role involves engaging with and recruiting to a large network of VCSE organisations, the post holder will be required to regularly attend in-person events across England. These are likely to take place around once a month and may sometimes require overnight stays. Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for events across England will be paid, however, travel to our London office will be at the expense of the postholder.
Please note that our offices are fully wheelchair accessible and that we are committed to making our workplace fully inclusive.
Application guidance
Please submit a CV and answer the questions in the application form to apply.
Applications should be addressed to our Director Evidence and Improvement, Sarah Sweeney, and submitted through CharityJob.
Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.
The deadline for applications is noon on 20th March 2026.
The interviews will take place on Thursday 26th March on Microsoft Teams. Details of an interview task and interview questions will be emailed to you in advance.
We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. In particular, we would welcome applications from people from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and men, who are both underrepresented in our team. Our offices are fully accessible and we are a Disability Confident and an LGBT+ friendly employer.
Please submit a CV and answer the questions in the application form to apply.
Applications should be addressed to our Director Evidence and Improvement, Sarah Sweeney, and submitted through CharityJob.
Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.
The deadline for applications is noon on 20th March 2026.
The interviews will take place on Thursday 26th March on Microsoft Teams. Details of an interview task and interview questions will be emailed to you in advance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Future Commissioning Policy and Public Affairs Lead
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 per annum plus pension
Location: Hybrid – home-based, with regular travel to meetings and team days in London and Sheffield
About the Role
Funded by ten prime providers, this is a senior policy and public affairs role leading a high-profile campaign on behalf of the employment support sector. The postholder will ensure that decision makers, policy makers, and commissioners clearly understand:
- The value and contribution of large employment support organisations as prime contract holders
- The strengths and impact of the prime provider model
- What is required to deliver effective future employment support programmes
The role will be managed by the CEO of ERSA, with the CEO reporting into a dedicated campaign working group.
This workstream will strengthen and add capacity to existing work being led by the ERSA CEO on future commissioning. It will enable ERSA to further and more effectively represent the interests of the employment support sector and the prime provider model across future national and devolved commissioning activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of a coordinated policy and public affairs campaign
- Research, analyse, and interpret policy and commissioning developments relevant to employment support
- Produce high-quality reports, briefings, consultation responses, and policy submissions
- Build and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders, including policy makers, commissioners, and sector leaders
- Represent ERSA externally with confidence, authority, and credibility
- Work collaboratively with the ERSA CEO, campaign working group, and wider sector stakeholders
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be:
- An experienced policy professional
- Knowledgeable about the employment support sector and commissioning landscape
- Highly skilled in policy research and analysis
- An excellent writer, able to produce clear, persuasive, and evidence-based policy documents
- A confident and authoritative communicator, able to represent ERSA with gravitas
Reporting Line
The postholder will be part of the ERSA team and will report directly to the ERSA CEO.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The British Dyslexia Association is a national charity representing the voice of people with dyslexia. We work to influence government, shift public understanding and drive change in education, employment, health and wider society.
We’re looking for a part‑time Public Affairs & Policy Manager to lead our policy and parliamentary engagement work. This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll help shape our influencing strategy, strengthen our relationships across Westminster and Whitehall, and ensure lived experience sits at the heart of our policy positions.
Although the role is broad and varied, you won’t be expected to manage everything all at the same time. A clear set of priorities will be agreed with the senior leadership team.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead our parliamentary engagement strategy and political influencing.
- Build relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers and key civil servants.
- Monitor parliamentary activity, policy developments and emerging issues.
- Prepare policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence‑based reports.
- Support our presence at political events, conferences and roundtables.
- Represent the BDA in meetings and sector forums.
- Work with colleagues, researchers and people with lived experience to shape strong, accessible policy positions.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement or policy influencing.
- Good understanding of UK Parliamentary and government processes.
- Proven ability to shape policy or achieve change within public bodies.
- Excellent communication skills and confidence building relationships at senior levels.
- Strong organisation, political awareness and a collaborative approach.
- Passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.
Flexible & family‑friendly working
We are a family‑friendly employer and welcome different working patterns, including the option to spread hours across the week. We encourage candidates to tell us what works for them.
Why join us?
This is your chance to make a real difference by 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.
Please view the job description for full details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.
Closing date: 23 March 2026. 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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
About Starlight
No one enjoys medical procedures, least of all children. From facing everyday vaccinations to the most serious of surgeries and chronic conditions, all children experience varying degrees of apprehension and fear. Feeling scared, powerless, or anxious in healthcare settings doesn’t just trigger a child’s emotions; it can create traumas that impact treatment success and that can have a life-long impact. Starlight’s aim is to transform children’s health through better experiences, by putting play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.
Evidence shows that play in healthcare can reduce anxiety, fear and even pain; it helps children engage and prepare for their treatment and cope better with procedures; it minimises trauma and contributes to a better experience; and supports children to have some sense of agency and control in an environment where these opportunities are limited. Play can also reduce the number of attempts to deliver treatment, the need for sedation and the need for repeat appointments. Prioritising children’s right to play in healthcare results in healthier, happier children who are involved in their own healing and recovery as well as more efficient treatment and care.
We work in over 900 healthcare settings across the UK with an ultimate vision to ensure that no child endures trauma in healthcare.
Our Culture
We believe that our success depends upon focusing on our purpose and business results and taking individual responsibility for a culture where everyone can belong, feel safe and thrive. Our values are the agreed standards that govern our behaviour and are central to our decision-making and the choices that we make. Our development programme focuses on individual awareness of our own values, strengths, and preferences – what makes us who we are – to help all colleagues think for themselves, manage their environment, and make appropriate, balanced decisions for themselves, others and Starlight. We believe that our strength is in our differences and constantly strive towards an authentic workplace culture with equity, diversity, and inclusion as central principles.
Our Strategy and the role of Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator
As a result of the rapid progress and positive outcomes of us leading, managing and coordinating an increasingly cohesive alliance for systemic change in children’s healthcare, we are now in the position of moving some of our focus to the Government and Parliament. This will involve sensitive networking, stakeholder engagement and relationship management. To sustain the momentum and maximise these opportunities, we now want to appoint a permanent coordinator who is dynamic, empathic and curious; with the experience and ability to coordinate and administer the work of a small team working at pace in a fast-changing environment.
The postholder will need to maintain superb attention to detail while juggling multiple priorities (and a diverse range of relationships). There will be growing opportunities to be involved in policy research and preparation of briefings, as well as organising and project-managing events, publications and other activities. There will be a continued focus on meetings of various kinds; aiming to ensure these are seamless and problem free for everyone involved. This will require considerable administrative support in diary management, arranging meetings, preparation of papers, accurate minute taking and follow up actions.
In your application, we’d love to hear about what inspires you about Starlight’s purpose, beliefs and values with a statement that is very personal to you and gives us an insight into who you are, and how you would contribute to Starlight’s success with your experience, expertise and approach.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the role
The Policy and Public Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in protecting and championing civil society. In this role you will harness the collective voice of our members and use evidence-led advocacy to influence policy, helping create the best possible environment for organisations to deliver their missions.
This role will blend strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, shaping and executing impactful, meaningful change.
Key responsibilities
- Leading on projects and influencing policy change.
- Creative public affairs activity while building trusted relationships with decision makers.
- Developing a public affairs plan to achieve on strategic aims.
- Line Management of a Policy and Public Affairs Officer.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, strategic thinker who thrives on making a tangible difference. You’ll shape NCVO’s influence, deliver creative advocacy campaigns, and strengthen the sector by ensuring civil society organisations can thrive.
Your background
- Significant experience in policy, public affairs or influencing roles, ideally within the voluntary, public or membership sector.
- A strong track record of leading projects that have successfully influenced policy or built political support.
- Experience developing and delivering strategic public affairs plans aligned to organisational objectives.
- Proven ability to translate evidence and insight into compelling policy positions and advocacy campaigns.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with experience engaging decision-makers and senior stakeholders.
Joining NCVO as Policy and Public Affairs Manager offers a unique opportunity to influence the environment in which civil society operates. You’ll work at the heart of a respected, mission-driven organisation, shaping policy conversations, amplifying the collective voice of our members and driving meaningful change.
About the Team
The Policy, Public Affairs and Research team works to ensure voluntary organisations have the wider conditions they need to achieve their missions. PPA analyses the political landscape, develops and communicates credible policy solutions to support the sector, and builds strong relationships across Westminster and Whitehall.
We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest, so apply as soon as you can.
Why join us
With members at the heart of everything we do, we champion the charities and volunteers who make a daily difference to our communities across England. Join us and help us make communities stronger and support us making a bigger difference!
Some of NCVO’s great benefits include:
- 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff), increasing based on years of service
- five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
- enhanced pay for maternity/adoption leave
- generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary.
Find out more about the benefits of working at NCVO.
About CoppaFeel!
CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.
We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.
Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.
The Role
CoppaFeel! is looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help grow our influence in the policy and public affairs space, and ultimately improve outcomes for younger people with breast cancer.
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will sit within the CoppaFeel! Policy and Influencing team within the Education department and will work closely with the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager. They will support the implementation of our policy and influencing strategy that aims to build our policy expertise, influence the debate, grow our networks and drive system change.
This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that you will attend the London office 2 days per week (though we are open to flexible arrangements). You will be required to attend the office for quarterly team meetings, department meetings and in person training, we will provide plenty of notice for when you are required to be in for these purposes.
This is a fixed term contract for 18 months.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advance our policy expertise
- Research policy areas to support CoppaFeel!’s evidence-based policy work
- Monitor key policy developments in breast cancer and younger people
- Stay on top of new external research and data releases
Influence the debate
- Draft policy briefings on key policy issues for younger people with breast cancer
- Contribute to policy debates, e.g. by drafting consultation responses, briefings and statements
- Support the smooth running of policy events, including event organisation, stakeholder mapping and engagement
Reach the right people
- Engage a variety of stakeholders with CoppaFeel!’s work - from policymakers to journalists and other charities
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders, and maintain CoppaFeel!’s stakeholder database
Drive impact
- Support the implementation of CoppaFeel!’s policy and influencing strategy
- Support and coordinate policy and influencing campaigns
- Measure and report impact of policy and influencing work
Work across the organisation
- Work with colleagues across CoppaFeel! to ensure policy messages are aligned and embedded across the charity’s work and audiences
- Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required by the Charity, in line with the needs of the organisation.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- A good understanding of the UK political system and processes
- Experience working on an aspect of social policy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A passion for creating change
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work across teams
- Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders, from policymakers to the media and third sector organisations
Desirable
- Experience working on cancer or other health policy issues
- Event organisation or comms experience
Application information
Applications will close on Monday, 9 March with the aim to commence interviews in the W/C 16 March 2026.
CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.
Main benefits, Terms & Conditions
Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
- Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
- Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
- Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies
All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.
We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.
While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.
Terms and Conditions:
Working hours: 28 hours
- Support Women in Prison to influence policy makers to reduce the unnecessary criminalisation of women and improving the rights of women in the criminal justice system
- Ensuring women with Lived Experience are at the heart Women in Prison’s policy and public affairs work
- Political analysis and monitoring
- Supporting the wider work of the Policy and Public Affairs Team
We are happy to invest in developing the right person, so you are welcome to apply even if your professional experience does not fully meet the job description or person specification.
- Is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement
- Requires the right to work in the UK
- Is subject to a basic DBS check
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.
The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.
The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.
The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.
Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development
- Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
- Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
- Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.
Public Affairs
- Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
- Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
- Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.
Campaigns & Influence
- Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
- Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
- Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims.
Leadership & People Management
- Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
- Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
- Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.
Financial Accountability
- Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Diversity & Inclusion
- Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
- Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.
How to apply
Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.
As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.
If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.
Safeguarding
Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.
At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.
Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.
For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Senior Marketing & External Affairs Manager at Affinity Trust
Location: Hybrid – at least 2 days per week in our Thame office
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £52,500 per annum
If you’re a strategic and forward-thinking marketing and external communications leader ready to shape how an organisation is seen, heard, understood and influences – this is your opportunity. Join a values-led organisation transforming lives across health and social care.
As our Senior Marketing & External Affairs Manager, you’ll lead our brand, external affairs, digital communications, and all stakeholder and community engagement. You’ll propose the strategy and deliver impactful campaigns, strengthen our voice across multiple channels, and champion growth – positioning us as a trusted, influential voice among policymakers, partners, and communities.
What you’ll do:
- Shape and deliver our marketing, external communications, and digital engagement strategies, creating strong brand differentiation and delivering plans that align with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
- Drive our public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy, seeking to create a strong sector voice, and influence policies, decision making and commercial outcomes.
- Oversee our digital presence, including the website and social media, ensuring data-driven performance and audience insight.
- Lead proactive PR, media relations, and digital PR to boost awareness and thought leadership.
- Develop impactful campaigns, films, and stories that showcase our work and impact.
- Lead and mentor a small digital and communications team.
- Manage budgets, agencies, and external partnerships effectively.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven senior experience in marketing, communications, or external affairs.
- Strategic mindset with a focus on achieving organisational growth objectives.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Demonstrable experience in digital marketing, analytics, and content performance.
- Confident leadership style with a collaborative, outcomes-focused approach.
- (Bonus) Experience in health, social care, or not-for-profit sectors.
Why join us:
- £52,500 salary + excellent benefits.
- Hybrid working (min. 2 days/week in Thame).
- 31 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays), rising with service.
- Health cash plan, pension, life assurance, Employee Assistance Programme.
- Blue Light Card, Cycle2Work, and option to buy additional leave.
We celebrate diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and guarantee an interview for those with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.
If you are offered the role, you will be required to have a DBS check at the relevant level, which we’ll cover the cost for.
For full details, please see the attached job description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Good health is essential for people and communities to thrive; it is the foundation of a happy and prosperous society. For more than 150 years it has been our mission to improve and protect the health of the public by addressing the factors that determine it. We are recruiting to this exciting and challenging External Affairs role which brings together policy and communications to strengthen our national voice, increase our impact and support delivery of our mission.
We are looking for a strategic, outward‑facing leader to establish and lead this new role. You will bring political insight, strong judgement and the ability to turn evidence and policy into compelling public‑facing narrative. You will oversee parliamentary engagement, policy adoption, campaigns, media relations and organisational narrative, ensuring RSPH’s voice is clear, confident and influential.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a new function and lead teams working across policy, influencing and communications. You will play a central role in raising RSPH’s profile, supporting adoption of our programmes and positioning us as a leading voice on public health, inequalities and the wider public health workforce.
About you
We welcome candidates from policy, public affairs, communications or corporate affairs backgrounds. You will be able to demonstrate:
- Strong political awareness and experience engaging with Parliamentary and national stakeholders
- Confident communications leadership including media, narrative and external messaging
- The ability to build coalitions and secure influence and adoption
- Clear strategic judgement in complex or fast‑moving contexts
- Experience leading and developing teams
In return we offer:
- 25 days annual leave
- Agile hybrid working structure – 9-day fortnight available
- Pension contributions
- BUPA Cash plan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Membership of the Royal Society for Public Health
- Access to public health knowledge and skills training courses and qualifications
- Organisational commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our employees
- Welcoming and friendly team of colleagues, and an active Health Champions programme
RSPH values and actively strives to have a diverse and inclusive workforce in a working environment free from discrimination.
Please do let us know if you require any adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process.
RSPH operates an agile working policy with some attendance at our London office according to business need.
Interviews will be held at our offices in Whitechapel on Monday 20 April. If you are unable to attend, please indicate this on your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Bring your energy, creativity and expertise - and help us impact young people positively.
Location: Sherborne House, London (hybrid)
Salary: £52,535 per annum
Closing Date: 29 March, 2026
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours per week: 37.5
About the Role
Step into a role where your policy expertise drives real change. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll lead an ambitious strategy to influence national decision‑makers, shape legislation and ensure the voices of people affected by homelessness are impossible to ignore. You’ll turn insight into impact, championing our values while strengthening our political presence and public profile
You’ll build powerful relationships across Westminster, Whitehall and the wider sector, producing sharp briefings, commissioning research and delivering high‑profile events that elevate Depaul’s influence. Confident in the media and skilled at simplifying complex issues, you’ll work across teams to anticipate policy change, spark innovation and help drive forward our mission to end homelessness. If you’re driven, strategic and ready to make national change happen, this is your platform.
Key deliverables:
• Develop organisational policy positions on key strategic issues for Depaul UK, focusing on policy areas that matter for our client group including homelessness, housing, welfare, health and care leavers.
• Working with the Director of Development and External Affairs to deliver a multi-year policy and public affairs strategy, you will own its delivery, having demonstrable impact on policy through influencing legislation, as well as securing funding and commitments from the government .
• Work with the Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications and their team to improve Depaul’s public profile by giving us a louder political voice.
• Work with the Executive Director of Operations and their team to ensure Depaul is well positioned to respond to changes in policy and regulation.
• Work in partnership with Depaul UK’s Head of Data and Insights on research projects designed to influence policy.
• Monitor, analyse and report on policy developments which may impact on the work of Depaul UK.
• Provide high quality written and verbal briefings, reports and submissions to consultations.
• Work with senior colleagues to develop positive relationships for Depaul UK with ministers, senior officials, elected Mayors, Parliamentarians and with other policy influencers including our peers in the homeless sector.
• Ensure that the voices and experiences of clients are heard and understood to improve and change services delivered by Depaul, commissioners and policy makers.
• Give interviews to the media.
• Organise and coordinate events and meetings.
• Strengthen Depaul’s links with other voluntary sector organisations in the homelessness, youth and faith sectors.
• Contribute to Depaul International’s global influencing work.
What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)
When completing your application form please address all the areas below. Try to provide clear examples in your supporting statement that clarify how and when you gained the experience or knowledge as well as your level of capability.
To carry out this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and competencies:
Knowledge
• Strong knowledge of the homelessness sector and policy context is desirable but not essential, it is essential that you have developed strong, specialist knowledge of a UK policy area or areas.
Experience and skills
• Having had demonstrable impact on government policy.
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with Parliamentarians and officials
• Organising or helping to organise events, it is desirable but not essential that you have organised events in Parliament
• Leading projects with colleagues from different internal or external teams
• Delivering high quality verbal and written policy briefings and presentations to senior stakeholders
• Working with colleagues to secure media coverage
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and with low levels of supervision
• Ability to prioritise key tasks and manage conflicting priorities
• Ability to deliver to deadlines, sometimes at short notice
• Desirable - drafting and delivering policy and/or public affairs plans/strategies
• Desirable - representing organisations in the media and at events
You will need to be able to travel throughout the UK and on occasions work out of hours.
You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.
What You’ll Receive
• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support
Safer Recruitment
Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.
About Depaul UK
In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.
What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.
As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
